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.
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.
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.
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:
Why do we have TWO dogs?
Last week we answered the question: why do we have dogs. Today we’re explaining why we like having TWO dogs. Note: reason #2 is intended to be humorous. 1. Two dogs entertain each other (and their humans). 2. Two dogs work as a team…to pull their human up a hill. 3. When the terrible day comes to say goodbye to one dog, the other is there to console you (and to train the next dog).
Move more. Move often. Move with dogs. What’s your ideal number of dogs???
LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:
Why do we walk the Labs on leash?
We hear this question a lot: why do we keep the Labs on leash when we hike in the woods? Here are three reasons why (one a bit less serious than the others). 1. The Labs are concerned Ben will wander off and get lost…then who would feed them? 2. The Labs make bad decisions. It’s not hard to imagine them chasing a rabbit, skunk, porcupine, or deer off the trail, and we want to keep the dogs safe. 3. The Labs, and their humans, are rule followers at heart. Almost everywhere we hike requires dogs to be leashed.
Move more. Move often. Follow the leash laws when you move outside with dogs.
LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:
Have a Happy, Safe Labor Day.
Fall is coming, but that doesn’t mean warm weather is finished for the year. Keep your dogs safe on those warm September days. Take breaks. Give them water. Slow down as needed. Stay safe today, so that you and your canine companions can keep moving safely through the Fall.
Move more. Move often. The Labs wish you a happy, safe, movement-filled day.
LabLessons from FitLab Deep Creek:
Celebrate New Experiences…
Even if those experiences aren’t new to you. Abbie recently visited “Dog Rock” in Deep Creek Lake State Park. While Dog Rock is nothing new to the rest of the team, it was an exciting adventure for Abbie, and we took time to enjoy the experience with her. Remember, what is “old hat” to you may be an exciting first for one of your movement buddies. Embrace their joy.
Move more. Move often. Celebrate “new” experiences.
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.
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.