At the dog beach, this Doberman's guardian was very aware. This dog seemed to be suffering from Wobbler's syndrome so kept her clear of other big dogs running around
Situational awareness: being aware of what’s happening around you to understand how information, events, and your own actions will impact your goals and objectives.
Are you situationally aware? I am usually very aware of what is going on around me. There are those moments when I am deep in thought; my mind goes elsewhere but it is not very often. When out and about in the world it is very important to be aware of your surroundings. It boggles my mind when I see people walking their dog with their focus stuck in a cell phone. They have no idea what is going on around them, nor what their dog is up to.
I remember when Tilley was around and in her senior years. I had her and Jessie out for a very slow snail pace walk early in the morning. As we walked past the parking lot I noticed a woman getting out of her car. She opened the back door, letting her black and white medium sized dog out. She never looked around and did not leash her dog. The dog spotted us and charged. It hit Tilley knocking her to the ground. I screamed at the dog and it ran back to the car where it had come from. My counter attack continued and was then directed at the owner. She was shocked, "what happened?" she shouted. She got a face full.
Situational awareness is so very important. Whether you are out on your own, with your dog/dogs or your children; you should be aware of your surroundings. The cell phone has got to be the biggest culprit of sucking away awareness; but you can just be non aware as well.
Elsa is always very aware; she has a heightened sense of awareness which is who she is. All dogs are different; some don't care about what's going on around them but they are on average much better than humans in regards to situational awareness.
Don't be a victim. This statement sounds ominous but you can be a victim from a lack of situational awareness. From missing a special moment to being in the middle of a dangerous situation; it may have been avoidable by simply being aware. There are times in life when things happen that are unavoidable. But by being aware of your surroundings, paying attention and watching many of those things missed would not be. Moments, situations, interactions and life in general; don't miss them by a lack of awareness.