” I figured I knew my dogs but not the ones coming toward us so it was my responsibility to do what I could to avoid confrontations.”

Great point. That’s another part of the navigation rules that I didn’t mention–everyone on the water has the responsibility to do whatever they can to avoid a collision, no matter who has the right to stand on.

Yep, what Shadow wants most is to be by your side. Perhaps Sam could take you to the park if you really want to enjoy a nice day?

I remember back when I used to take Callie and Shadow to the park (while Ducky was at daycare). I usually had Callie on my right (stronger) side and Shadow on my left. And, because Callie was a little territorial/predatory at times (and protective of Shadow), I always made sure to move WAY off the path into the grass when I saw other dogs coming toward us. I figured I knew my dogs but not the ones coming toward us so it was my responsibility to do what I could to avoid confrontations. Most of the other humans were pretty good about keeping their dogs under control, too; but there were the occasional few with little yappy dogs on those idiot flexi leads. The dog would be yapping it’s fool head off and wrapping itself around its owner’s legs while the owner fumed and fussed about the leash. And would give me a dirty look for having the audacity to be on the same path with my dogs, even though I had moved mine way off the path to let Yapper and owner go by. Sheesh! But, when Shadow started struggling to get into and out of the car (after Callie had passed), we stopped going to the park. The parking spaces there are too tight for the ramp, and I’m not strong enough to lift her out of the car. So now she walks on the treadmill and plays in the yard. But at 13, she’s happy just being with us wherever we happen to be.

I can definitely see you being very attentive when you’re walking. Doesn’t surprise me one little bit that your dogs would be the most “maneuverable.”

Hope you and your family enjoy a lovely Thanksgiving!

I have run into people and their dogs where we were both maneuverable and we worked together so our dogs avoided each other.

Interesting. I didn’t know about maneuverable about boats.

I believe that everything in the world can be related to dogs. 🙂

Y’know, when you’re on the docks, accidents happen… 🙂

But no, I’m not sure even a surprise swim would make a difference for some of the McRuderson’s I’ve met.

You can’t do much with a wiggly puppy. At least at first.

Luckily your bipeds did a nice job growing you up into such a polite dog.

Smart dog moms are ALWAYS scanning the area ahead, right?

Just curious–Honey only pays attentions to squirrels sometimes. Usually when there’s a nice brisk, fall breeze. Do you and your sisters find squirrels and rabbits more exciting sometimes than others?