Tag Archives: trail safety

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 14:25 Belt and Suspenders

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Lab Lessons from FitLab Deep Creek.

Belt and Suspenders.

When we hike with the Labs, we walk them on leash, with their leashes clipped to their collars. We have also started using harnesses in addition to the collars…yes, this may seem like the belt AND suspenders approach to dog control. Why the harnesses? They give us an extra point of control (just in case), and they allow us to pull a dog away from a threatening situation without tugging on her neck. Plus, they look cool. We like the Line Harness 5.0 from Non-Stop Dogwear (shown in the video) and the Front Range Dog Harness from Ruffwear.

Move more. Move often. Move with your dogs.

 

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 12:25 Keep Your Distance

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Lab Lessons from FitLab Deep Creek.

Keep Your Distance.

Spring is a great time to get outside. It’s also a season when you’re likely to encounter wild animals. While the Labs might think all animals are as friendly as our cats, it’s our job as human staff to keep the Labs at a safe distance from wildlife. We will change course if necessary to give plenty of room for skunks, porcupines, and bears. And we’ll keep the dogs on short leashes, so that they don’t spook the deer.

Move more. Move often. Share the trail with wildlife…at a safe distance.

 

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 10:25 Leash Length Matters

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LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek.

Leash Length Matters.

The Labs reluctantly acknowledge that they need to be kept under control when we hike…that’s one of the reasons we keep them on leash. We’ve learned that when it comes to leashes one length does not fit every situation. When we hike on single track or technical trails, we use shorter leashes for greater control. When we walk on double track or fire roads, we opt for longer leashes to give the Labs a LITTLE bit more room to roam. Gracie the cat doesn’t walk on a leash, but she was nice enough to make a guest appearance on this video.

Move more. Move often. Experiment to find the gear that works best for you (and your dogs).

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 9:25 Beware of Ticks

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LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek.

Beware of Ticks.

The Labs would like to remind you to keep your dogs (and yourself) safe from ticks. Spring is coming, along with rapidly changing temperatures in Western Maryland (and many parts of the country). While ticks are an issue year-round, they are more active as temperatures rise above freezing. Check your dogs (and yourself) after spending time outside. Consult your vet about the best tick medications for your dogs and ask about the Lyme disease vaccine. Consider tick spray and other preventative measures for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get outside, but take action to stay safe.

Move more. Move often. Move safely with your dogs.

 

FitLab Deep Creek Lab Lessons 7:25 Adapt to Conditions

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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?

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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.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 42:24 On a Short Leash

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Lab Lessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

On a Short Leash.

We now spend more time on single track trails than we do on wider trails (rails-to-trails, paved trails, etc…). The Labs and humans love hiking in the woods. To make sure we all stay safely on the trail, the humans have purchased shorter leashes (3 feet for Abbie and 4 feet for Puddin). The Labs still have space to sniff and explore, but they’re less likely to drag the humans off the trail (or down a hillside).

Move more. Move often. Find a leash that meets your needs.

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 40:24 Stay Safe in Dangerous Weather

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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.

 

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

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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 31:24 Be Aware of Your Surroundings

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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.