Lab Lessons from FitLab Deep Creek.
Why the Labs Make Movement a Lifestyle.
Not that the Labs REALLY have a choice…but here are 3 reasons the Labs make movement part of their lifestyle. 1. Active dogs are calmer at home (the cats appreciate this). 2. Active dogs may have a higher quality of life and a longer lifespan. 3. The Labs actually enjoy moving outside with their human staff.
Move more. Move often. Make movement part of your lifestyle.
Lab Lessons from FitLab Deep Creek.
Vacation Season…remember your pets.
Spring is here. Summer is coming. The Labs want to remind you to think about your pets when planning your vacation. The Labs think all vacations should include the dogs. When we can’t bring the Labs on a trip, they make sure we plan a safe, fun staycation for them (and for the cats).
Move more. Move often. When life takes you away from your pets, make a plan to keep them safe and happy.
@fitlabdeepcreek promotes #movementisalifestyle with a weekly Labrador Lesson & Movement Tips. This week the Labs remind us that a harness & a collar are just like a belt & suspenders
Our Movement Tip this week (only one- it’s Easter!!)- a reminder to Share the Trail
Lab Lessons from FitLab Deep Creek.
Belt and Suspenders.
When we hike with the Labs, we walk them on leash, with their leashes clipped to their collars. We have also started using harnesses in addition to the collars…yes, this may seem like the belt AND suspenders approach to dog control. Why the harnesses? They give us an extra point of control (just in case), and they allow us to pull a dog away from a threatening situation without tugging on her neck. Plus, they look cool. We like the Line Harness 5.0 from Non-Stop Dogwear (shown in the video) and the Front Range Dog Harness from Ruffwear.
Move more. Move often. Move with your dogs.
Lab Lessons from FitLab Deep Creek.
Don’t Wait for Perfect Conditions.
As you can hear in the video, Abbie the Black Lab feels very strongly about today’s message. The Labs think ANY day is a perfect day to get outside and move. They remind the humans that we don’t melt in the rain, so, as long as conditions are safe, there’s no excuse to skip their daily walk. Dress for the weather, and get out there.
Move more. Move often. Don’t wait for perfect conditions to get outside and get moving.
@fitlabdeepcreek promotes #movementisalifestyle with a weekly Labrador Lesson & Movement Tips. This week the Labs remind us to Keep Your Distance
Our Movement Tip: A Bumpy RIde
Lab Lessons from FitLab Deep Creek.
Keep Your Distance.
Spring is a great time to get outside. It’s also a season when you’re likely to encounter wild animals. While the Labs might think all animals are as friendly as our cats, it’s our job as human staff to keep the Labs at a safe distance from wildlife. We will change course if necessary to give plenty of room for skunks, porcupines, and bears. And we’ll keep the dogs on short leashes, so that they don’t spook the deer.
Move more. Move often. Share the trail with wildlife…at a safe distance.
Lab Lessons from FitLab Deep Creek.
Focus on the Positive.
Sometimes it feels easier to focus on the negative than the positive. The Labs COULD complain about the things they were not allowed to do on their last hike (run off-leash…through the mud). Instead, they focus on what they ARE allowed to do (hunt for sticks…whine on our video…) Mostly importantly, they focus on the opportunity to move.
Move more. Move often. Focus on the positive. Especially when the positive includes the chance to get outside and move.
LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek.
Leash Length Matters.
The Labs reluctantly acknowledge that they need to be kept under control when we hike…that’s one of the reasons we keep them on leash. We’ve learned that when it comes to leashes one length does not fit every situation. When we hike on single track or technical trails, we use shorter leashes for greater control. When we walk on double track or fire roads, we opt for longer leashes to give the Labs a LITTLE bit more room to roam. Gracie the cat doesn’t walk on a leash, but she was nice enough to make a guest appearance on this video.
Move more. Move often. Experiment to find the gear that works best for you (and your dogs).
LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek.
Beware of Ticks.
The Labs would like to remind you to keep your dogs (and yourself) safe from ticks. Spring is coming, along with rapidly changing temperatures in Western Maryland (and many parts of the country). While ticks are an issue year-round, they are more active as temperatures rise above freezing. Check your dogs (and yourself) after spending time outside. Consult your vet about the best tick medications for your dogs and ask about the Lyme disease vaccine. Consider tick spray and other preventative measures for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get outside, but take action to stay safe.
Move more. Move often. Move safely with your dogs.