Tag Archives: dog health

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 14:25 Belt and Suspenders

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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.

 

FitLabDeepCreek Movement Tips & Labrador Lessons 14:25

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@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

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 12:25 Keep Your Distance

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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.

 

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 10:25 Leash Length Matters

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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).

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 9:25 Beware of Ticks

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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.

 

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 8:25 Walk Your Dog

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LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek.

Walk Your Dog.

We recorded this video on National Walk Your Dog Day. The Labs don’t see the need for such a “holiday” because they think you should walk your dogs almost every day. If you don’t walk your dog(s) on a regular basis, try adding dog walking to your routine for a few weeks. The Labs predict regular dog walking will make you, and your dog(s), feel better.

Move more. Move often. Move with your dogs.

 

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 7:25 Adapt to Conditions

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LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek.

Adapt to Conditions.

The Labs would like to get outside for a hike EVERY day. The human staff is happy to help, but we also need to make sure our hikes are safe…for the Labs and the humans. So we adapt our movement plan based on conditions. Sometimes, it’s as simple as unhooking the leashes from Ben’s waist to give the Labs room to jump over a fallen tree. Other times, it’s changing the route to find the safest conditions (note: icy parking lots and closed park roads are slippery).

Move more. Move often. Adapt your movement plan, so that you can keep moving…safely.

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 6:25 Why Do the Labs Walk on Leash?

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LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek.

Why do the Labs walk on leash?

The Labs get asked why they always hike on leash. They instructed their human staff to answer…with a video recorded at Lab height. So here is one humorous and 2 serious reasons why we keep the Labs on leash while hiking. 1. Leashed Labs help pull Ben up the steep hills 😹. 2. The Labs make poor decisions. If they run off to chase a deer or other wildlife, they put themselves, and their humans, at risk of injury (or of getting lost in the woods). 3. We love them! We want to keep them safe, healthy, and ready to walk another day.

Move more. Move often. Move with dogs…safely.

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 5:25 For the Memories

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LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek.

For the Memories.

The Labs don’t spend any time scrolling on social media, comparing themselves to trending influencers. They are happy to share their adventures with their followers. But they know their staff is primarily interested in preserving the memory of all the FitLab Labradors. While there is plenty of negativity on social media, we encourage you to focus on the positive side of social media. Celebrate the good moments and look forward to future adventures.

Move more. Move often. Move with dogs. Collect good memories.

FitLabDeepCreek Movement Tips & Labrador Lessons 4:25

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@fitlabdeepcreek promotes #movementisalifestyle with a weekly Labrador Lesson & Movement Tips.  This week the Labs remind us to Move at Our Pace

Our Movement Tip- Know Your Movement Buddies