No Dogs in the Gorge. Period.

[pigsteak]

leash them or pepper spray them? what the hell..sure. either.

[overhung]

I've heard this argument before and I dismiss it. Human beings and dogs, IMO, are not equal. Yes, it would be irritating if a child were causing a disturbance, believe me I teach public school so I'm somewhat of an expert on irritation. Leashing a child is not an option. Leashing a dog is an option. Sandy, as far as talking to the owner is concerned, that's pretty valid, up until if the owner does not take responsibility for their dog. Then it's dog eat dog... figuratively speaking.

[Guest]

so next question...do the dog owners on here ALWAYS keep their dogs leashed at the crag? sounds like this is what folks are asking for. I know I don't.

some dogs should be leashed at the crag, others are fine off leash. It depends on the dog and on how well the owner controls it. Keep in mind that dogs can feel very territorial when they are tied up and they will often bark more and generally protect the area they can reach. Which means they may bark very aggressively at people hiking in or out past them. I think aggressive dogs should be left at home. I also think that un-neutered dogs should always be leashed.

With that said, my older dog was always leashed at the cliffs, except once on a cold Winter day when no one else was around. My pup may not be. I am going to see how she is, work with her and make sure she isn't a problem. I may end up keeping her on her leash at all times, but I may not. No responsible dog owner wants their dog to bother anyone. Again, it's a people issue.

[Saxman]

Hell, squirt the child with water. They can be even more annoying than dogs.

[pigsteak]

so deciding when to have a dog off leash....this is sticky, as some people are more easily irritated by dogs than others. my dog likes to lick folks when they are changing into their shoes. very few people would say it to me, but i know most hate for someone elses's dog to be licking them.

[overhung]

so next question...do the dog owners on here ALWAYS keep their dogs leashed at the crag? sounds like this is what folks are asking for. I know I don't.

some dogs should be leashed at the crag, others are fine off leash. It depends on the dog and on how well the owner controls it. Keep in mind that dogs can feel very territorial when they are tied up and they will often bark more and generally protect the area they can reach. Which means they may bark very aggressively at people hiking in or out past them. I think aggressive dogs should be left at home. I also think that un-neutered dogs should always be leashed.

With that said, my older dog was always leashed at the cliffs, except once on a cold Winter day when no one else was around. My pup may not be. I am going to see how she is, work with her and make sure she isn't a problem. I may end up keeping her on her leash at all times, but I may not. No responsible dog owner wants their dog to bother anyone. Again, it's a people issue.

Well put. Why can't this be standing rule in National Forests? What's the big deal? If no one is around let Scruffy run free. If others are around leash them. It's like cigarette smoke. Smokers have the right to smoke anywhere they please, up until the point where their indulgence is infriging on my personal rights. That's where it ends.

[kek-san]

I've had both good and bad experiences with dogs at the crag. Some dog are quiet, friendly, leashed and seem happy to be there. Others are noisy, boisterous, unleashed, and are more interested in my lunch than being outside with their families.

But generally I'd say dogs are not a part of climbing. I understand the want to go outside with 'em. But I think that generally they needn't be at the crag. Perhaps, running at the dog park, or with the other parent on the trails is a better experience for them and less stressful for other climbers.

[Guest]

your dog can lick me anytime, piggie (cuz mine's gonna lick you right back!)

[overhung]

Sandy - if it's a people issue, then I can pepper spray the owner?

[busty]

Pigsteak - I meant spray.

You wouldn't spray the child, so why is it ok to spray the dog if its just being a pest? Obviously, if you spray the child, its a crime. But just because you can probably get awa with spraying a dog doesn't mean you should pepper spray an animal and punish it for the failings of its owner.