Why is my Labrador anxious and what can I do?

Labradors are social, people-oriented dogs who can develop anxiety when their world feels unpredictable. While Labs are often described as 'easygoing,' that temperament depends on sufficient exercise, mental stimulation, and social contact. An under-stimulated Lab channels excess energy into anxious behaviors: pacing, panting, whining, or destructive chewing. Lab anxiety often looks different from other breeds because they tend to internalize stress. Instead of barking or destroying exits, an anxious Lab might stop eating, become clingy, or develop compulsive licking. Recognizing these quieter signs is the first step.