FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 7:25 Adapt to Conditions

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?

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

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.

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 4:25 Move at Our Pace

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek.

Move at Our Pace.

The Labs have a message for all humans who move with their dogs: let your dogs set the pace. When we move with the Labs, they pick the speed. That means going slower in the Summer heat and faster in the winter…even if the humans are wearing snowshoes and struggling a bit to keep pace up a hill.

Move more. Move often. Move with dogs…at their pace.

 

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 3:25 Keep Us Moving

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek.

Keep us moving.

The Labs would like their human staff to get them outside and moving EVERY day. As long as the weather conditions don’t put them at risk, we are happy to accommodate them. When weather conditions are unsafe for dogs and/or humans, the Labs settle for enrichment activities at home. Basic training. Learning tricks. Following humans around through the household chores. Making movement part of your dogs’ lifestyle is good for their mental and physical health.

Move more. Move often. Moving with your dogs is good for them…and for you!

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 2:25 Things change. Keep moving.

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek.

Things change. Keep moving.

Recently, we’ve had enough snow on the ground to change the way the 2-legged members of the Fit Lab want to move. But we recognize that the Labs need their daily hikes. So the humans have adapted by wearing snowshoes. Because movement is a lifestyle for the Labs and the humans. Plus, tired Labs are happy Labs.

Move more. Move often. When things change, find ways to keep moving.

 

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 1:25 Make Time for Recovery

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek.

Make Time for Recovery.

The Labs ALWAYS want to Move More. Especially on cold, snowy days. However, their humans recognize the value of an active recovery day (an “easy” day). So we build rest days and active recovery days into their movement plan.

Move more. Move often. Whether you have 2 legs or 4, make time for rest and recovery in your movement routine.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 51:24 Thanks for Keeping Us Moving

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Thanks for Keeping Us Moving.

Today’s Lab Lesson is a message TO the Labs: thanks for helping us make movement part of our lifestyle. When Ben got his first Labrador, he cut back on organized racing. He realized he’d rather spend more time on trails with dogs than traveling to various races. (Nothing against racing; this was Ben’s personal choice). Ben may be moving more slowly, but he’s having fun in the woods with the Labs. Dog walks may lack the speed of race training, but they offer consistency. Too many rest days = crazy Labs! This holiday season, we’re grateful to the labs for keeping us moving…even when wintry weather or a cracked rib makes us want to stay home.

Move more. Move often. If you’re lucky enough, move with dogs.

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 48:24 Eat well. Feel well.

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Eat well. Feel well.

The Holidays are coming…while every day is a holiday for the Labs, they know this is a special time for the humans. As you get together with friends and family and enjoy foods you might not eat the rest of the year, the Labs want to remind you that what you eat in the moment impacts how you feel later. Left to their own devices, the Labs will “snack” on sticks, acorns, pine cones, even animal 💩…this snacking may result in an upset stomach. The Labs have staff to monitor their snacking, but humans are on their own to enjoy the holiday food offerings. We’re not suggesting you avoid all holiday treats. Just remember that what you eat today may impact how you feel tomorrow.

Move more. Move often. Eat foods that leave you feeling good and ready to keep moving.