FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 30:24 Meet Abbie the Black Lab

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Meet Abbie.

We weren’t expecting to add a member to the FitLab team so soon after losing Maggie the Black Lab. But when Puddin’s breeder (Newlander Labradors) let us know Puddin’s grand-niece was available, we couldn’t resist! Abbie is an 11 month old black Labrador, and she seems excited to join the FitLab Deep Creek team. So please help us welcome Abigail, aka Abbie, and look for her words of wisdom in future Labrador Lessons.

Move more. Move often. Move with friends, old and new.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 28:24 Stay Positive on the Trail

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Stay Positive on the Trail.

Puddin has noticed that there is a lot of negativity on social media…even on Facebook groups for trail enthusiasts 😳. Dog walkers complain about cyclists. Cyclists complain about walkers. Everyone complains about SOMETHING. Puddin encourages people to focus on their own behavior and safety. If you behave in a way that keeps you (and your dogs) safe on the trail, the trail will be a more positive place for everyone.

Move more. Move often. Tune in for weekly wisdom from Labradors.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 25:24 Focus on the Positives of Social Media

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Focus on the Positives of Social Media.

As Labradors, we love to explore trails with our humans. We’ve heard that social media has some negative aspects, but we like to focus on the positives…social media provides access to new trails to explore. Our humans discovered many of the trails we’ve been exploring in Garrett County on social media. If you find that social media is causing stress in your life, set down your device and get outside (or at least, pet a dog).

Move more. Move often. Use social media as a tool to find more ways (or places) to move.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 23:24 Share the Trail

Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:

Share the Trail.

As Labradors, we love to explore trails with our humans. We’ve been asked how we decide when to step aside to let oncoming trail users pass us. Because some trail users are intimidated by dogs, if it’s safe to do so, we step off the trail. Providing extra space for other trail users allows them to enjoy their trail time and leaves a positive impression of our trail dogs.

Move more. Move often. Share the trail.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 21:24 It’s Not Always About Pace

Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:

It’s Not Always About Pace.

As humans, we tend to have a plan when we go out for a walk, hike, or run that includes a certain pace…especially if we use Strava. The Labs are here to remind us that sometimes enjoying our time outside is more important than pace…especially if there are good smells or acorns to forage. The Labs go MUCH slower if there are acorns…

Note: Ben is aware that Labradors are dogs!

Move more. Move often. Worry less about pace; just keep moving.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 19:24 It’s All About the Dogs

Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:

It’s All About the Dogs.

You may have a plan when you go out for a walk, hike, or run that includes a certain pace. If you’re moving with dogs, remember to factor their comfort into your plan. If you have a dog who doesn’t love heat (or who isn’t acclimated to heat), a fast run on a hot Spring day is not a good idea. Of course, don’t risk your safety trying to keep up with your dog! And don’t risk your dog’s health asking him/her to keep up with you.

Move more. Move often. Move with your dogs. Stay safe.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 17:24 Show Some Perseverance

Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:

Show Some Perseverance.

Sometimes your movement plans get disrupted…when they do, keep moving. Our first attempt to hike the Meadow Mountain Trail in Deep Creek Lake State Park was thwarted by thunderstorms. Attempt number two was cut short because Lisa forgot to bring water on an unexpectedly warm day. The third attempt was a success, and we’re now including this trail in our regular movement routine. If at first you don’t succeed, try, and try again…and again.

Move more. Move often. Show perseverance with your movement.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 13:24 Explore New Places to Move

Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:

Explore New Places to Move.

The Labradors know the first key to making movement part of your lifestyle is finding movement activities you enjoy. For the Labs, that means hiking and trail running, especially on hilly, soft-surface trails. The second key is being consistent with your movement practice; move on a regular basis. Once you’ve established a consistent, enjoyable movement practice, you can incorporate the final suggestion from the Labs: explore new places to move to keep your routine from becoming boring. In this video, the Labs enjoyed the High Rocks climb to an abandoned fire tower in Savage River State Forest.

Move more. Move often. Be consistent. Explore new places to move.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 8:24 Make Time to Play

Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:

Make Time to Play.

As Labradors, we make time to play every day…whether we’re wrestling in the living room, having zoomies in the backyard, or hiking with our humans, we enjoy our movement and play time.

We understand that humans sometimes get caught up in “crushing” their movement or workout goals, but we encourage you to take a tip from us…make time to play. Whether you have 2 legs or 4, it’s easier to make movement part of your lifestyle if movement feels less like work and more like play!

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 7:24 Don’t Wait for Perfect Weather to Get Moving

Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:

Don’t wait for perfect weather to get moving.

“Perfect” weather for the Labradors is below freezing with plenty of snow. If we waited for those “perfect” conditions, we’d get about 4 walks a year. So the Labs, and their staff, adapt to conditions and keep moving year-round.

Move more. Move often. Have fun with your movement. Remember to take breaks for chin scratches, belly rubs, and the occasional pup cup.