Top Activities For Labmaraners

Introduction

Weimaraners are high-energy dogs, so when you cross that breed with the playful Labrador Retriever, you will have a very goofy, intelligent pup that needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to avoid "Weim Crimes" (Weimaraner-owner speak for the destructive streak in Weimaraners when they are bored).

Also known as the Weimador, the Labmaraner combines two very active breeds into one big fur-ball of energy. You should be prepared to spend at least an hour per day exercising your Labmaraner, either in several short 20-minute sessions throughout the day or in one hour-long marathon session.

Labmaraners love to be included in any activity with their humans, from swimming to hiking to biking. They are eager to please and very friendly with other dogs. Weimaraners are a bit more stubborn than Labs, so that is a new trait to handle if you've only had Labs. Weims are equally as smart as they are stubborn, which makes Labmaraners easy to train with proper motivation (in Weim speak, that means treats!).

Biking

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Hard

20 min

Items needed

Harness

Bike Leash for Dogs

Bicycle

Helmet

Activity description

Riding a bike while your dog leads you takes a bit of training, especially with a dog like a Labmaraner that has the hunting gene of the Weimaraner. You have to make sure that your dog won't take off at the mere sight of a squirrel or you might fall right off your bike. There are special bike attachments to purchase that can be clipped to Fido's harness. Harnesses are better when biking because they provide more control over the dog. While biking itself is free, you'll have to purchase the biking equipment and harness. If you choose this activity to try with your pup, be sure not to overwork your dog and take breaks if they are getting too heated. If you bike through a park, double-check to make sure the park is pet-friendly.

Step

1

Attach bike leash to bike

The first step is figuring out how to attach a bike leash to the bike and how best to maneuver the bike with the leash attached. It may take you and your dog some time to get used to the leash, so be patient, train ahead of time, and make sure your dog is ready for such a difficult exercise.

Step

2

Get a proper harness

Harnesses can be confusing if you're used to collars. Many people put the harnesses on upside down or purchase the incorrect size. It shouldn't be too loose or it will slip off, but too tight and your pup will be hurting. Use the harness to walk your dog to get them accustomed to it and use positive reinforcement.

Step

3

Bike with Fido

So, you’ve got the bike, the harness, bike leash, and the dog. Congratulations, you’re ready to enjoy biking with your dog! But wait a minute. You have to gradually train your dog into maintaining the same speed so you don’t go flying off the bike. Once you get the hang of it, it will be a great 20-minute exercise that is sure to wear out your Labmaraner for a few hours.

Fetch with a Ball Thrower

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Easy

20 min

Items needed

Tennis balls

Ball launcher

Activity description

Go to any pet store and you will find long stick-like contraptions to throw balls long distances for Fido to fetch. Long-distance fetch is great for lazy or injured owners because Fido does all the work! You can play fetch with long-distance ball throwers in a fenced-in backyard or a local park that allows dogs off-leash as long as your dog is trained in the recall. Fetch with a long-distance ball thrower is a more strenuous exercise for your pup than just regular fetch because of the great distance the ball can be thrown.

Step

1

Load ball thrower with ball

After you've arrived at the dog-friendly park (which you've made sure allows dogs), all you need to do for the first step is to load the ball launcher with a tennis ball. Fido will be quite excited at this point and will be ready to play.

Step

2

Launch the ball

If you have a lot of room for Fido to run, launch the ball as far as you possibly can. Your pup should run and retrieve the ball, as both Labs and Weimaraners enjoy a good game of fetch. The problem may be getting them to release the ball back to you so you can repeat the action!

Step

3

Repeat steps 1 and 2

Once you and your dog get into a rhythm of throwing and fetching, keep repeating steps 1 and 2 until your pup is tired out. If they are running long distances, it might not take too long. But be advised that from this point on, your dog will go barking crazy every time they see the ball thrower!

Dog Park Fun

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

30 min

Items needed

Leash

Water

Doggy waste bags

Activity description

If your dog is friendly with other dogs, taking them to an off-leash, fenced-in dog park is a great way to socialize them with other dogs while getting the required exercise they need to remain healthy. Labmaraners are well-built and muscular, which means they need a fair amount of exercise. Some local dog parks charge annual fees and require vaccinations, so be sure to do your research ahead of time. Dog parks are a great way to let your dog safely run wild, but it can also be a dangerous place if other owners bring aggressive or mean dogs to the park. Many people use dog parks as human social hour, but dogs should be supervised at all times and unruly behavior shouldn't be tolerated from your dog or towards your dog.

Step

1

C-A-R R-I-D-E

Most dogs love riding in the car and might exert a lot of pent-up energy by panting or sticking their head out the window. The car ride might be more fun for your dog than the dog park itself, but if you don't train them right, it can be dangerous.

Step

2

Enter the dog park

Most dog parks have a separate small dog area, but with a Labmaraner, Fido definitely fits in the big dog run section. There are usually 2 gates to enter and exit the park. Be sure each gate is closed and locked before opening the next gate, for the safety of your dog and the other dogs.

Step

3

Remove leash

One of the most important rules of the dog park is leashes must be removed immediately after entering the park. It may seem safer to leave the leash on in case you need to make a quick exit, but your dog could feel threatened if the leash stays on. Most parks require you to pick up after your dog, and many provide areas throughout the park with plastic baggies and trash cans, but you should have your own just in case.

More Fun Ideas...

Swimming

Labs and Weimaraners are two breeds that typically love water, so there is a good chance your Labmaraner will, too. If you swim with Fido, make sure the beach or other bodies of water allow dogs to be in the water. A doggie lifevest is a good idea, regardless of whether your pup is a strong swimmer or not. Better safe than sorry!

Agility Classes

Agility classes can cost a pretty penny, but most pet stores sell kits with an agility course you can set up in your own backyard. The kits usually include a tunnel and weave pole. These types of activities will work your dog's mind and body, and you can even set them up in the house in case of inclement weather.

Conclusion

It is important to research the characteristics of specific breeds before you adopt or purchase a dog. A dog like a Labmaraner is a cross between two very active dogs, and they are best for people with active lifestyles. Labmaraners are an intelligent, lively cross-breed that needs an hour of exercise per day minimum. If your schedule allows, it is best to spread the exercise out in 20-minute sessions throughout the day. As the saying goes, a tired dog is a good dog! And a bored Labmaraner has the potential to create double the amount of trouble, as both Labs and Weims are known to be quite naughty at times.