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.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Share the Trail.
As Labradors, we love to explore trails with our humans. We’ve been asked how we decide when to step aside to let oncoming trail users pass us. Because some trail users are intimidated by dogs, if it’s safe to do so, we step off the trail. Providing extra space for other trail users allows them to enjoy their trail time and leaves a positive impression of our trail dogs.
Move more. Move often. Share the trail.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Include Your Dogs in Your Spring Adventures.
Spring is a great time to get outside for long hikes, bike rides, and runs. The Labradors would like to remind you that your dogs also like to participate in Spring adventures. If your activity of choice isn’t dog friendly, consider adding a shorter dog walk to that day’s agenda. If your outdoor activity IS dog friendly, remember to bring dog snacks and water if necessary.
Move more. Move often. Include your dogs in your Spring adventures.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
An Imperfect Walk is Better than No Walk.
The Labradors were looking forward to a weekend of hiking the hilly, rocky trails of Western Maryland. Instead, they found themselves in the Pittsburgh area, and wet trails meant no hiking in the woods. They could have complained, or refused to walk, but they got outside and enjoyed a walk with their human staff on the Montour Trail.
Move more. Move often. Whether you’re a dog or a human, remember an imperfect walk is better than no walk at all.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Don’t wait for perfect weather to get moving.
“Perfect” weather for the Labradors is below freezing with plenty of snow. If we waited for those “perfect” conditions, we’d get about 4 walks a year. So the Labs, and their staff, adapt to conditions and keep moving year-round.
Move more. Move often. Have fun with your movement. Remember to take breaks for chin scratches, belly rubs, and the occasional pup cup.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Share the Trail.
We haven’t moved to another hemisphere; this is a never-before-released Labrador Lesson from October 2023. The message from the Labs: don’t interfere with other trail users. Whether we’re walking, running, or shooting videos, we stay aware of our surroundings, so that our actions don’t interfere with the ability of other trail users to enjoy the trail. We give plenty of space when passing others (or being passed by runners or cyclists), and when we’re stopped, we step completely off the trail. Little actions can make a big difference in making the trails an enjoyable place to move.
Move more. Move often. Share the trail by not interfering with the activities of other trail users.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Be patient with your movement practice.
Whether you’re waiting to achieve a movement goal, or waiting for snow, try to be patient. We know; easier said than done. The Labradors have been desperately waiting for significant snowfall, and it’s finally here. They couldn’t be happier!
Move more. Move often. Remember: achieving movement goals takes time. Be patient.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Embrace New Adventures.
If you’re interested in trying new movement activities in 2024, but you’re nervous about new adventures, enlist a trusted friend (or an experienced instructor) to be your guide. Last week, the Labs joined us on a road trip to explore the new FitLab HQ in Garrett County, MD. They loved playing in the snow and meeting new people. They were a bit anxious in the new house, but they weren’t scared because they trust their humans (aka, the Staff) to keep them safe.
Move more. Move often. Recruit a trusted friend (or instructor) and embrace new movement adventures in 2024.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Happy New Year. Move More in 2024.
The Labradors don’t make New Year’s Resolutions. If something in their routine needs to be changed, their humans make the change right away. But if you’re looking for a resolution for 2024, consider resolving to Move More.
Move more. Move often. Move with your dogs. Have a happy, healthy, movement-filled new year.