Thames moorings and somewhat clumsy dog

[Murv]

Will be visiting the Thames in early August, starting at Teddington and working our way upstream for a week or two.
No idea how far we'll get, there are no set plans.
We'll be travelling with a small, but somewhat clumsy dog who will need access to land at least twice a day.
Generally speaking, is this going to be achievable? will we need a gangplank?
Intention is to be largely self sufficient so no need for marina or serviced moorings, but easy access to the path is essential to exercise us and aforementioned hound.
Said dog is extremely agile but thick as a whale sandwich and has a track record of falling in...

 

[bumperdump]

There are loads of moorings the further upstream you get.

 

[mlines]

Lots of stopping places, however depth and bank shape will result in a gap in places so a short plank might be useful

 

[Flynnbarr]

Will be visiting the Thames in early August, starting at Teddington and working our way upstream for a week or two.
No idea how far we'll get, there are no set plans.
We'll be travelling with a small, but somewhat clumsy man who will need access to land at least twice a day.
Generally speaking, is this going to be achievable? will we need a gangplank?
Intention is to be largely self sufficient so no need for marina or serviced moorings, but easy access to the path is essential to exercise us and aforementioned hound.
Said man is extremely agile but thick as a whale sandwich and has a track record of falling in...

That really is no way to speak about Old Git

 

[boatone]

As you know, Murk, we have a very belligerent Westie, called Bosun, and I very much doubt that your mutt's needs can be any more demanding !

We have never had any real problems. We carry him on and off (a couple of unscheduled swimming trips led us to realise the wisdom of doing this) and a short walk in the morning before setting off and another when we arrive at a destination usually amply satisfies his needs. Any other stops during the day provide him with ample opportunity to do what dogs do!

 

[Murv]

Fantastic, thanks all, should be no problem then.
Just need to keep him well away from any swans/ducks/rabbits/foxes/voles/squirrels/cats/trains/shiny things/leaves blowing in the breeze and it should be plain sailing

Flynbarr, that's a shocking allegation! OG is actually far more agile around boats than I'll ever be, and certainly seems to have a far higher success rate at departing the good ship Sarah T without an unexpected plummet/water interface than my dog does!

 

[boatingdave]

Whilst not on it currently, we've had a boat on the Thames in the past. Usually had three dogs with us. Never had problems at bankside other than the labrador jumping in at every opportunity if we left the transom door open. Her idea of fun in the evenings, whilst tied up, was to jump in the dinghy, we'd motor/row some distance away and she would then jump off the front and swim back. We'd go back, pick her up again and start it all over again! . One of the reasons we are coming back to the river is that it is dog friendly and you can stop just about anywhere to walk the dogs. We are hoping to get back to the Thames shortly but probably not by August otherwise we could have had a meet up. You'll get a good welcome, loads of forumites with dogs.

 

[Actionmat]

Do you have a life vest for your dog? Mine don't need them for swimming, but for getting them on and off when they need a pee, the handle on the back is invaluable!

 

[Murv]

Whilst not on it currently, we've had a boat on the Thames in the past. Usually had three dogs with us. Never had problems at bankside other than the labrador jumping in at every opportunity if we left the transom door open. Her idea of fun in the evenings, whilst tied up, was to jump in the dinghy, we'd motor/row some distance away and she would then jump off the front and swim back. We'd go back, pick her up again and start it all over again! . One of the reasons we are coming back to the river is that it is dog friendly and you can stop just about anywhere to walk the dogs. We are hoping to get back to the Thames shortly but probably not by August otherwise we could have had a meet up. You'll get a good welcome, loads of forumites with dogs.

Good to know, thank you

Do you have a life vest for your dog? Mine don't need them for swimming, but for getting them on and off when they need a pee, the handle on the back is invaluable!

He does! Of course, the last time he fell in he wasn't wearing it, but he does have one. (and is usually wearing it)

 

[oldgit]

We'll be travelling with a small,

This obviously some new interpretation of the word "small" of which we have previously been unaware.
With apologies to Douglas Adams.

 

[oldgit]

This obviously some new interpretation of the word "SMALL" of which we have previously been unaware.
With apologies to Douglas Adams.

 

[Murv]

It's all relative, he's an awful lot smaller and easier to carry than the last one!

 

[ianc1200]

I find on a long days cruising the some of the lock waiting areas useful if our two haven't been able to cock their legs for a couple of hours.

 

[Actionmat]

I let my dog off while waiting for the lock and he stood there with his leg cocked for at least 2 minutes. You would have thought he'd drunk 10 pints of real ale. One concerned boater bellowed in disbelief "Good God! How long has that poor dog been on that boat?!" I wish I could do the same. It would save me getting up in the middle of the night

 

[Murv]