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.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 47:24 Remember Your Pets Over the Holidays

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Remember Your Pets Over the Holidays.

The Holidays are coming…it’s a busy season: parties, shopping, work & family responsibilities. The Labs would like to remind you to take time for your pets. The holidays may disrupt the routine for your furry friends. Pets are part of the family. Make time to give your pets the attention they need.

The Labs wish you a happy, healthy, movement-filled holiday season.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 43:24 Fall Fun for 4-Legged Friends

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Fall Fun for 4-Legged Friends.

Fall is full of festivities…pumpkin patches, corn mazes, BBQs, craft fairs. Many of these festivities are not pet-friendly (do your research beforehand). Make time in your Fall Fun for activities with your dogs. Take a hike. Play outside. Enjoy the cooler temperatures and Fall foliage. Remember: dogs love Fall too…and they want to spend time with their humans.

Move more. Move often. Include your dogs in your Fall Fun.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 38:24 Why Do We Have Dogs?

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.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 34:24 Be Patient with New Movement Buddies

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.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 33:24 Please, Don’t Sneak Up On Us

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.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 32:24 Make Time For Fun

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.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 31:24 Be Aware of Your Surroundings

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.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 30:24 Meet Abbie the Black Lab

LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Meet Abbie.

We weren’t expecting to add a member to the FitLab team so soon after losing Maggie the Black Lab. But when Puddin’s breeder (Newlander Labradors) let us know Puddin’s grand-niece was available, we couldn’t resist! Abbie is an 11 month old black Labrador, and she seems excited to join the FitLab Deep Creek team. So please help us welcome Abigail, aka Abbie, and look for her words of wisdom in future Labrador Lessons.

Move more. Move often. Move with friends, old and new.