IK, dogs are fine as long as they don't' have a Stilletto manicure.

One thing I think get's overlooked when it comes to dogs on the river is the fact that they (the dogs) are completely ignorant to hazards (because they are dogs) and when you put on the river with your pup you are potentially putting them at risk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG0HcouIuEI&feature=youtu.be

This video is a good example of why I wouldn't bring any dog on a Middle fork salmon trip (forgetting the Leave No Trace issues), no matter how solid you are you can still muck it up and when you add a dog to the mix you suddenly have a lot more on your hands. Basically I think that if you're bringing a dog it should be on a river that is a full class below your skill level or comfort level. So if your comfortable on class V but are a Class IV boater you should only bring your dog on Class III.

Basically don't bring the pup unless you can ensure control of you craft at least 95% of the time.

In the case of this video, the person was a little too hasty and sacrificed sure footing for a speedy hand off and slipped. I've seen other videos where the guide/paddler was concerned with the animal and loses focus on the task at hand and the end result is a flip/swim/etc.

My thoughts: have fun on the river with your animals but consider the addition of your animal as an added hazard/small child that is way faster than you. Also remember that a dog is pretty much always going to swim for shore regardless of what hazards are on that shore.