FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 45:24 We’re Maryland Dogs Now

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

We’re Maryland Dogs Now…And Still On Leash.

The Labs have officially relinquished their Pennsylvania residency and have applied for licenses in Garrett County, Maryland. One thing has not changed with the move. They still hike on leash. Why? 1. They don’t know their way home, and they don’t want to get lost. 2. They can’t be trusted to make good decisions (especially when faced with skunks, porcupines, or deer to “play” with). 3. They know not all animals are friendly, and they want to stay safe. (They saw their first bear over the summer). So the Labs stay close to their human staff while making movement part of their lifestyle.

Move more. Move often. Get outside. Stay safe.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 44:24 It’s Not All About the Pace

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

It’s Not All About the Pace.

The Labs make movement part of their lifestyle. They focus on moving rather than on pace, distance, or Strava leaderboards. In fact, the Labs aren’t even ON Strava…in part, because we don’t let them have computer access. Even if you ARE on Strava, it’s ok to enjoy moving at various speeds. Listen to your body. Take time to enjoy the scenery or a slower Sunday sniffy walk.

Move more. Move often. Enjoy your movement, whether fast or slow.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 43:24 Fall Fun for 4-Legged Friends

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Fall Fun for 4-Legged Friends.

Fall is full of festivities…pumpkin patches, corn mazes, BBQs, craft fairs. Many of these festivities are not pet-friendly (do your research beforehand). Make time in your Fall Fun for activities with your dogs. Take a hike. Play outside. Enjoy the cooler temperatures and Fall foliage. Remember: dogs love Fall too…and they want to spend time with their humans.

Move more. Move often. Include your dogs in your Fall Fun.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 42:24 On a Short Leash

Lab Lessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

On a Short Leash.

We now spend more time on single track trails than we do on wider trails (rails-to-trails, paved trails, etc…). The Labs and humans love hiking in the woods. To make sure we all stay safely on the trail, the humans have purchased shorter leashes (3 feet for Abbie and 4 feet for Puddin). The Labs still have space to sniff and explore, but they’re less likely to drag the humans off the trail (or down a hillside).

Move more. Move often. Find a leash that meets your needs.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 41:24 Have a Movement Back-Up Plan

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Have a Movement Back-Up Plan.

When we learned one of our regular movement locations was hosting a Saturday morning trail race, we COULD have decided to hike there anyway…but that would mean competing for space and disturbing the runners (especially those runners who get nervous around enthusiastic dogs). Because the Labs know it’s not ALL about them and where they want to hike, we chose an alternative hiking spot. Whether you move indoors or outside, it’s a good idea to have a back-up plan for situations when your first choice isn’t available.

Move more. Move often. Be adaptable. Share your favorite places to move.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 40:24 Stay Safe in Dangerous Weather

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Stay Safe in Dangerous Weather.

We don’t use weather as an excuse to stay inside…unless the weather poses a safety risk. Flooding, lightning, and high wind warnings ARE valid reasons to alter your movement plans. Last week we skipped a walk due to high winds. Based on the number of fallen trees we saw the next day, we made the right choice! But a rainy day (without flooding risk) won’t keep the Labs (or their staff) inside. The Labs encourage you to make movement part of your lifestyle…but put safety first.

Move more. Move often. Stay safe when dangerous weather comes your way.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 39:24 Why Do We Have TWO Dogs?

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Why do we have TWO dogs?

Last week we answered the question: why do we have dogs. Today we’re explaining why we like having TWO dogs. Note: reason #2 is intended to be humorous. 1. Two dogs entertain each other (and their humans). 2. Two dogs work as a team…to pull their human up a hill. 3. When the terrible day comes to say goodbye to one dog, the other is there to console you (and to train the next dog).

Move more. Move often. Move with dogs. What’s your ideal number of dogs???

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 38:24 Why Do We Have Dogs?

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Why do we have dogs?

People have asked us: why do we have dogs? Here are three semi-serious reasons why. 1. The Labs keep us moving…even when less-than-ideal weather makes us want to stay home. 2. They keep us humble. Picking up dog poop is an excellent reminder that the world doesn’t revolve around us. 3. No matter how bad our day is going, the Labs think we’re great…as long as we remember to feed them.

Move more. Move often. Move with dogs.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 37:24 Why Do the Labs Walk on Leash?

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Why do we walk the Labs on leash?

We hear this question a lot: why do we keep the Labs on leash when we hike in the woods? Here are three reasons why (one a bit less serious than the others). 1. The Labs are concerned Ben will wander off and get lost…then who would feed them? 2. The Labs make bad decisions. It’s not hard to imagine them chasing a rabbit, skunk, porcupine, or deer off the trail, and we want to keep the dogs safe. 3. The Labs, and their humans, are rule followers at heart. Almost everywhere we hike requires dogs to be leashed.

Move more. Move often. Follow the leash laws when you move outside with dogs.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 36:24 Have a Happy, Safe Labor Day

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Have a Happy, Safe Labor Day.

Fall is coming, but that doesn’t mean warm weather is finished for the year. Keep your dogs safe on those warm September days. Take breaks. Give them water. Slow down as needed. Stay safe today, so that you and your canine companions can keep moving safely through the Fall.

Move more. Move often. The Labs wish you a happy, safe, movement-filled day.