LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:
Just Keep Moving.
Last week, we lost Maggie the Black Lab to a fast-growing spinal tumor. We are sad (massive understatement)…and Puddin the Yellow Lab is also sad. But the best thing for all of us is to keep moving. We’re honoring Maggie’s memory by hiking trails she loved. And we’re creating a new normal for Puddin by keeping her moving.
Move more. Move often. Even when you’re sad…especially, when you’re sad…Keep moving. Remember the good times.
LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:
Heatwave Safety Tips for Dogs.
Due to the current heatwave impacting much of the country, we’re bringing you a bonus Lab Lesson – 5 tips to keep dogs (and their humans) safely moving through the summer heat. 1) Get out early (or late) to avoid mid-day heat. 2) Choose soft surfaces if possible (cooler on paws). 3) Choose shade if possible. 4) Let the dogs set the pace (but be ready to slow them down or shorten the walk as needed). 5) Make plenty of water stops.
Move more. Move often. Stay safe so that you can keep moving in any weather.
LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:
Focus on the Positives of Social Media.
As Labradors, we love to explore trails with our humans. We’ve heard that social media has some negative aspects, but we like to focus on the positives…social media provides access to new trails to explore. Our humans discovered many of the trails we’ve been exploring in Garrett County on social media. If you find that social media is causing stress in your life, set down your device and get outside (or at least, pet a dog).
Move more. Move often. Use social media as a tool to find more ways (or places) to move.
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:
Follow the Trail Dog.
As Labradors, we’re comfortable making our way through rocky, rooted, uneven trails. We understand that not all humans share our comfort level. So if you’re a human who struggles to pick your way along challenging trails, we suggest you find a trail dog to follow.
At FitLab, Maggie the Black Lab is our trail leader, almost always choosing the best lines. Puddin the yellow lab is equally sure-footed, but she chooses questionable lines that may prove difficult for humans. Move more. Move often. When in doubt, follow a trail dog.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
It’s All About the Dogs.
You may have a plan when you go out for a walk, hike, or run that includes a certain pace. If you’re moving with dogs, remember to factor their comfort into your plan. If you have a dog who doesn’t love heat (or who isn’t acclimated to heat), a fast run on a hot Spring day is not a good idea. Of course, don’t risk your safety trying to keep up with your dog! And don’t risk your dog’s health asking him/her to keep up with you.
Move more. Move often. Move with your dogs. Stay safe.
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:
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.
Labrador Lesson from FitLabPGH:
Explore New Places to Move.
The Labradors know the first key to making movement part of your lifestyle is finding movement activities you enjoy. For the Labs, that means hiking and trail running, especially on hilly, soft-surface trails. The second key is being consistent with your movement practice; move on a regular basis. Once you’ve established a consistent, enjoyable movement practice, you can incorporate the final suggestion from the Labs: explore new places to move to keep your routine from becoming boring. In this video, the Labs enjoyed the High Rocks climb to an abandoned fire tower in Savage River State Forest.
Move more. Move often. Be consistent. Explore new places to move.