LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek.
Walk Your Dog.
We recorded this video on National Walk Your Dog Day. The Labs don’t see the need for such a “holiday” because they think you should walk your dogs almost every day. If you don’t walk your dog(s) on a regular basis, try adding dog walking to your routine for a few weeks. The Labs predict regular dog walking will make you, and your dog(s), feel better.
Move more. Move often. Move with your dogs.
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.
LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:
Stay Safe in Dangerous Weather.
We don’t use weather as an excuse to stay inside…unless the weather poses a safety risk. Flooding, lightning, and high wind warnings ARE valid reasons to alter your movement plans. Last week we skipped a walk due to high winds. Based on the number of fallen trees we saw the next day, we made the right choice! But a rainy day (without flooding risk) won’t keep the Labs (or their staff) inside. The Labs encourage you to make movement part of your lifestyle…but put safety first.
Move more. Move often. Stay safe when dangerous weather comes your way.
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.
LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:
Stay Positive on the Trail.
Puddin has noticed that there is a lot of negativity on social media…even on Facebook groups for trail enthusiasts 😳. Dog walkers complain about cyclists. Cyclists complain about walkers. Everyone complains about SOMETHING. Puddin encourages people to focus on their own behavior and safety. If you behave in a way that keeps you (and your dogs) safe on the trail, the trail will be a more positive place for everyone.
Move more. Move often. Tune in for weekly wisdom from Labradors.
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:
It’s Not Always About Pace.
As humans, we tend to have a plan when we go out for a walk, hike, or run that includes a certain pace…especially if we use Strava. The Labs are here to remind us that sometimes enjoying our time outside is more important than pace…especially if there are good smells or acorns to forage. The Labs go MUCH slower if there are acorns…
Note: Ben is aware that Labradors are dogs!
Move more. Move often. Worry less about pace; just keep moving.
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:
Show Some Perseverance.
Sometimes your movement plans get disrupted…when they do, keep moving. Our first attempt to hike the Meadow Mountain Trail in Deep Creek Lake State Park was thwarted by thunderstorms. Attempt number two was cut short because Lisa forgot to bring water on an unexpectedly warm day. The third attempt was a success, and we’re now including this trail in our regular movement routine. If at first you don’t succeed, try, and try again…and again.
Move more. Move often. Show perseverance with your movement.