Is it possible to keep a Labrador outdoors - in a booth or enclosure?

Is Labrador Retriever Suitable for Outdoor Living?

The Labrador is a playful and active dog, it belongs to the hunting breeds and can quite easily adapt to environmental conditions. Therefore, breeders answer positively the question whether it is possible to keep a Labrador on the street. The pet will be comfortable both in the apartment and in the yard. However, you can’t just let your dog roam free; you should take care of the following points:

• A spacious and safe enclosure from which the animal cannot escape.
• A warm booth suitable for the size of the dog.
• Toys that your pet can use to entertain himself.

Important! The Labrador is not intended for home protection; it is not a guard dog.

Optimal temperature range

Adaptation of the breed to different types of keeping is a great advantage of these dogs, however, they need to be accustomed to life at home or on the street from childhood. Moreover, it is not recommended to change the place of residence, so as not to cause stress to the animal. Temperatures below 10-15 °C are considered critical for their body. Therefore, Labrador usually remains outside in the summer, spring-autumn, or at any time if the area is warm all year round.

The individual health characteristics of dogs are of great importance: some do not tolerate even -3 °C well, others are comfortable even at -15 °C. In particular, old dogs or those who are often ill, as well as pregnant and lactating females, are moved into the house.

Attention! Can a Labrador live outside in winter - the answer is “yes” if it is relatively warm and mild in the region.

Let's sum it up

Now you know which enclosures are suitable for keeping Alabai. We looked at its dimensions, materials and features. And thanks to the visual video, you can do everything quickly with your own hands. In addition, we saw what a booth for an alabai should be like: dimensions, material, features. Now we can say that your pet will be completely satisfied with its new home. And if he lived in the house before, then it will become much easier for you too. However, the presence of an enclosure does not mean that you do not need to walk your shepherd dog and let it go outside. Without such outings, the dog will feel bad. Otherwise, an enclosure and a booth for the Alabai will make your life easier.

Limitations and features of living on the street

Can a Labrador live outside? Yes, and there are some specifics to street content:

• The animal will be able to show its curiosity and satisfy the need for activity.
• The Labrador will shed naturally without filling the person's home with fur.
• If a pet lives on the street, it will not be able to spoil the household’s belongings.

However, do not forget about the restrictions of living on the street:

• An animal may become bored without the constant presence of its owner.
• To constantly be outside, you need to be in good health - the animal is more susceptible to negative environmental factors.
• Labrador requires the creation of suitable external conditions, at least a kennel.

You need to walk your dog regularly, even if it lives on the street.

Breeding

Only pedigree Labradors participate in breeding in accordance with the plan drawn up by the club. At the age of two years, dogs undergo an admission test. This check should reveal defects that do not allow participation in breeding.

Conditions for admission to the test:

• age from 2 to 5 years;
• pedigree;
• participation in at least 3 exhibitions. Ratings not lower than “Very good”;
• passed training and endurance exams;
• X-rays confirming the absence of joint dysplasia;
• documents for identifying a male dog;
• document confirming testing for hemophilia;
• written confirmation from the owner that he is not aware of any hidden defects in the Labrador.

Test results are valid for 3 years.

If a Labrador is found to be defective in color, eye color, cryptorchidism, malocclusion, etc., sterilization is indicated. These dogs are not allowed to participate in exhibitions or breeding. The price of such puppies is much lower. Consider this option if you are not planning offspring and fame for your dog.

What does it take to make your pet comfortable?

Dog breeders recommend purchasing both a home and an enclosure for your Labrador if he lives on the street.

Aviary

A classic enclosure is a wooden or metal structure resembling a fence. It usually has 4 walls, one of which can open. If necessary, a floor is made in the enclosure. Bowls with food and water must be placed inside.

Booth

A booth is a rectangular enclosed space with walls, a floor, a roof and an entrance. It is built to the size of a specific animal, and unlike an enclosure, it has a small area. For its production, environmentally friendly materials such as wood are used (analogue - plywood).

Age

As a rule, a puppy is taken from a breeder at the age of 2.5–3 months. This is the optimal time to start walking. True, it often coincides with the quarantine period of vaccinations, but even in this case it is recommended to take the puppy outside in your arms or in a carrier at least for a short time. Why is it important? Behavior problems associated with insufficient socialization are among the most common in canine practice. Interestingly, at the age of 2.5 months, the dog most often is not afraid of the street and calmly tolerates walks. But by 3 months the animal begins a period of fear. A dog can be frightened by cars, passers-by, other animals and loud noises. Therefore, the sooner small walks begin, the better. And winter should not disrupt these plans.

Which is better - a booth or an aviary?

Beginners wonder whether it is possible to keep a Labrador in an enclosure. We can definitely agree with this, since an outdoor corral has a number of advantages:

• Spacious.
• Fresh air.
• The opportunity to play and spend time much more actively than indoors.
• A good addition to periodic walks.

A significant disadvantage of such a fence is that the animal has nowhere to hide from rain and wind, as well as bright sun, unless there is a dwelling with a roof nearby.

The booth has the following advantages:

• This is a comfortable and safe place, a secluded corner that any animal periodically needs.
• You can sleep and relax in it.
• It protects well from bad weather.

There should be enough free space next to the kennel for the dog to move around. In this regard, a private house with a plot of land is convenient.

Important! A dog such as a Labrador is prohibited from being kept on a chain. Tethering is permitted only when necessary.

The pet should have not only an open enclosure, but also a booth

Let's start building

There are two types of walls:

The first option will protect your Labrador from various adverse weather conditions. This option can be done on 2-3 walls.

The lattice option will help the dog control everything that happens around him, and is also done so that sunlight gets into the booth.

To fasten the walls, you need self-tapping screws or screw nails, since ordinary ones can injure the dog. The door should be made on a lattice wall and have a tight lock on the outside .

Because some dogs are very cunning and will quickly figure out how to open this door. The door itself should not be built on a blank wall, since when entering the enclosure, a person should see a dog, and a dog should see a person.

There are no particularly strong size requirements for the roof. The main thing is that she has a visor.

The roof can be made of the following materials:

It is advisable to build the roof towards the drainage area. This way, on rainy and snowy days, water will not accumulate around the booth.

Aviary for Labrador

You can buy a pen for your pet or make it yourself.

Purchased aviary

You need to carefully choose the area of ​​the fence: it should be an area of ​​8 square meters. meters; the width is 1.5 times greater than the animal’s body, and the height is such that the dog can fully stand on its hind legs in the enclosure.

Self-construction

When manufacturing independently, high-quality, strong and reliable materials are used. So, a steel pipe is suitable for the frame. The back walls are made of wood, and the front walls are made of round or square rods. All materials are treated with protective agents against rotting and fungus.

Important! Before construction, be sure to create a design drawing with all calculations.

Aviary care

Labradors are not the cleanest dogs, so systematic cleaning of their habitat is very important: the enclosure is cleared of excrement. You also need to monitor the condition of the walls, floors and fixtures, as they can become unusable due to adverse weather or exposure to dogs. If necessary, they are repaired or replaced with new ones.

Comfortable conditions for living in an enclosure

The pen should be located so as to provide the dog with sufficient visibility of the yard. It is advisable to choose a dry site located slightly on a hill next to the entrance to the house. You should not place objects with a strong smell near the enclosure; it is also not recommended to decorate the fence with flower beds. The animal in the enclosure must have access to food and water.

Tell me, how long can you walk your Labrador in winter without him getting cold?

The temperature in the city dropped to -15, we went for a long walk, after an hour he began to raise his paw, then lowered it, walked normally, and went to the toilet 20 times in 2 hours, this has never happened before, he always does it 1-2 times and a lot. We are 9 months old. Now I'm afraid to walk with him for a long time. And if you don’t go for a walk, there’s no peace from him at home. what to do?

doesn't raise his paw when he pees, still does it like a child

This means that you take small walks several times until your paws begin to tighten. We ate and after an hour we went for a walk, it’s warmer.

You can and should walk as much as possible. All domestic dogs tuck their paws at the beginning of a walk - their skin adapts to the new temperature - this is normal. And the fact that the dog began to write often, but little by little, simply means it’s time to grow up, and accordingly, mark his territory. Get used to it, you have a male, you won’t get away with one or two puddles on a walk, you’ll have to go around all the bushes or “favorite places by correspondence with friends.”)))))

Labradors usually don’t get cold; they have a good undercoat, but if you are afraid to walk for a long time, walk for at least forty minutes and keep him constantly moving. or you can wear boots for dogs to prevent their paws from freezing. about peeing, it’s true, he’s just marking my dog ​​for an hour’s walk, he can raise his paw twenty times, my five years old.

some may not lift for up to a year, but they begin to mark from seven to eight months. Mine picked up at six months.

Labradors have a well-developed undercoat, which does not freeze in winter

Source

Kennel for Labrador

Booths have their own requirements.

Types of booths

Booths are divided according to different criteria:

• Material - wood, plastic, concrete or metal.
• Dimensions. The house must correspond to the size of the pet, and may have additional extensions, for example, a vestibule or an open area near the entrance.
• The roof structure is flat, two-pitch or single-pitch.
• Availability of insulation. Insulated options are equipped with a double floor, while the bottom is raised above the ground.

You can make a dog house yourself

Optimal sizes

Inside the kennel, the dog should be able to stand upright and lie down freely. Its height and depth are made equal to the height of the dog, with a margin of 10-15 cm.

Attention! A narrow booth provokes diseases of bones and joints; too large one will cool down and prevent the pet from warming up in winter.

How to insulate a booth

Materials for the kennel should be natural, most often it is hardwood. If you are planning a winter version of your home, the walls need to be made double. Between them is laid insulation in the form of sawdust, foam, which can retain heat in cold weather.

Why walking is important

Labradors are inquisitive, playful and active dogs. They really appreciate long walks and physical activity. They also need this for physiological reasons: representatives of this breed are prone to obesity. For companion dogs, human interaction is extremely important. Therefore, a long walk is another reason to spend time with your four-legged friend. They walk an adult 2-3 times a day, and more often with a puppy. Walks are combined with training and teaching basic commands. If possible, you should take your pet to a lake or river, as Labradors love to swim.

What to feed?

The Labrador is an omnivorous dog and eats everything the same as its owner, but there will be little benefit from such feeding, because the dog needs complete and regular nutrition. The pet's body must receive the required amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins in the correct proportions every day.

If you want to feed your dog dry food , seek an opinion from a specialist ; often the composition of such food is balanced and does not require additional additives or minerals, but you can prepare treats with your own hands.

The number of feedings for a puppy is from 4 to 6 per day , food intake for an adult Labrador at home, veterinarians recommend reducing it to twice a day.

Important! The diet should include: meat, fish, cereals, dairy products, vegetables.

There are established proportions for feeding a Labrador retriever; everyone can calculate for themselves how much of certain foods are needed for their pet.

For 1 kilogram of Labrador retriever weight you need:

• 15 grams of meat;
• 5 grams of carbohydrates;
• 1 gram of fat.

The meat is suitable both boiled and raw , it all depends on the dog’s tastes. Use beef, chicken, turkey or lamb. You can boil the stomach; it contains many useful amino acids and minerals. It is better not to give bones to your dog.

Fish is also suitable both raw and boiled . Before serving the product, do not forget to remove the bones. Choose sea and lean fish.

Cereals are a source of carbohydrates and will be an excellent side dish for your pet. Do not give your Labrador oatmeal or pearl barley. Barley is poorly absorbed by the body, and oatmeal can become an allergen.

Vegetables : potatoes, zucchini, carrots and other vegetables can be cut or grated and added to the porridge.

Unlike humans, a dog does not need to add a lot of salt to its food ; a small pinch is enough.

Important! Well, the most important thing is water. Your Labrador should always have fresh, clean water in his bowl. Don't forget to change it regularly.

Table of height and weight of Labrador by month

Height at the withers of Golden Retrievers: for males - 56-61 cm, for females - 51-56 cm.

It is worth noting that the data given in the table is approximate. All dogs are different, some grow up to a year, others up to 6 months, below are the average parameters for the ratio of height and weight.

Features of maintenance and care

In order for an animal to have good health and mood, it needs to be provided with:

• Balanced diet. This can be a diet made from natural products, special dry food, as well as various vitamin bones and sticks.
• Timely walks.
• Periodic bathing as soiled. It is permissible to use only dog ​​shampoo.
• Coat care – combing and brushing several times a week, preferably with a special brush. Labradors are not usually trimmed.
• Ear care – inspection for parasites and cleaning.
• Trimming nails, provided that they are not sharpened and interfere with the dog’s movement.
• The pet must undergo a course of vaccinations.

Labradors require special care
. Important! Labradors often have allergies, develop mastitis, and are at risk of strokes and collapse. Therefore, all large dogs are observed by a doctor.

From the above, we can already draw conclusions about whether it is possible to keep a Labrador outdoors. Both living at home and living in the yard have their pros and cons. In both cases, the dog needs to create suitable conditions for a comfortable life.

Tell me, how long can you walk your Labrador in winter without him getting cold?

The temperature in the city dropped to -15, we went for a long walk, after an hour he began to raise his paw, then lowered it, walked normally, and went to the toilet 20 times in 2 hours, this has never happened before, he always does it 1-2 times and a lot. We are 9 months old. Now I'm afraid to walk with him for a long time. And if you don’t go for a walk, there’s no peace from him at home. what to do?

doesn't raise his paw when he pees, still does it like a child

This means that you take small walks several times until your paws begin to tighten. We ate and after an hour we went for a walk, it’s warmer.

You can and should walk as much as possible. All domestic dogs tuck their paws at the beginning of a walk - their skin adapts to the new temperature - this is normal. And the fact that the dog began to write often, but little by little, simply means it’s time to grow up, and accordingly, mark his territory. Get used to it, you have a male, you won’t get away with one or two puddles on a walk, you’ll have to go around all the bushes or “favorite places by correspondence with friends.”)))))

Labradors usually don’t get cold; they have a good undercoat, but if you are afraid to walk for a long time, walk for at least forty minutes and keep him constantly moving. or you can wear boots for dogs to prevent their paws from freezing. about peeing, it’s true, he’s just marking my dog ​​for an hour’s walk, he can raise his paw twenty times, my five years old.

some may not lift for up to a year, but they begin to mark from seven to eight months. Mine picked up at six months.