This is Louie (The Poodle (at least we think he is a poodle)) and Winston. I've been the lucky owner of four German Shepherd dogs in my life. Some have served with me in the USCG. All of them would climb the ladders on various boats. The boat also has a 'Dog Ladder' attached to the stern; the dogs prefer going up the main ladder on the bow. My GF has Louie. Louie was a rescue dog. When we got him, he could barely run. Think he had been tied to a tree for the first part of his life. His rear legs would stick out as if running with a rope between his legs. All that got better once he found his new home with us. With lots of swimming and visits to the dog park, he overcame the way he had learned to run while being tied, left that awkwardness behind, and began to run like a normal dog. Louie is a small dog living in a big dog world. He can do so many things. He is very explorative. They both swim a Lot. They both run in the dog park daily. Both are very active and athletic animals. They love playing on the beach, climbing ladders, hiking, and fetching sticks. They go everywhere with us. These dogs have Great lives. Lucky to have them in our world. Louie has overcome a lot and has proven that if you think Big, you can run with the Big Dogs.