Checking for Signs of Maturity in Labs

Checking for these signs will help you decide whether or not your lab is ready for specific training or not.

There are various reasons why some owners would want to check if their lab is mature enough or not, like planning on training them. Check for these signs and know if your labrador is matured enough.

…You may think it’ll be six months or a year before your pal outgrows his puppy ways, but Labs don’t show signs of complete maturity until they’re about 3 years old.

 

Size
Although Labs can vary in height and weight according to genetics and diet, a sign that your Lab is nearing maturity is that he reaches his full height. For males, this is usually between 22½ to 24½ inches and for females between 21½ to 23½ inches, measured at the withers. Usually full height is reached at 1 year of age, but your dog may still appear gangly and awkward—much like a teenager.
Females are generally slightly smaller, weighing in between 55 and 70 pounds.

 

Chewing
…A sign of maturity in your Lab is his ability to refrain from chewing everything in the house. Be warned, however, that even a fully mature Lab may chew if left alone for hours or underexercised. Labs need at least an hour or two of full-blown activity daily and enjoy the companionship of their pack — meaning you. Chewing past the age of 2 years is usually a sign that your dog’s needs aren’t being met.

 

Sexual Maturity
A Lab is capable of breeding before he or she is fully physically and mentally mature. Humping, urinating often and aggressively holding down other dogs are signs of sexual maturity…

 

Mental Maturity
When your Lab reaches 3 or 4 years of age, he is generally considered mentally mature. He will show signs such as following a very specific routine and showing increased affection…

You can check the full article here.