3. Balconies
Labradoodles make good apartment pets because they’re capable of behaving themselves in smaller spaces. If your apartment has a balcony, it’s best to make it off limits to your dog. Lots of pet accidents occur when animals are left unsupervised on balconies. These falls can result in serious injury or death.
A balcony is not a good substitute for outside time. It is a small, enclosed space and if your dog feels trapped, he may try to escape it. Also, if your dog gets too excited by his surroundings, he may jump to greet a person or chase a squirrel. Labradoodles are big enough that you won’t have to worry about them squeezing through a crack in the railing, but they are crafty and can jump. Always make sure your Labradoodle has enough outdoor exercise time and restrict their access to any balconies.
4. Pools, Lakes, and Other Bodies of Water
This breed loves to swim, and this activity should be encouraged, under the right circumstances. If you have a pool in your backyard, make sure there is a fence around it so your dog cannot swim whenever they please. It’s fine to have your dog in the pool with you, because you can supervise their play time. If they get into trouble, you can pull them out to safety.
Lakes are another fun place to take Labradoodles because they love to paddle around. However, if your dog cannot easily exit the body of water, they may be in danger. It’s easy to jump off a dock, but it’s not so easy to get back on dry land. If you’re not around to make sure your dog can safely get to shore, you can’t expect them to easily hop back onto the dock. You may also want to consider getting your Labradoodle a lifejacket. Even if they’re a strong swimmer, this gives you some peace of mind because you won’t have to worry about them getting tired. Swimming can be a great activity for your Labradoodle, but only if the right precautions are taken.
If you keep an eye on your Labradoodle in potentially dangerous situations, there’s no reason to worry. A strong grasp of basic obedience commands can also help out in scary situations. Dogs can’t tell you when they feel threatened or are in danger, so as a dog owner, you must pay close attentions to the signs they give and be ready to step in. If you’re extra vigilant and you dog is responsive to your commands, many bad situations can be avoided.
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