Tag Archives: canine

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 50:24 You Make the Rules

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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.

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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

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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 46:24 Move When You Can

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LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Move When You Can.

Sometimes “life” gets in the way of our movement plans. Emergency home repairs. Extra meetings at work. An illness or injury. When your movement routine gets derailed, remember that some movement is almost always better than no movement. You don’t need to crush your movement goals every week. Make as much time to move as you can, then get back to your routine when your schedule allows. Focus on the big picture of making movement part of your lifestyle.

Move more. Move often. Move when you can.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 45:24 We’re Maryland Dogs Now

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LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

We’re Maryland Dogs Now…And Still On Leash.

The Labs have officially relinquished their Pennsylvania residency and have applied for licenses in Garrett County, Maryland. One thing has not changed with the move. They still hike on leash. Why? 1. They don’t know their way home, and they don’t want to get lost. 2. They can’t be trusted to make good decisions (especially when faced with skunks, porcupines, or deer to “play” with). 3. They know not all animals are friendly, and they want to stay safe. (They saw their first bear over the summer). So the Labs stay close to their human staff while making movement part of their lifestyle.

Move more. Move often. Get outside. Stay safe.

 

FitLabPGH Lab Lessons 44:24 It’s Not All About the Pace

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LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

It’s Not All About the Pace.

The Labs make movement part of their lifestyle. They focus on moving rather than on pace, distance, or Strava leaderboards. In fact, the Labs aren’t even ON Strava…in part, because we don’t let them have computer access. Even if you ARE on Strava, it’s ok to enjoy moving at various speeds. Listen to your body. Take time to enjoy the scenery or a slower Sunday sniffy walk.

Move more. Move often. Enjoy your movement, whether fast or slow.

 

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

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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 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 41:24 Have a Movement Back-Up Plan

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LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:

Have a Movement Back-Up Plan.

When we learned one of our regular movement locations was hosting a Saturday morning trail race, we COULD have decided to hike there anyway…but that would mean competing for space and disturbing the runners (especially those runners who get nervous around enthusiastic dogs). Because the Labs know it’s not ALL about them and where they want to hike, we chose an alternative hiking spot. Whether you move indoors or outside, it’s a good idea to have a back-up plan for situations when your first choice isn’t available.

Move more. Move often. Be adaptable. Share your favorite places to move.

 

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.