FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 50:24 You Make the Rules

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

You Make the Rules.

The Labs are always on leash when they’re outside (except in our fenced-in yard). Last week, inside the fenced-in yard, Abbie knocked Ben off the deck. Pictures her making a tackle in an NFL game. Ben is left with a cracked rib and the knowledge that he should have kept his eyes on Abbie. But he doesn’t hold it against her; she was just doing what he let her do. And he’s thankful he can still hike with the Labs. This is his reminder that we make the rules for our dogs. The Labs mostly accept the rules and are thankful for snow.

Move more. Move often. Setting boundaries for your dogs is good for dogs…and good for you.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 42:24 On a Short Leash

Lab Lessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

On a Short Leash.

We now spend more time on single track trails than we do on wider trails (rails-to-trails, paved trails, etc…). The Labs and humans love hiking in the woods. To make sure we all stay safely on the trail, the humans have purchased shorter leashes (3 feet for Abbie and 4 feet for Puddin). The Labs still have space to sniff and explore, but they’re less likely to drag the humans off the trail (or down a hillside).

Move more. Move often. Find a leash that meets your needs.

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 14:24 Dog Walk Essentials

Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:

Dog Walk Essentials.

The Labradors rely on their “staff” for planning and executing their movement activities. They would like to share their top 3 essentials for dog walks. 1. Leashes and collars (so the staff doesn’t wander off). 2. 💩 bags (leave no trace). 3. A positive attitude…meaning a dog walk is all about the Labs…not about Ben’s Strava achievements.

Move more. Move often. When you move with dogs, put their needs first.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 12:24 Leash Your Humans

Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:

Leash Your Humans.

When the Labs get outside to walk with their human staff, they make sure to keep the human on a leash. Their top 3 reasons for keeping Ben on a leash? 1. To keep Ben from getting distracted and wandering off. 2. Some people/dogs don’t appreciate an unleashed human running up to greet them. 3. To keep Ben safe (no darting off into traffic).

The #1 goal when you move outside is to get home safely. Move more. Move often. If you’re a dog moving outside, leash your human so that you all get home safely.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 38:23 Make The Outdoors More Pleasant for All

Labrador Lesson for 9/24/23:

Make the Outdoors Pleasant for All.

The Labs have 3 recommendations for dog owners to help everyone (with or without a dog) enjoy spending time outside this Fall. 1. Pick up after your dog. No one wants to see 💩 on the trail (or field, or playground…). 2. Obey the leash laws. Keeping your dog on a leash in public places allows others, who may be afraid of dogs, to enjoy being outside. Leashing your dog also helps keep your dog safe. Left to their own devices, dogs may make bad decisions…like running in front of a car, chasing a wild animal, or eating something dangerous. 3. Even if your dog is on-leash and friendly, not everyone wants to meet him/her, so for the comfort of all involved, keep your dog close when you’re around people you don’t know.

Move more. Move often. Move with your dog. Take a tip from the Labs: do your part to make the outdoors pleasant for all. And keep your dogs close to keep them safe.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 33:23 Leash Your Human

Labrador Lesson for 8/18/23:

Leash Your Human.

When we take our human staff out for a walk, we keep him on a short leash…for three main reasons. 1. He tends to make bad decisions, and we don’t want him dumpster diving or chasing squirrels 🐿️ . 2. We don’t want him to wander off and get lost…especially because he’s not microchipped. 3. We actually enjoy hanging out with him, and a short leash keeps him close by for frequent petting and water breaks.

Move more. Move often. For the safety of dogs and humans, keep each other on a short leash.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 21:23 Leash Your Humans

Labrador Lesson for 5/19/23:

Leash Your Humans.

As Labradors, we love to take walks with our humans. We know how to follow the rules of the trail and how to share outdoor space with others. When we encounter other trail users, we give them plenty of room to pass. And we ALWAYS obey the leash laws. Not everyone wants to have a close encounter with an off-leash human (or dog), so we always keep our human on a leash. If your humans play well with others, you can take them to a designated off-leash area…our human does not play well with others, so we keep him leashed.

Whether you have 2 legs or 4, get outside and get moving…and when you do, please follow the leash laws, so that ALL trail/park users can enjoy the outdoors!