I'd worry more about golf carts and cars hitting a lose dog than the alligators even though there would be a concern with a dog who got away from his/her master as well.

In my small circle, I know of two people who have had their pooches hit my a vehicle either in or near the Villages. One of these was because of one of those very long retractable leashes on a golf course and a distracted dog owner walking and talking at the same time.

I am not sure of the circumstances of the dog getting hit by the car but expect it was something along the same lines--a distracted dog owner and/or vehicle driver.

When I am walking my dog, I try to keep him away from all ponds in or near the Villages as well as lose dogs and distracted golf cart and other vehicle operators.