DOGPAW - 2010 Member Survey (Below)
( http://www.clarkdogpaw.org/2010_Survey_Info.php )
Member Voting Results
Very Satisfied Satisfied Neither Satisfied nor Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Very Unsatisfied
Rule 1: 47 12 1 2 1
Rule 2: 41 11 7 3 0
Rule 3: 41 14 5 0 1
Rule 4: 47 13 1 0 0
Rule 5: 29 18 12 2 0
Rule 6: 44 13 1 3 0
Rule 7: 44 14 2 1 0
Rule 8: 41 13 4 3 0
Rule 9: 34 24 2 1 0
DOGPAW:
32 14 5 0 0
Rule 1: 47 12 1 2 1
Rule 2: 41 11 7 3 0
Rule 3: 41 14 5 0 1
Rule 4: 47 13 1 0 0
Rule 5: 29 18 12 2 0
Rule 6: 44 13 1 3 0
Rule 7: 44 14 2 1 0
Rule 8: 41 13 4 3 0
Rule 9: 34 24 2 1 0
DOGPAW:
32 14 5 0 0
Membership Voter Summary)
[63] voters have decided to vote.
[19] Family membership - two voters.
[2] Subscription-Family membership - two voters (subscribed auto-pay).
[18] Single membership - one voter.
[3] Subscription-Single membership - one voter (subscribed auto-pay).
[19] Family membership - two voters.
[2] Subscription-Family membership - two voters (subscribed auto-pay).
[18] Single membership - one voter.
[3] Subscription-Single membership - one voter (subscribed auto-pay).
| RULES COMMENT | OTHER RULES | ENFORCEMENT | ANY OTHER COMMENT |
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| I guess I am unclear, are you asking if we are satisfied with the rules as written or satisfied that they are being followed? I cannot tell you how many times I have been in the gate area, with my dog off leash and some inpatient person opens it.
Again, rule 8 - great rule. Too bad it's not enforced. My dog got attacked on the far end of the park, while the owner was standing by the information sign. He didn't even come after his dog - some nice lady had to drag his dog to him. Now my dog is acting aggressive and I have to muzzle him. Hardly seems fair since the owner was irresponsible, not me. . . | Joggers should be allowed as long as their dogs are with them and they stop to pick up after them. Most joggers I see are very responsible. I am not a jogger - so this has nothing to do with me. . | Have a phone number listed (animal control?) that people can call right away if there are park issues. I couldnt' get the guys name and address who attack my dog, because I was trying to control them, but it would have been nice to be able to call someone and report it - the dog type and vehicle. . | . |
| I see too many rule breakers. Need better enforcement.. . | . | Perhaps an entrance fee? . | . |
| Please close gates at Brush Prairie to large dog section. Several times both gates have been standing open and I have seen coyotes in the area.. . | This is not a park for visiting with your friends. Watch your dogs. Keep dogs away from gates. . | This is not a park for visiting with your friends. Watch your dogs. Keep dogs away from gates.
Let's have badges sent to our members with number id's so when we see a unruly dog, un-nuetered or spayed, or aggressive dogs we have the athority to ask them to leave or to report them to the organization or the police dept. . | Great job guys and thank you a million times for all your work and the time you give. . |
| wish there was a better way of enforcing some of the rules - especially #6and 7. . | not necessarily prohibited - but definitely supervised under age 13 . | Good question!!! This question should be addressed - but don't know how. :-( . | I see a need for water at the Brush Prairie park . |
| what is Aggression? what one
person see as aggression is what another calls play.. . | 4. gate- enter one at a time. . | you need more people to
help or dogpaw may need a
paid person to help control
this. . | . |
| Remove the age of unaltered male dogs. Unaltered male hormones cause issues just like female hormones. Who/how are rules enforced? What is the definition of aggressive or just play? What rules/exclusions do private parks have & why? Too many people break the leash/scoop law. Nobody wants to crush a dog or kid loose outside of the dog park or smell/wear poop!. . | 1. Kids - No Young Kids, Within Arms Length Rule or Caution???
2. Equip - Rule.
3. Sports - Rule (Combo 2,3,5).
4. Gate - Add to Rule #8.
5. Items - Add to Rule #9.
6. Control - Add to Rule #4.
7. Dogs - Rule - Number of Dogs/Beings per Adult?
8. Pros - Already Require Permits/Licenses by Law?
I've Seen & Heard of Several Incidents (Kids, Strollers, Jogging, Bikes, etc) Over The Many Years That I Have Used These Parks. So, Equip/Sports Should Definitely Be Rules or Signs As "THIS IS A DOG PARK" - Those Activities Can Be Done Elsewhere.
. | Police/Animal Control should do their jobs. DOGPAW should have a program to educate and record any issues sent to them to assist visitors and/or law enforcement. Enforcement is not a volunteer job! Unless like the NOW police program. Perhaps volunteer or paid trained enforcers. Turn all rules into laws! Have a card swipe to enter the parks, like Parks & Rec has for gym/pool and other dog parks have. People would have to prove dog is vaccinated & licensed, and pledge to follow rules to receive entry card. Please enforce aggressive dogs/people must leave. I've seen aggressive dogs/people stay and return. . | The few volunteer board and other volunteers are doing a GREAT job! How can we get more involvement? Committee meetings, signs, events? Would like to see more water features, dog agility-playground features, and restrooms. . |
| . . | Suggestions: Children under 10 should remain within arms reach of parents. No running by children in park. Strollers should be OK. 7g. I have seen one owner with 13 dogs at one time. No problems! Love these other park rules except as I noted above. . | Very little. Let the users police themselves. I am sure Dogpaw is overwhelmed by petty complaints. . | The parks in Clark County are GEMS. Thank You! . |
| . . | 1a - Stongly suggest children under 12 not attend park, if not than then children should be within arms length of adult. No running or playing. No Stollers, bikes, etc Maximum of (3) beings (includes dogs and/or children under 12). | DOGPAW should be in an advisor role and not as enforcement, enforcement is for Animal Control and Police. | Need more volunteers. |
| . . | I'd hate to see too many rules. When there are too many rules some do not get enforced and then it seems to some that they don't have to obey any of the rules. Also, common sense goes a long ways. . | . | . |
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| I do not believe that unaltered males are necessarily a bad thing to have on the property. Many of them are not an issue and all should not receive a condition for what some of them are doing. ( You are basically saying that the dogs who enter must be neutered.)
Also, I do not necessarily believe the dog has to have tags to be there. You are effectively trying to manager an issue that is for the County to enforce rather than the organization. If the animal control people are there, they can check for tags. And ask/inform people of the county's requirement. It would be a better statement to inform people of the rule rather than attempt to be an enforcement group. ((The question becomes, how are you going to enforce this rule and what are the consequences?)) It would be appropriate to inform people that their tags would be checked at irregular times in order to provide a chance for Animal Control to enforce this. I think though that informing people that they are required by county statute to have a licensed pet and should have their licenses with them is a good option.
. . | I know there are parks trying to manage people's behavior. But with management also comes enforcement. So the question I have is how are you going to enforce these rules. Many people come to the park with their dog and run them.
I would be more inclined to ask what training is offered and where, how are we going to be involved in this process and what liabilities do we take on as a result?
Why not let people know and place reminders at the entry not in your way but in plain site that this is an Animal Park so animals are running loose.
When animals run loose, children or adults running will bring many animal behaviors into the chase mode rather than play mode.
How are you going to determine if the park is being used by professional sitters or handlers? How are you going to determine if the professional is using this with their business? What is the issue with a handler coming to the park with the dog? What enforcement concerns or other issues creates a need for us to place this advertisement/comment here?
I guess, for me, most of the rules around the park are up and in site, but not really being followed. It is tough at times to get someone to listen and there have been issues and instances with this.
It is also true that around the Ross Park there is a second walking space by the bus area which is being used as an off leash area by many people. Why aren't there visible and clear signs around that area? . | I know this has been a question for several years. I would refer the group to simple questions first.
Can we enforce these rules? What staffing requirements are needed to enforce these rules? How do we manager the behaviors and still provide a 'fun' space for all animals?
These are tough questions. First, I don't believe there is an easy solution. But I do believe that having people willing to explain the rules and take names for Animal Control is acceptable. Having visible people wearing a specific outfit to let people know that we are there is important. Staff Shirts should be specific and clear in their visibility so Bright and Bold would be the clear winner.
I do believe that rather than attempting to enforce the rules, the group should be turning all complaints over to Animal Control with auto license information if necessary in order to give the county the information since they are the designated enforcement agency.
It might also be important to sit down with Animal Control, the local Humane Society and other interested parties to identify what can be done. The county is cutting in many places because it must, but in many other states and areas, the Humane Society has become the agency to reach out to for enforcement and investigation. What is their view of that idea?
. | I really can't make a comment. I have been sending in my membership, but I don't use the parks very often. In fact, rather rare that I do go to a park these days.
Small dogs aren't there in numbers and the play groups are usually being interrupted with either fence behavior issues, gawkers or children trying to pet the small guys. The small breed areas aren't maintained well. What is short grass for a large dog is actually overwhelming for our smaller breeds who are lower to the ground. So the spaces aren't really a place I bring my dog anymore.
I don't think this is a negative comment on the group but rather reflects the difficulties facing the group as well as the misunderstanding of what smaller breed dogs need.
I have volunteered to cut the grass in the past if someone provides me a mower. I have volunteered to be a part of the organizations' committees in the past, but not often able to make the times of the meetings or dates since I travel.
I am not sure what I can do to assist at this time but would be willing to sit down and attempt to do anything possible. . |
| . #6: There have been large pools of dog vomit left in the park. Not only gross, but other dogs are attracted to it, including our own. Could it be included in this rule?. | OK 1a. Neither, impractical 2b. Rule 3c. Rule 4d. Rule 5e. Suggestion 6f. Yes, but this is difficult in big parks where running is what they're there to do. 7g. Rule 8h. Neither, too vague. | There is no enforcement. DOGPAW is better suited to rule-making than city council members who may or may not have used dog parks. It takes using them to understand them. I don't think DOGPAW has been sufficiently able to enforce the rules. There are no recognized "enforcers" and no real consequences for scofflaws.. | Seems like there are fewer problem people overall, maybe socialization has occurred! The parks are a really valuable space for educational programs and outreach for a lot of dog-friendly concerns. I think they aren't utilized enough for that.. |
| I feel some of the parents of the very small children forget that it is indeed a dog park and not a children's park sometimes. Also the amount of smoking in the park really bothers me. I go 4 times a week. There are always many smokers.. . | . | I think the non smoking rule should be enforced but I know it's very difficult and don't know how it could be. . | Good job, thanks for all the hard work. . |
| . . | neither neither. | . | . |
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| #5... I agree that dogs should not be allowed to jump on people. However, some breeds are barkers. There is not much that can be done if the dog is one of those. My JRT barks often for the first lap and then she is fine.... . | I agree that 1a through 7g should be rules. Running children and adults, sports equipment, bikes, etc. and other are scary to some small dogs (like mine). Children over age 10 would be best.
I would like to see a small dog area as well. I like the one in Washougal. . | I think enforcement (as it is now)is probably best. Those of us who use the park regularly have a responsibility to help the park stay safe for dogs and humans.
If a set of the rules were posted at both kiosks in large letters, it would help enforcement. The rules could be referred to as a reminder. . | Small dog area please... Maybe in the south east corner near the gate, so we can have a shady area for part of it and not have to walk in through big dogs much. Thank you so much! . |
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| At Ross Park we have people from all over Clark County and beyond, especially on sunnier weekends. Many of these people are apparently oblivious to the rules.
Most of my visits are fairly pleasant. However, I have witnessed people smoking, kids running around unsupervised, deliberate avoidance when someones' dog is relieving himself, dogs on leash in the park, dogs with pinch and choke collars, unaltered dogs, and aggressive dogs that remain in the park. Because this sort of behavior is going on, many people have decided not to take their dogs to the park at all.
Perhaps there is a need to post the rules in larger letters in a more pronounced location. Perhaps it's necessary to find a way to connect with everyone who uses the park, so that park protocol is very clear to everyone, not just DOGPAW members.
. . | My thinking is: 1a. No children under seven for safety reasons. 3c. No runners or joggers for safety reasons. 4d. Enter through gate one at a time.
I think 8h is a little unreasonable, as many people need a trainer to show them how to socialize and train their dogs in a social setting such as a dog park. . | I personally do not enjoy reminding others of the rules, but since there is no money for this I guess we have to rely on each other to enforce the rules, especially when a dog fight occurs and the instigators must be removed from the dog park. . | I understand DOGPAW's reasons for not allowing picnic tables, but I have never encountered a problem in the other dog parks I have visited around the country. Picnic tables would make for a much friendlier community, in which people can more comfortably converse about their dogs and be more likely to protect each other should something disagreeable happen.
Also, I want to repeat the need for a running water and a bathroom for humans. . |
| . . | It seems like users do a credible job of policing the parks we have used. Don't think additional rules would be useful nor necessary. It seems like users do a credible job of policing the parks we have used. Don't think additional rules would be useful nor necessary.. | Once again, users are doing a good job of enforcing the rules. Involving DOGPAWS in some official enforcement function might leave the organization open to law suits. If it ain't broken don't fix it. Once again, users are doing a good job of enforcing the rules. Involving DOGPAWS in some official enforcement function might leave the organization open to law suits. If it ain't broken don't fix it.. | . |
| Most people pick up after their pets but do not fill holes ... I wonder if they know they are supporst to?. Holes are not being filled in by owners.. | I don't think we should limit the number of dogs per person unless they can't handle them but most people are good with that. Please lets not start telling young mothers they can't bring their small children to the dog park with the dog ... it is such a great adventure and good bonding time for a young family. Some moms need a stroller and are dilligent about being responsible. The dog park should not be s dog prison. . | If I could get my body to a meeting once in awhile I would volumteer to play a part in enforcement when i am at the dog park ... maybe a whistle and a badge or some kind on a volunteer during the heavy use times. . | Thank you . |
| Wording these "rules" as suggestions rather than "rules" will make the majority of people more compliant. . . | suggestions. Users should beware of activities inside the dog park that could pose a problem to other dogs....user beware type suggestions. . | None. Can only lead to poor relationship with users and members. None. | . |
| Many People don't follow rules
Almost hit a dog in the parking lot this morning...came running out from between cars with a loose child running after it.. . | some mayb....some neither...such as the human eqipment strollers etc....
What about wheel chairs??
Also, Strollers... keep children from being knocked over and within arms reach. Have never seen an incident with a stroller in all the days of all the years have been going to the parks. . | Out once during the week, at least! Differant times of the day, educating people.
Saturday and Sunday being the ideal days because the weekenders are there. . | I think Dogpaw is doing good things, fund raising and getting new parks is good. I love walking my dog every morning in the park.
However...someone needs to address issues that will get the parks closed down because of complaints from non dog owners who are being jumped on by loose dogs and stepping in poo outside the dogpark.
People are not just complaining to Dogpaw but are also complaining to the city council, animal control etc. . |
| Although we are satisfied with the current rules, they are not being enforced. People are constantly smoking in the park and every time we are there at leat one person allows their dog to be off leash in the parking lot. We do feel that while the food rule is a good one, folks should be allowed to bring in coffee (most do anyway).. I think strollers should be allowed, but not bikes or other vehicles-this has happened at Ross before where boys were rolling down the hill in a wagon. Almost ran over several dogs. These boys did not appear to have a dog or an adult with them. So the minimum age thing could be good as well-no child under ten in the park without an adult? People playing sports should 1) have a dog-they should use the park for human only reasons and 2) pay attention to their dogs! Too many people just forget about their dogs and get consumed with their games. This could be a good rule for that reason. I really like rule #4-our dog is learning how to be less submissive and it does not help when people impatiently crowd into the leash up area with us. This guideline is already there, but needs to be more prominent. I don't see a problem with dog walkers bringing their dogs as long as they keep them under control (rule 6). A lot of people with several dogs seem to have a better handle on them than some with only one dog. I'm not really sure what kind of business someone would use the park for so I can't really have an opinion about that one.. | I think these should be rules. And should be enforced. The park should be a safe place for all dogs and dog owners. When dog owners refuse to follow these rules the dog park becomes unsafe for dogs and people alike. . | Many of these rules (unleashed dogs, controlling dogs, unattended children and/or dogs, smoking, etc.) really need to be enforced. Dog owners really can't enforce the rules themselves or a fight will most likely start. AS far as the leashing issue-is there a way to ask the county to fine people who have their dogs off the leash. It is illegal so shoudl definitely be enforced. Plus, it's dangerous-just last week I almost backed over a small dog wandering around the lot after his owner let him out of their vehicle without a leash. Is there a budget to hire someone to coem by the park at random times to enforce the rules? Might only need to happen for a few months to make sure everyone knows the rules. Sometimes I think that is the problem-people just plain don't see or read the rules so they don't follow them. See other comment box.. | We really enjoy the Ross park. We have mostly become very frustrated at the rule breaking. Usually we aren't big rules people, but since seeing how our dog, and others' dogs react to aggressive dogs who are not removed, unleashed dogs in the parking area, unattended dogs, unattended children, and smoking (this is big for us since I have asthma) we have realized how important it really is for everyone's safety to follow the posted rules. The park needs to be safe for everyone, not just the people who think they are too important to follow the rules. We'd really like to see more enforcement. Also, it woudl be great if there were a park clean up day on a Sun or Mon so we could participate! :) . |
| #2= Drop second sentence.
#5= Drop rule, it is a given. . . | 1a=make age 14 years.
4d & 7g= let family come in at the same time thru gate system.
8h= charge professionals and the number of dogs. . | I don't want to see any board members or volunteers get injured. Maybe the board could attend a class on handling difficult people using the parks. . | Would like to see more interest by all our members. At summer get together have the annual meeting and give away some nice prizes to get them to come. While still watching our bank balance. . |
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| . . | . | I think that, for the most part, people are pretty good at self-enforcing - - but, I don't think that it would be a bad idea to have a dogpaw member occasionally come by and do a walk thru, see what's going on, etc. . | Can't wait to see the small dog area at Dakota - do realize that it's in someone else's hands for the moment..or longer . |
| 1)As with any dog, intact males can be aggressive. However, we have seen a number of NEUTERED males being poorly controlled or ignored by their handlers, and heckling other dogs. People who show their dogs in AKC conformation shows have intact dogs, both male and female, since dogs must be intact to be shown. The neutered-male rule discriminates against these dogs/owners. Many people who show their dogs also do obedience, agility or other cooperative activities that ensure their dogs are responsive and under control in an off-leash environment. I think if people take responsibility for their dogs in the park, the issue of neutered vs. un-neutered males becomes moot.
2)Licensing and vaccinating are city or county enforcement issues. It seems like Dogpaws might have success with posting fewer rules, but rules that are truly relevant to maintaining an off-leash dog park; 1) be aware of your dog and other dogs in the area, 2)take responsibility for your dog's behavior- restrain and/or remove your dog if it is socially challenged, 3)pick up your dog's poop. Rules 8 and 9 are good guidelines. . . | . | . | Maybe it would be good to have less rules to read and remember, and more focus on the big dog-park issues of safety and clean-up! We are so lucky to have access to 4 wonderfully maintained dog parks in our area. Thank you, Dogpaws board, for your efforts and your organization. We'd like to help out more- please email volunteer opportunities as they arise. In the past we have had trouble getting in contact with anyone so that we may donate/help with activites. Thank you again! . |
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| . . | adding these new rules, too, and the sign will have to be billboard size. I prefer the rules as they are now and rely on the basic intelligence and goodwill of the park users. It seems to have worked so far . . . . | . | website and questionnaire are somewhat confusing but the DogPaw effort overall is terrific. . |
| Rule 2: (wording change) Prong, pinch collars etc....must be removed before dog enters park
Rule 7: I care one leash for 2 dogs and it works well
. . | Children must be within arms reach. Parents must assume all risk for children brought into the park.
Owners should try to distance dog from gate when other dogs are entering
. | There should be multiple signs stating the rule about no unaltered dogs above 1 year old allowed and the consequences. Perhaps have people take photo of dog and owner to post on website or board?
. | Any plans to make a small dog area in the park off 162nd? . |
| Rule 6 - I often see handlers not picking up after their dogs. It is very rude, especially when they are standing right there and see it happen.. . | . | I would not expect DOGPAW tobe the enforcers. People should be able to enforce themselves. . | . |
| . . | suggestions. suggestions.. | signs, observers as possible signs, observers as possible. | Thanks for all you do. We think Dogpaw does a great service for the community. We happily provide donations. Just a question about this survey...dont understand why there are 2 rows of questions, one for individual and one for family. Just one should suffice we would think. Its sort of confusing as it is. . |
| Practical and reasonable.. Think they are great.. | . | . | . |
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| . . | . | The rules can only be on an honor system. . | . |
| Please don't relax these rules. The safety of all our furry friends is paramont, regardless of whether people are inconvenienced. Now if there was just some way to make sure people FOLLOW the rules!. . | I would be very satisfied with other park rules controlling small children (under 8, must be within arms reach of adult); rules about gate entry; controlling items that could cause aggression; limit of 2 dogs per handler, and DEFINITELY a ban on doggy day care providers using the park as their place of business - which if there is a limit of 2 dogs per handler, would be taken care of . | Tough question!! It would be wonderful if there could be a person stationed at each gate to perhaps check for membership status, and to help enforce the rules. But, given cost constraints and possible additional liability on the organization, probably can't happen. Not sure what the answer to this one should be.... . | WE LOVE THE DOG PARKS!! PLEASE KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK YOU ARE DOING!!!! . |
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| I appreciate the dog park rules and wish others would as well. They, however, are not enforced and sometimes you get nasty responses from folks when you point out a rule they are not following. I especially refer to Rule #1. No unaltered dogs over the age of 1 yr. This is really overlooked by folks & fights incurr. . . | . | I truly wish we could have some kind of enforcement. I know money plays a part here. Don't know if we could get shirts/jackets saying park patrol (to give an official look) with volunteers enforcing watch. Other ideas??? . | I continue to support all your efforts. You have maintained your status as the "voice of dog owners" and not becoming a dictator of dog owners. Keep up the good work & personal thanks to all of you for hard work and efforts!!! . |
| #2 - Unless they are illegal, who are we to determine what type of collar an owner can use?
#5 - Let 'em bark. Wear ear plugs. What are the beagle owners supposed to do? What is considered excessive?
#8 - Consider asking folks to move away from / not congregate near the gates or fountains.
#9 - Add 'do not leave water bowls or containers of water behind.'
. . | Our parks are big enough for folks to relocate to another corner if their dog is bothered by something so I would hate to ban children from dog parks but 'within arms reach' is a good suggestion.
I don't agree with banning folks who want to jog with their pooch. Banning bikes, skateboards etc. sounds OK but not strollers.
I also think our parks are big enough to allow professionals to use them. Educating the pros on the rules and how the parks are funded could help our cause. . | Beyond letting the county animal control folks know when issues arise, I don't think DOGPAW members should be expected to enforce the rules. Educate, educate, educate. . | . |
| A few owners fail to pick up their dogs waste! They seem to be oblivious of what the rest of us do and evidently do not know what the plastic bags are for.. . | . | None- the people that use the park will enforce it theirselves. . | As a whole DOGPAW is doing great. We appreciate the facility in Washougal. . |