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.
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.
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.
FitLabDeepCreek promotes #movementisalifestyle with weekly movement tips & a Labrador Lesson. This week the Labs remind us to Celebrate New Experiences
Our Movement Tips: Enjoy the Scenery & Now is the Time to Shop for Cold Weather Gear
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:
Enjoy Your Movement.
Puddin is still not accustomed to being an only dog, especially on her walks, but we make sure she gets to go outside and enjoy her movement. If you want to make movement part of your lifestyle, it helps to enjoy your movement activities. Puddin not only loved the scents on her Sniffy Sunday walk, she also made use of the video break to roll around. We’re doing our best to keep her entertained until we find her the right furry friend.
Move more. Move often. Even when you’re sad, try to enjoy your movement.