What Are Labradors Afraid Of?

Although most Labradors are confident and friendly canines, a significant number of these dogs turn out to be nervous and fearful. If you have or plan to get one Lab, it’s useful to know what are these lovely dogs scared of. This way you can help them and minimize the risk your dog becomes anxious.

Labradors, as most dogs are scared of thunders, fireworks, firecrackers, gunshots, and other loud, unexpected sounds. Some Labs are afraid of rain, especially the feeling of raindrops that are hitting their body. If not being introduced on time, Lab may show fear in contact with water. Poorly socialized dogs might be too afraid of everything. Previously abused and mistreated Labs are afraid of people, usually men more than women. A new environment can also scare them, strange smells, unfamiliar dogs. Some Labs are afraid of stairs, while some others have issues with narrow corridors and doors.

Are Labradors Afraid of Dark?

Yes, Labs can be afraid of the dark. If you notice that your Lab has issues going into the darkened room or going outside at night, he surely is afraid of the dark. This is not so rare fear in the canine world. Other dogs are afraid as well. Some people are puzzled, how come their 80 Lbs Lab is afraid of dark but frankly the fear has nothing to do with the dog size. The fear of the dark in Labs has nothing to do with his eyesight neither as his night vision is better than yours.

Labs usually seem scared of the dark as the night appears to be full of strange smells, sounds, potential dangers, so dogs are more on alert.

Another cause could be separation anxiety. Labs that suffer from it, are perfectly aware that when the lights turn off, they will be separated from their humans for an extended period of time.

Of course, if something bad happened during the night, or Lab has been attacked during a late evening walk, he can associate darkness with a bad experience and start feeling very nervous and frightened when the sun goes down.

If you have a Lab that is afraid of the dark, take step by step and start exposing him to darkness very gradually with tons of praise and treats. Until is used to dark completely you can leave some night light. Consider getting a light-up collar or leash. Although these things cannot eliminate the fear, can help, especially if you combine them with training.

Are Labradors Afraid Of Loud Sounds?

Labradors are afraid of loud sounds and especially unexpected ones.

Here are some sounds that might be terrifying for your Lab :

  • Thunders
  • Firework / Firecracker
  • Other dogs bark
  • Construction noise
  • Lawnmowers
  • Loud neighbors/ people yelling
  • Unexpected sounds like gunshots/car alarms
  • Loud trucks /vehicles /sirens ( ambulance, police…)
  • Even skateboard wheels on a sidewalk

Note that if you walk with your Lab and sudden noise scares you and your dog, that might have some serious consequences. Labs tend to associate some bad experience ( in this case sudden and loud sound) with the place where they experienced it.

So if that happened outside, you might have a problem dragging your dog outside next time when you go for a walk. If you would like to know more about this topic, and what else might cause your Lab not to go outside, read our article ”Why My Labrador Won’t Go Outside, What To Do? ”

Are Labradors Afraid Of Rain?

Some of the Labs are afraid of rain. Labs don’t like the feeling of the raindrops hitting them. For humans, this is just an annoying experience but for dogs is rather a scary situation. Dogs are afraid of the sound of rain hitting the roof as well. Further, the rain makes all the smells much stronger. 

Even your attitude towards rain can make your Lab’s anxiety bigger. Have you ever scolded your Lab because he came into the house wet with the mud on his feet?

He might remember that and refuses to expose himself to your anger again. How do you react when the rain starts? Does that fact ruin your good mood? Do you lower the blinds on the windows almost in panic? If you do, you send the message that rain is something bad.

If you do have a Lab that is afraid of the rain try to keep a cool attitude when starts to rain. Let your dog hide in his safe place if he wants to. If you have a yard where your Lab goes to do the potty business, get some really big umbrella to protect him from the rain. A big, nice tree with a lot of leaves will also do the work.

In the beginning, you can go outside( with the big umbrella) on your own but leave the door open. Let him get used to the sound of the rain and then to the wet surface ( grass or whatever ). Since the rain makes all smells much stronger, let him smell everything around him with your by his side. Don’t forget to praise him and give him some treats for being such a good boy or girl.

Observe your dog. Is he shaking, panting, whining? If you notice these signs do consult with the vet. He /she might suggest to you some good behaviorist who can discover the root of his behavior. Maybe he went through some traumatic episode when he was with the previous owner and you don’t know anything about it.

When you do walk with your Lab on a rainy day, don’t forget to put a raincoat on your dog. Make the shorter walk than usual and think about indoor activities that can compensate lack of outdoor play.

Are Labradors Afraid of Water?

Some of them are afraid of water and not big fans of swimming. This fact may surprise many people as they think that dogs of this breed are all good swimmers. It’s true that Labs used to work along with fishermen in the cold waters of Canada but genetic cannot do much if the Lab was not introduced to water at an early age and inappropriate way.

Younger puppies are less afraid than adult dogs so make sure you introduce your Lab puppy to the water as early as you can. Don’t force the puppy to enter the water, go slowly, step by step, and praise him generously for every move towards the water he makes.

If you have an adult Lab that doesn’t like to swim and is afraid of water, don’t give up. There are several methods that can help you show your dog how the water can be fun.

Your dog feels secure with you by his side, right? So swim together! Walk along the beach first and then go slowly into the water. If you have another dog ( yours or your friend’s ) that enjoys water, bring him along. Some dogs might be encouraged enough when they see another dog going into the water.

On the other hand, if your dog is really timid and too afraid of water, another dog is not a good idea as a sudden splash may increase the fear in your dog.

Once your Lab gets used to the water, you can improve his swimming with retrieving. Throw some ball or retrieving dummy. Note that retrieving has to be gradual, it’s not wise to throw the ball into the water for a dog that is totally reluctant.

Other Labrador’s Fears

Labrador that was not socialized on time is afraid of pretty much everything. This dog will be very anxious in the presence of people, especially humans that he doesn’t know. Many labs are afraid of children. Kids usually have high-pitched voices which some Labs ( especially those not used to kids) may find disturbing.

Mistreated dogs may also be afraid of people. These Labs may have numerous behavioral issues. If this is your case, you should look for professional help ( vet and behaviorist) as many problems you won’t be able to solve on your own.

Labradors that used to live in the countryside and then move to a big city, might be terrified with noise, traffic, a lot of people, different smells, sounds.

The lab that moved to another house ( within the same city ) needs time to adjust to a new location. This Lab might refuse to go outside in the yard.

Some Labs especially younger ones might be afraid of stairs. It’s not too hard to overcome this problem. First of all, what kind of material do you have on your stairs. If it’s slippery, maybe this is the problem. Put some rugs on it to prevent your dog to slip. Also, you can put the food bowl somewhere near the stairs. Don’t forget to praise him and give him some treats when he succeeds to go up and down.

Hopefully, this article helps you understand where the Labrador fears come from and how to deal with them.

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