Talk:Dog watch

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When I was in the USN I was told that the reason for "dog" watch was to break the sequence so that the same men didn't end up on the bad (or good) watches regularly. They referred to it as "dogging" the watch.

Must say, none of these etymologies ring true to me. PeteVerdon 23:29, 27 March 2006 (UTC)

Here in Australia, the "dog watch" is the night shift, starting anywhere from 2100 to 2300 hours and ending near dawn. Being a Canadian interested in linguistics, I've asked several Australians if they know why it is called the "dog watch" but their answers are typically light-hearted and frequently nonsensical. I would be interested to hear other theories as to this phrase's origins. Spinthia 13:26, 18 June 2007 (UTC)

Dog watch is "cur tailed" is a pun from Dr Maturin when asked the etymology of "dog watch" in one of the Jack Aubrey series. I dont recall which book it was, but it is definitely from Patrick O'Brien. 122.106.29.14 (talk) 12:18, 30 January 2008 (UTC)

The dog watch is still used but only in situations where there are three watch sections. Port and starboard and four section and above with the exception of sections divisible by three didn't need it. Mike H. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.185.149.61 (talk) 20:20, 14 May 2008 (UTC)