Activities For Lab Peis

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Introduction

The Lab Pei is a hybrid breed that combines the traits and characteristics of a Labrador Retriever with a Shar Pei. The Labrador Retriever is one of the most common dog breeds currently, and for a good reason. Labrador Retrievers are bright, loyal and live to please their family. They're good with children and other animals, as they have a calm and passive temperament. They require moderate exercise to maintain a healthy physique.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is like the Labrador Retriever in that they too need daily mental and physical stimulation. They are also loyal to their family and tend to be protective. These pups differ from Labs as they can be stubborn, independent and somewhat serious. 

The hybrid breed can exhibit characteristics from either parent, though generally, they tend to be an independent pooch that makes for an excellent guard dog. "Unfurtunately," they don't always do well with children, and Lab Peis tend to be wary of strangers and unknown animals. Lab Peis only require a moderate amount of physical exercise but need lots of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Obedience Training

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Normal
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description

A stubborn and independent personality makes the Lab Pei an ideal candidate for obedience training. Lab Peis are perfect pets for experienced handlers because they do require consistent obedience training to discourage unwanted behaviors.

Obedience training is relatively easy if you have experience. If you don't, consider taking a course as a handler or furthering your understanding of dog training through personal study. Obedience training does take time and dedication, but the outcome of having an obedient and compliant companion is well worth the investment! Obedience training can be done any time, rain or shine, both indoors and out. You should prepare yourself with lots of treats and be ready to exhibit patience and praise as you work through the process together.

Step
1
Start young and be consistent
Starting young is one of the most "impawtant" factors in successful obedience training. Puppies have short attention spans and therefore cannot retain learning at a young age; however, you can introduce basic commands as early as seven to eight weeks after birth. It's safe to say as soon as you adopt your Lab Pei, you're good to start. That doesn't mean that older dogs can't participate in the activity. You can train an adult dog, though it will likely take more patience and time to yield the same results as a puppy.
Step
2
Begin with the basics
Start your training by introducing basic commands first. These include sit, lay down, stay and roll over. Before giving a command, position yourself in front of your Lab Pei, standing as tall as you can. Give all commands in a calm but stern voice, ensuring you're showing assertion as a pack leader would. Your tone and actions alone can cause your pup to react.
Step
3
Using body language
It is essential to couple all verbal commands with a visual prompt using your body. For example, when you're teaching your Lab Pei to sit, hold out your arm in front of you with the treat in your hand, just above their nose. Give the command "sit" while simultaneously lifting your arm away, so it points to the ceiling. Pairing the gesture with the vocal command will eventually lead to your pooch following your command without you saying a word!
Step
4
Being consistent
Obedience training begins at a young age, though it doesn't stop there. Repetition is key when introducing new commands, and once a dog has learned the commands, it's important to practice them regularly to maintain the behavior. Obedience training can be mentally exhausting because your pup is constantly thinking, which is a "pawfect" way to tire them out!
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Outdoor Fun

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Any Day
Free
Easy
15 - 45 min
Items needed
Toys
Leash
Waste Bags
Activity description

Meet your Lab Pei's exercise requirements by finding ways to engage them outdoors. Lab Peis only require a moderate amount of exercise each day, which can be accomplished with one of many simple outdoor activities and games. For starters, you can take your pup on a standard walk regularly to reinforce leash manners and for "oppawtunities" to socialize. 

Backyard games can be just as rewarding as a walk, so long as you can find ways to keep your pup moving, such as playing a game of fetch or keep-away with another friend. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time outdoors, it's "impawtant" to satisfy your Lab Pei's mental and physical needs by exposing them to the great outdoors regularly.

Step
1
Going for a walk or hike
Take a basic walk through your community if you're looking for a convenient and straightforward activity. If you're up for more of a challenge, tackle diverse terrain by hiking through a forest or conservation area. Hikes and walks have similar benefits which include providing an outlet for your pup's energy while bombarding them with external stimuli sure to get their brain working!
Step
2
Keep-away fun
Keep-away is a fun activity that requires two people to play. For this game, merely toss your Lab Pei's favorite and most cherished toy back and forth between the two of you. Be strategic in your throws. As soon as your pup chases the throw and is about to arrive at the person with the object, toss it back again so they don't have time to take a break. The activity can be extremely demanding, which makes it a quick and easy workout.
Step
3
Playing fetch
Standard fetch involves a handler tossing a toy as far as possible for a pup to retrieve. In this game, your pooch must learn to grab the object and then return it so the game can continue. It's no fun if they run away! Use treats to encourage them to return the ball when you first introduce the activity. Eventually, your pup will catch on, quickly returning the ball so they can chase another throw.
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Digging Games

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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Wood Boards
Shovel
Tools (Nails, Hammer or Power Tools)
Activity description

Digging can be a nuisance behavior that many pups develop, and if they don’t have the proper outlet or area for their habit, it can be devastating to the home. Both Labrador Retrievers and Lab Peis, like most dog breeds, can develop a tendency to dig, whether it’s the result of boredom or anxiety. Even if they don’t dig already, introducing the activity in a designated space can be a fun way to have your pooch exert some energy and extend their obedience training.  

One of the most common digging games is one which involves retrieving an object. Hiding favorite objects or toys is one way to engage them. With their super sniffing abilities, your pup will have tons of fun finding objects you’ve hidden for them. 

Step
1
Picking a designated space
In order to complete this activity, you must be willing to sacrifice some space in your back or front yard where your pooch can dig. This space doesn’t need to be overly large -- however, it should be clearly identified using a frame of some sort, such as 2x4 wood boards. Decide where the digging space is going to be and mark it off using the proper tools. Build a frame around the space, and loosen the earth inside so it is noticeably different from the rest of your yard.
Step
2
Establishing boundaries
Of course, this activity is “pawfect” when your pup digs inside of their space, which is why you must immediately establish that this is the only area where digging is permitted. Rewarding your pooch when they dig in the space is one way for them to learn. Supervise your pup when you play digging games, especially during the first few months, so that they are only searching inside of the space. By finding the rewards in the designated space, it should encourage them to continue looking in that area. If your pooch does try to dig somewhere else in the yard, correct the behavior immediately.
Step
3
Digging games
Digging games are an excellent way to get your pooch interested in the activity if digging isn’t something they've done in the past. Try out “hide and dig” using a favorite toy of your pup's. Bury the toys in a shallow hole the first few times so they can get used to the activity. Once the toy is hidden, bring your pup over and give the command for them to dig. Praise them to encourage the behavior and reward them with a treat when they find their toy! Eventually, you may hide various toys in deeper holes to challenge your Lab Pei.
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More Fun Ideas...

Drive-in Date Night

Spend a night out with your Lab Pei by visiting a local drive-in where you can relax and enjoy an evening under the stars! This activity is cheap and easy to make your own as you can watch the film from your car or a comfortable setup of your choice!

Beach Day

Spend the day at the beach where you can enjoy exercising by swimming with your Lab Pei! Pack a picnic and make a day of the activity, bringing along lots of fresh drinking water and shade for your pup. Explore water games with different toys.

Conclusion

Lab Peis are an excellent addition to any household, though they're recommended for an experienced dog handler. The Lab Pei's independent and somewhat difficult personality can make them indifferent to training, which is why having experience can go a long way. Introducing obedience training at a young age is recommended for this breed. 

In addition to obedience training, ensure your Lab Pei is given an adequate amount of time to explore the scenic outdoors with you. You can do this by going for long walks, hikes or playing games in your own backyard, like fetch and keep-away. Digging games is another option if you have space you're willing to sacrifice. 

Because Lab Peis don't require strenuous exercise, you can get away with being outside for less than an hour a day! If you're looking for more exciting ways to spend time together, try a drive-in movie theater date night or a day at the beach. Overall, Lab Peis are an independent and protective breed whose physical and mental stimulation needs can be met through a variety of activities!