As far as safety is concerned, I would submit that the safest way to close a loaded double is with the barrels pointed up. Unfortunately, it's also close to impossible to do, because the shells will fall out. But if you've ever had a double go off when you close it--and I've had that experience a few times--then stop to think what might have happened if your dog had been where the barrels were pointed when it happened. But, due to gravity, we're pretty much stuck with closing doubles with the barrels angled at least slightly down.