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 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.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 35:24 Celebrate New Experiences

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Celebrate New Experiences…

Even if those experiences aren’t new to you. Abbie recently visited “Dog Rock” in Deep Creek Lake State Park. While Dog Rock is nothing new to the rest of the team, it was an exciting adventure for Abbie, and we took time to enjoy the experience with her. Remember, what is “old hat” to you may be an exciting first for one of your movement buddies. Embrace their joy.

Move more. Move often. Celebrate “new” experiences.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 34:24 Be Patient with New Movement Buddies

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Be Patient with New Movement Buddies.

Abbie the Black Lab joined the FitLab team around 1 month ago. There has been a bit of frustration during the first month of walks because Abbie is not an experienced trail dog. But with time, patience, and practice, Abbie is adapting to our movement routine. Whether your movement team members are human or canine, be patient during the learning curve.

Move more. Move often. Be patient with new team members.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 33:24 Please, Don’t Sneak Up On Us

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Please, Don’t Sneak Up on Us.

The Labs know their human staff tries hard to be aware of their surroundings during trail hikes. Occasionally, the Labs distract the humans by eating inappropriate items on the trail (sticks, acorns, etc…). For that reason, the Labs would like to remind all trail users to give notice when passing others from behind. “Sneaking” up on people might scare them off the trail!

Move more. Move often. Give notice when approaching other trail users from behind. Do your part to help all trail users enjoy their experience.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 32:24 Make Time For Fun

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Make Time for Fun.

The Labs know humans have responsibilities other than caring for their dogs…they don’t UNDERSTAND…but they KNOW. They also know that, as Labradors, they are responsible for reminding the humans to make time for fun. Even on busy days, they encourage us to get outside for a walk in the woods.

Move more. Move often. Get outside. Make time for fun.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 31:24 Be Aware of Your Surroundings

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Be Aware of Your Surroundings.

As we’re training Abbie the Black Lab to be a responsible trail dog, we are especially conscious of our surroundings on the trails. We stay alert for other trail users (human and animal). When possible, we step off the trail to allow other users to pass…because not everyone wants a close encounter with an energetic lab.

Move more. Move often. Be willing to yield. Share the trail.