More dog issues and further discussion needed

shredbarbie · Since 17 Sep 2005 97 Posts Hood River, OR

Hey all,

I think the dog issue is a REALLY important one after all the things I’ve seen and what’s been listed on the forum.

I was standing 10 feet from Shawn when he hit the golden lab. It was a HARD hit. I saw it coming during the whole photo shoot although other people standing around said not to worry about it and said the dog would get out of the way…. This was a PRO rider. Just think if it would have happened to someone not in as much control of their kite after such a collision.

There are two issues:

**To leash or not to leash when your dog is ATTENDED. This may be more flexible than the below issue and I won't comment on this because I think the issue below is the important one.

**UNATTENDED dogs. This has to stop in the parking lot and on the sandbar. It’s unsafe. Don’t go out and kite and leave your dog on the beach. If you own a pet, you are responsible for it at ALL times.

If you can’t find the owner, and don’t know who it is, you can’t tell them the issue. If I have an incident with a dog, especially a bite, I don’t want to be running around the beach asking who the owner is.

In addition, I’ve personally seen two instances of an unattended dog pee on kites and gear.

I’ve also seen dogs step on kites and break the canopies.

I’ve seen dogs get tangled in lines while someone is trying to launch, dangerous to both the dog and rider.

I’ve had a dog jump up and scratch my car in the kite parking lot.

Run/walk your dog AFTER you kite when you can ATTEND them.

This is factual information, not a rant. This is an important safety issue and one that needs a resolution to be discussed among the kiting community, the port and CGKA.

-Kirsten

pacifichigh · Since 11 May 2005 1004 Posts ATX Texan

Enough!!

shredbarbie · Since 17 Sep 2005 97 Posts Hood River, OR

Are you saying you don't think this needs to be discussed?

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

shredbarbie · Since 17 Sep 2005 97 Posts Hood River, OR

Phil,

The point of my post is that with UNATTENDED dogs, you may not be able to find the owner and running around trying to find them is not the responsibility of the victim.

That is what I am saying needs to be addressed.

Hopefully the responses to the post can stay on track.

-Kirsten

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

tell ya'll what. I'm gonna invest in some rope, and if i see a pack of dogs running around unattended, then i'm gonna herd them up and bring them to the parking lot and tie them to the posts in the ground used for stretching lines out, on a very short leash. Then, when the owner comes to claim the dog, we can tell them what their dog was doing is completely unacceptable and inform them of the leash law during the day.

If one or two lone dogs are running around playing, and dont have the pack mentality going i'd probably leave them alone. It is when a bunch of dogs get into that "pack" mentality, it seems that problems arise. I'm not trying to be a jerk, but i think this is probably the only way we can control dog packs running around. Does anyone think they have a better suggestion?

wytcap · Since 10 Mar 2005 203 Posts NW oregon Stoked

This should not be a issue, when people bring dogs to a public place they are responsible for the dogs and there actions, They have leash laws for a reason, and a crowded place is not the place to push the issue.
People need to act like adults.

scooter · Since 23 Apr 2005 99 Posts hood River

Im bringing my lasso to the spit next time! Did someone say rodeo!?!

Seriously though, I was there with shred barbie when Shawn Richmann was litterally almost killed by the dog he collided with. It was the most violent collision Ive seen out there. Shocked

This is about the safety of the dog two. That lab should have had a broken back!

Love your pet enough to keep him out of harms way!!! Very Happy

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Shred, I see where you are coming from.

Could we just tie up the misbehaving dogs? Have a holding area for bad dogs. That way when the owner claims the dogs they are informed of what the dog did and if the dog did some damage the owner must pay in order to get the dog back. And repeat offenders are banned. This would mitigate the problem of having the victim find the owner.

I don't own a dog, but I enjoy having dogs run around. They actually seem to be having more fun than the humans. Its very healthy for them to be able to run around and stretch their legs and to be free. For some of these dogs this is their only opportunity to run around and actually be dogs (and not pets).

Onad · Tue Jun 26, 07 11:11 am

Port Guideline: "Keep your dog on a leash with you at all times."

http://www.portofhoodriver.com/Water%20Safety%20Brochure%20Eagle%20Project%202007.pdf

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1735 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

Shred Barbie, (and all)

I love dogs and have them but-- I don't bring them kiting with me because ---->

"There is a LAW... and it states "There is a leash law during the day. Early am and dusk dogs can run free otherwise they must be leashed."

This goes for the parking lot and the spit. It would be nice if we could all cooperate and handle your pooch with respect for others. Many times I've had to fend off dogs coming over to pee or investigate / step on and chew my gear. I even got blamed once for screwing up someone elses gear -- that their dog chewed!

eskeeme · Since 23 May 2007 44 Posts White Salmon

I love dogs and I love the fact that you can bring your dog down to the spit to play. I don't have a dog anymore Sad

, but it is fun to throw a ball or just hang with em, HOWEVER, the dog situation down there has gotten out of hand! If your dog tends to get scared of other dogs, has a history of biteing, or generally doesn't listen, maybe you should just leave em at home. The spit is not a dog park, it is a kite beach. People need to start using their own discretion with there own dogs. Dogs will be dogs and you can't really do to much about that, but as an owner, you need to keep your dog in check! If your dog is chasin the kiters out on the river, you should have them on a leash or by your side for there safety and ours. Running over lines is big too! I've made the mistake a few times of throwin a ball for em and they charge right over the kites and lines. It's been easy to avoid the kites and lines by not throwin the ball OVER anything and havin a clear path for them to just charge!

Long story short, your dog is your BABY! You don't let em out of your site, you keep them under control at all times(ie chasin kites, biting, pissin on kites, ect.), and understand when NOT to have them on the beach(like when 50 kites are in the air)! Oh and pick up the CRAP they leave behind.

I still want people to be able to bring there dogs down to have a good time, but if you do, remember you have a responsability to the kiters, other dogs, and the beach! We can do this! Let's work together, share ideas, and make it happen!

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

You would probably know the law better than I do. I read posts on the kiteforum and my understanding was that we are not supposed to be there. However, there haven't been too many windsurfers out yet (probably due to the fact winds haven't been that strong) - so the windsurfers stay on the grass. But eventually I'm sure they will spill over to the kiteboarding continent Sad

Thats when I am guess we will need to give them that space.

crasher · Since 21 Jul 2005 23 Posts Long Island, NY

The first trip I made to the Gorge was in Aug '05. The place blew my mind. It was everything I expected it to be and more. The kiting, the scenery, the laid back vibe and cool people. As a dog owner and dog lover living in New York, I was also so happy to see how dog friendly the place is. As a dog owner in New York, It seems like you can't go anywhere without seeing signs that say "No Dogs". Sign, sign, everywhere a sign, blockin' up the scenery, breakin' my mind.

Having said that, I think that many of you have very legitimate concerns that have to be addressed.

Dog owners have to be responsible for there dog's actions.

All I'm saying is please don't start covering the Spit with "No Dog" signs without exhausting all other options first. That would break my heart.

On one of my trips I was at the spit playing with a beautiful yellow lab. I took a look at his collar to see what his name was and it read " My name is Slingshot(I think). My owner is out kiting right now. Please don't steal me." I thought that was one of the coolest things I ever saw.