[oldtimes]

Originally Posted by lindaelane

In my opinion, your dogs have been used to a measure of freedom. Such a measure is not available here - any fenced yards are small. Your dogs will feel as if they have moved to a place of relative imprisonment. It is up to you to decide if good treatment of your beloved dogs is important enough for you to move somewhere where their freedom is not significantly decreased.

And certainly, if you do move here, I believe you must be prepared at the very least to walk them, on the required lease, regularly. Or else be prepared to see your dogs really suffer from a new level of confinement.

But this is me...I would not live here with a dog, no matter it's size as I believe they are animals who need freedom to move about in more than a small yard and/or small house.

Please no trolls who think differently from me - everyone is entitled to their beliefs.

Many of the dogs here are rescues. They think they are in heaven.

[mrsstats]

Originally Posted by Joe C.

To be truthful, but blunt, and not trying to sound rude, but if you let your animals out without a leash and allow them to do "their thing", you are asking for trouble.

I would not let them out unleashed to go on someone else’s property.

[mrsstats]

Originally Posted by Glorantha

Another option is to buy or build a house with a yard big enough for a large bird cage. Add a garden area or two with some dog friendly plants. One of my neighbors has grass that seems to be working. I have found that my dogs, both under 15 lbs, find pine straw as an acceptable option to do their business.
This option protects your pets from critters and bugs and gives you the added benefit on additional space to relax when the weather gets cooler.

Thank you. That is a very good idea.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by Villages Kahuna

An electric fence is the answer. My son has two very active Australian Shepards and an electric fence keeps them “contained” perfectly. I don’t know of an instance when they didn’t stay “in their yard”.

Sorry, but I disagree with you; an electric fence is NOT the answer.

We also had an electric fence. Hated it! If your dog is a jumper like ours, she was able to jump above the point where the signal would emit the charge -- higher than where the electronic fence would work/shock. Also, the electronic collar is a pain in the you-know-what! It is bulky and you absolutely should not leave it on your dog all the time which means you have to put it on them each and every time they need or want to go out.

Lastly, any critter can still enter your yard, i.e., a coyote, alligator, or other nasty critters and even someone who wants to steal your dog.

[Bellavita]

Invisible fence is great

Originally Posted by mrsstats

We are considering a move to the Villages. Currently staying here for a few days looking at property. We know there is a limited amount of housing with fenced yards in what we are looking at. We are considering something without the fenced yard but not sure how our 2 dogs will like it. They are on the small side 16 lbs each but are used to being just let out to do their thing. We do walk them on occasion but that is not the norm. Anyone make the move to the Villages with this issue.

[JeanC]

We moved here with two large dogs who were used to fenced yards. They were troopers. We put out a lead in the back yard tied to a tree and tie one up there just to do his business. The other didn’t like that so I walk him in the yard. They much prefer the AC indoors and only go out to do their business. So it works great for them.

[Dusty_Star]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

Sorry, but I disagree with you; an electric fence is NOT the answer.

We also had an electric fence. Hated it! If your dog is a jumper like ours, she was able to jump above the point where the signal would emit the charge -- higher than where the electronic fence would work/shock. Also, the electronic collar is a pain in the you-know-what! It is bulky and you absolutely should not leave it on your dog all the time which means you have to put it on them each and every time they need or want to go out.

Lastly, any critter can still enter your yard, i.e., a coyote, alligator, or other nasty critters and even someone who wants to steal your dog.

[nancymiller217@yahoo.com]

Originally Posted by Trayderjoe

We moved here with 2 small dogs about the same size as yours, but elected to purchase a home without a fenced yard. I would never let them outside on their own as there are predators here that the fence won’t stop. I’d recommend resetting both your expectations and the dogs by getting out and walking them. They will enjoy the time with you. You could also try getting them used to the golf cart and take them for a ride.

There are multiple dog parks that you could take them to and let them run off leash unless they are not other dog friendly.

Exactly what we did, except I would mention that I started taking my dog on leash walks every day as soon as we decided to move. I knew she would miss her yard, but she did love greeting the neighbors and adapted quickly.

Your dogs just want to be with you.

[Worldseries27]

Originally Posted by orangeblossombaby

bobcats, foxes, eagles, owls, a variety of hawks, coyotes.

Do your dogs a favor and either don't leave them out unattended, or don't bring them to the villages.

coyotes are smart. They can schedule an attack if you do things routinely

[Debra Freeman]

Why not get an invisible fence? Solves all the problems.

[NotGolfer]

I know of two examples, ,make it three....#1. friends have an electric fence for their 2 dogs. One dog has been known to run away, despite the fence. #2. a handful of years ago a man went out on his lawn at night so the dog could do it's thing. A coyote came and snatched it before the man could react and save it. Oh---one more story #3--man lived on a pond that his large back yard abutted to. His dog was running along not far from the pond when a gator came and snatched it. Man reacted quickly and dove in and saved his dog but not without both receiving some injuries. This last story even made the t.v. news and papers. Living in FL isn't the same as living "up north".

[Sunny923!]

Originally Posted by Chitown

I was in exactly the same situation two years ago. You have two options. First option is either a courtyard villa or a bungalow villa. Courtyard villas are typically two bedroom two bath, bungalow villas are typically three bedroom two baths, both have fenced in backyards. The next option is what I chose which is a veranda. All of the verandas are south of US 44 in the newer section of the villages. Veranda homes are designer homes with fenced in backyards.

Incorrect-Courtyard Villas are typically 3/2 in the south, either concrete or wood. All CV have private walled in back yards. Its the best option for dog owners.

[jimschlaefer]

Originally Posted by mrsstats

We are considering a move to the Villages. Currently staying here for a few days looking at property. We know there is a limited amount of housing with fenced yards in what we are looking at. We are considering something without the fenced yard but not sure how our 2 dogs will like it. They are on the small side 16 lbs each but are used to being just let out to do their thing. We do walk them on occasion but that is not the norm. Anyone make the move to the Villages with this issue.

Similar situation. We hunted until we found a Veranda model we liked. That took some doing but we ended up with a fenced yard "with a view". Had to get used to walking "the boys" on leads since we are originally from a more rural area in Texas where leads were more for keeping your dog from running away. It has worked out well so far. "The boys" have some space to stretch their legs and also socialize some on walks. May not be the most attractive approach to spend extra time and lots of effort hunting for what you want, but in our case it really paid off. And don't shy from new builds as they may be more cost effective than "used" in this case. Just one personal experience. On the side, the Invisible fence idea is also a great alternative if your dogs aren't too headstrong to ignore the shock and you are used to having that type of collar on them.

[Laurawilcox]

We are moving from a place with little concern for ticks and fleas with our two 45 pound dogs. Recommendations? Are the prescription versions worth the difference in price?

Thank you.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by Debra Freeman

Why not get an invisible fence? Solves all the problems.

Wrong! I was bitten and bloodied by a dog that got out of his invisible fence. Invisible fence is not 100%!.