How do you stop your dogs from tearing your birdcage screen?

[Fuzzyjourneyfan]

This is my first time posting, so I hope that I am doing it correctly. We would like to move to The Villages by summer. We have two small (15 pounds each) dogs. We would like to get a house with a large birdcage to keep them safe from wild animals. I think that they would probably tear up the screen if they saw something interesting in the backyard. What do pet owners do to avoid this problem? Is there something waterproof that we could put up against the screen?

[tophcfa]

Easiest question I have ever responded to. Train them properly.

[Two Bills]

I have read on previous threads, that Lowes sell some screening that is raccoon proof.
Lining the bottom 2-4 feet of your lanai with it will probably stop your dogs from destroying present screen from inside.
However, two small dogs alone in lanai may encourage raccoons, bobcats, to try their luck from the outside, and they can rip open lanais.
Six of one, half dozen of the other!

[JSR22]

I have 2 dogs and a good size birdcage. They are never in the birdcage by themselves. We have squirrels that run over the top of the birdcage and ducks come to look in because we have a pool. I have never seen any other animals. I would never leave them alone I do not think it is safe.

[Topspinmo]

I have read on previous threads, that Lowes sell some screening that is raccoon proof.
Lining the bottom 2-4 feet of your lanai with it will probably stop your dogs from destroying present screen from inside.
However, two small dogs alone in lanai may encourage raccoons, bobcats, to try their luck from the outside, and they can rip open lanais.
Six of one, half dozen of the other!

Raccoons?

[villagetinker]

There is a product called PET SCREEN, we have this installed in the lower portions of out lanai and birdcage. It is a much heavier designed screen and is supposed to withstand a 20 pound (or more?) cat climbing it with no damage. There is also a few companies that do screen replacement, so you should be able to have the existing screens replaced with pet screen.

[PugMom]

personally, i'd never leave a pet out by itself/themselves. too many predators or other critters that may be interesting to your dogs.

[Gulfcoast]

This is why we are looking at a CYV. Our dogs are bigger and we know that they need an enclosed yard to run around in. If there was a squirrel or a duck sitting right outside of a screen I know that they would scratch the screen.

We've lived in an apartment where we had to walk the dogs on leash every time they needed to go outside and it was good exercise but also pretty time consuming.

[justjim]

This is why we are looking at a CYV. Our dogs are bigger and we know that they need an enclosed yard to run around in. If there was a squirrel or a duck sitting right outside of a screen I know that they would scratch the screen.

We've lived in an apartment where we had to walk the dogs on leash every time they needed to go outside and it was good exercise but also pretty time consuming.

The Villages has been building designer/ranch homes with fences south of 466A. They are a good alternative to a courtyard villa. To each his own...

[Two Bills]

raccoons?

87183

[Gulfcoast]

The Villages has been building designer/ranch homes with fences south of 466A. They are a good alternative to a courtyard villa. To each his own...

We're planning to seriously look at the new designer ranch homes with fences, too. At this point, we know we need a fence, we want an easy maintenance yard and we would prefer to be within walking distance to a town square or at least a clubhouse or shopping center w/dining options.

Our dogs are energetic but not barkers/yappers or escape artists so they are o.k. to be let outside alone in a fenced in yard for short stretches.

[asianthree]

We're planning to seriously look at the new designer ranch homes with fences, too. At this point, we know we need a fence, we want an easy maintenance yard and we would prefer to be within walking distance to a town square or at least a clubhouse or shopping center w/dining options.

Our dogs are energetic but not barkers/yappers or escape artists so they are o.k. to be let outside alone in a fenced in yard for short stretches.

Please be careful leaving your dog outside alone. We do have predators that will jump the fence, or walk along the top looking for a snack. We had a bobcat walk thru our yard couple of times last week

[Fuzzyjourneyfan]

We didn't plan on leaving them alone. I would like to build an area for them to go to the bathroom in the birdcage. We will take them on walks, of course, too, but that isn't always possible.

[Fuzzyjourneyfan]

The pet screen product is a great idea! Thanks for the reply.

[tophcfa]

This thread blows my mind. Why is the overwhelming solution getting some kind of dog proof screen instead of taking the responsibility to properly train your dog. Our dog would never damage a screen, and we use exclusively positive reinforcement to train our little girl.

[camaguey48]

This is my first time posting, so I hope that I am doing it correctly. We would like to move to The Villages by summer. We have two small (15 pounds each) dogs. We would like to get a house with a large birdcage to keep them safe from wild animals. I think that they would probably tear up the screen if they saw something interesting in the backyard. What do pet owners do to avoid this problem? Is there something waterproof that we could put up against the screen?
Geeez, really? I hope they are not yappers. Coyotes, yes, coyotes, are still still around and they will tear through the lanai and snatch them before you know it. I know of someone who lost his cat that way. He destroyed the lanai, blood everywhere and didn't bother to take the cat with him. Ate him right there. Owner wasn't home. Coyotes have lost their natural habitat and will hunt and kill anything; they have become more aggressive.. Same goes for alligators. Use common sense

[Rwirish]

Remove the bird cage.

[Eg_cruz]

Easiest question I have ever responded to. Train them properly.
Train wild animals.....how does one do that????

[J1ceasar]

Several responses. There is dog resistant screen , much heavier .
Second is adding aluminum sheets
Lastly never leave dogs alone in bird cages . We have eagles and hawks here . I did see an eagle tear and crash thru a roof screen into a pool .

[gwenhwalker@yahoo.com]

I'd be more concerned with wild animals tearing the screen to get in to your dogs

[Neils]

Buy a roll of old fashioned chicken wire. Very inexpensive barrier. Look for it at Rural King or Tractor supply.

Dogs will not scratch through it.

[Stanajudy]

You can also install kick panels along the bottom section of your screen.

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

I have read on previous threads, that Lowes sell some screening that is raccoon proof.
Lining the bottom 2-4 feet of your lanai with it will probably stop your dogs from destroying present screen from inside.
However, two small dogs alone in lanai may encourage raccoons, bobcats, to try their luck from the outside, and they can rip open lanais.
Six of one, half dozen of the other!
Plus Coyotes, Bears, Alligators, Eagles, big hawks, Owls, rattlesnakes and cottonmouth snakes, never leave them alone outside with just a screen to protect them.

[Girlcopper]

This thread blows my mind. Why is the overwhelming solution getting some kind of dog proof screen instead of taking the responsibility to properly train your dog. Our dog would never damage a screen, and we use exclusively positive reinforcement to train our little girl.
The perfect response! You dont change things to suit a dog. The dog adapts and is trained to act properly

[Girlcopper]

Plus Coyotes, Bears, Alligators, Eagles, big hawks, Owls, rattlesnakes and cottonmouth snakes, never leave them alone outside with just a screen to protect them.
Lol. Do you live in a jungle? Most of all that is rare or non existant!

[photo1902]

Slightly off-topic, but I would imagine there are hundreds of pets that are in screened in lanai's and birdcages at any point of the day here in The Villages. Is the problem of wildlife entering these areas and killing/eating pets that widespread of a problem?

Not to mention all of the dogs who spend a good portion of the day outside, within the confines of an Invisible Fence. There are three in my neighborhood alone.

Good grief.:popcorn:

[Mohawksin]

This is my first time posting, so I hope that I am doing it correctly. We would like to move to The Villages by summer. We have two small (15 pounds each) dogs. We would like to get a house with a large birdcage to keep them safe from wild animals. I think that they would probably tear up the screen if they saw something interesting in the backyard. What do pet owners do to avoid this problem? Is there something waterproof that we could put up against the screen?
We used the plastic lattice panels that are available from HD and Lowes. They come from the factory as 4 by 8 foot sections. We used 2 by 8 foot sections. You can cut them yourself lengthwise, but one or both of the stores have or will make the 2 foot high sections. You will need to cut enough off the 8 foot directions to fit between the vertical structures in your cage. Colors are white and green. We bought small white, painted self drilling screws to attach each panel to the horizontal structure that runs about 20 inches from the floor of the cage. All the additions are inside the cage so ARC approval is not not required.

[airstreamingypsy]

Lol. Do you live in a jungle? Most of all that is rare or non existant!>

Actually, The Villages has Coyotes, Bobcats, Eagles, Hawks alligators and venomous snakes. Leave your small dog outside and wait, you will see them. Nonexistent? I've seen all of them here.

[zendog3]

Two dogs. Never any trouble with them tearing at the screen -- even with squirrels. However, the neighbor's dog drowned in the pool soon afterr they moved in. I took our dogs out and put them in the pool . I showed them were the steps were and put them in over and over again until the learned to dog-paddle over to the steps to get out. They have never fallen in, but the training may save them if they slip.

[Curtisbwp]

Where are you from that causes you to worry that your dog could be eaten? The GUARANTEED way is to leave your dogs behind

[tophcfa]

Two dogs. Never any trouble with them tearing at the screen -- even with squirrels. However, the neighbor's dog drowned in the pool soon afterr they moved in. I took our dogs out and put them in the pool . I showed them were the steps were and put them in over and over again until the learned to dog-paddle over to the steps to get out. They have never fallen in, but the training may save them if they slip.

Our dog knows the steps also. But never allow your dog near the pool if you have a cover over it. The dog could get stuck underneath the cover. That would be tragic.

[Byte1]

I've found that an electric shock fence along the bottom works wonders. It also keeps the grandkids from attempting to get away. :a040: :MOJE_whot: :boom:

[John_W]

We're planning to seriously look at the new designer ranch homes with fences, too. At this point, we know we need a fence, we want an easy maintenance yard and we would prefer to be within walking distance to a town square or at least a clubhouse or shopping center w/dining options.

Our dogs are energetic but not barkers/yappers or escape artists so they are o.k. to be let outside alone in a fenced in yard for short stretches.

Single homes with a fenced yard south of 466A, TV built about 50 cottages with a fenced yard off Moyer Loop in 2016. For more, you'll need to go to the new areas south of 44 where they have built Veranda Homes, which are designers with a fenced yard.

Currently in the Pine Ridge/Pine Hills area of Moyer Loop there are 5 cottages for sale by TV and one has a fenced yard. It's an Anchor Model with a 2 car garage, 3 BR 2 BA for $257,000. This is a pretty good deal, most CYV's in this area are selling for more. The only negative is it's in Lake County which has slightly higher taxes. By golf cart your probably less than 10 minutes to Colony Shopping Center and Neighborhood Walmart Market.

https://image.thevillages.com/api/ulikey/L32.102.jpg?w=648&h=400

https://image.thevillages.com/api/photo/730116.jpg

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/L32.102?preowned&area=2&series=4&lng=-81.94173513513849&lat=28.84798999343296&lvl=4)

Property Details : Lake County Property Appraiser (https://lakecopropappr.com/property-details.aspx?AltKey=3897379)

[Worldseries27]

lol. Do you live in a jungle? Most of all that is rare or non existant!
and my ak will keep it that way

[John_W]

Plus Coyotes, Bears, Alligators, Eagles, big hawks, Owls, rattlesnakes and cottonmouth snakes, never leave them alone outside with just a screen to protect them.

Lol. Do you live in a jungle? Most of all that is rare or non existant!

Actually you live with a false sense of security and I should make a thread of this so many others can be educated as well. Bobcats are sighted regularly in TV, as well as coyotes, and hawks, and alligators daily.

Here's a Bobcat atop a villa wall in the Village of Hillsborough. On next door website a Bobcat was reported on a villa wall in my village of Tamarind Grove last week. Lanai screens are not really a great protector either, there's been posters that have said coyotes have come through the screen to get their cat.

https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/129009750_1810529749111549_1774416747149403192_n.j pg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=mvvohstEghIAX8wPsJL&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-1.xx&oh=b24bce5c1183a8bde6fa818164245ebf&oe=5FF092AC

Tall Tress is a village just south of 466 and east of the high school, you would think that coyotes wouldn't be around in that area. A golfer in my weekly group, his neighbor had a dog snatched by a coyote in their front yard while they were standing 20' away.

There is at least one resident a year that will report a coyote taking their small dog. A powerline worker was working on one of the towers east of Belle Glade Golf Course on the Lake/Sumter County line. They had to remove a Eagle's nest and they found 9 dog collars in the nest. So next time when someone comments about the wildlife here in Florida, you'll know it's for real.

Villages News July 2017

A Villages couple’s dog was snatched and killed by a coyote early Wednesday morning in the Village of Tall Trees.

Denise Edwards took her pair of Chihuahuas out this morning between 5:15 and 5:30 a.m. at her home on Welcome Way.

Edwards went to fetch her neighbors’ newspaper and put it up closer to their house. That’s when she heard her 13-pound, 3-year-old Chihuahua named Bailey “screaming.”

https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/129570709_1810539219110602_436569048579525670_n.jp g?_nc_cat=102&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=jFw7kPXKbx0AX9empWI&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=092310f4f7e1dad37291064ac0c754ca&oe=5FF21EC2

An “enormous” coyote had locked its jaw on Bailey. The dog’s sister, Pita, also a Chihuahua, tried to fight off the coyote and escaped unharmed.

“That coyote was as big as our neighbor’s Golden Retriever,” Edwards said.

She tried to run after it and the commotion began waking up neigbhors who came out to help.

In a flash, the coyote got away with Bailey.

Coyotes reportedly have been a problem in the neighborhood.

“We’ve all been complaining about it,” Edwards said.

Most coyote attacks on pets occur either at night or in the early evening and early morning hours, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The presence of coyotes has been documented in all 67 Florida counties.

Here's a photo taken in the Village of Pennecamp of 3 Bobcats in 2018.

https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/129054965_1810536405777550_1205963014647070608_n.j pg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=nQxQYZvvHgAAX8xrH1B&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=8077fa7963ee42d67aff350154524729&oe=5FF04770

I was playing Evans Prairie two years ago Dec 2018 and the next day I read on Villages News online site that this photo was taken on the 9th fairway of Egret at Evans Prairie a couple of days earlier. It was estimated the Bobcat was 6' from his feet to his tail.

https://scontent-mia3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/128597755_1810541015777089_1997771414938831951_o.j pg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=2&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=z5-pe4a_vzwAX8vEBlS&_nc_ht=scontent-mia3-2.xx&oh=620cdaaf2ff186f35691696af4676cac&oe=5FF0BDDD

Here's a hawk in TV, I feed doves in my backyard and in the past two years I have seen twice a hawk literally tear a dove to pieces and left only a pile of feathers. I could go on and on, but I want to make you aware so we don't lose anymore pets in TV.

https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/thevillagesdailysun.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/2a/f2a137f2-926d-11ea-a035-8bb5fe4b2485/5eb7746a90b46.image.jpg?resize=750%2C567

[cwwilber@gmail.com]

Never leave them alone, smaller dogs must fear the Hawks, Owls, Coyotes, Alligators, Snakes, Bobcats, Cougars. Big Coons, other dogs. All of these can be in The Villages.

[Gulfcoast]

Single homes with a fenced yard south of 466A, TV built about 50 cottages with a fenced yard off Moyer Loop in 2016. For more, you'll need to go to the new areas south of 44 where they have built Veranda Homes, which are designers with a fenced yard.

Currently in the Pine Ridge/Pine Hills area of Moyer Loop there are 5 cottages for sale by TV and one has a fenced yard. It's an Anchor Model with a 2 car garage, 3 BR 2 BA for $257,000. This is a pretty good deal, most CYV's in this area are selling for more. The only negative is it's in Lake County which has slightly higher taxes. By golf cart your probably less than 10 minutes to Colony Shopping Center and Neighborhood Walmart Market.

https://image.thevillages.com/api/ulikey/L32.102.jpg?w=648&h=400

https://image.thevillages.com/api/photo/730116.jpg

Homefinder - The Villages(R) Homes and Villas for Sale (https://www.thevillages.com/homefinder/L32.102?preowned&area=2&series=4&lng=-81.94173513513849&lat=28.84798999343296&lvl=4)

Property Details : Lake County Property Appraiser (https://lakecopropappr.com/property-details.aspx?AltKey=3897379)

Thanks for the links. This house seems to be quite spacious and I like that backyard. Not sure if that's a sago palm in the backyard or not but if it is it would be easy enough to remove. Sago palms are toxic to dogs.

[Worldseries27]

Dont forget the bears

[tophcfa]

We have a border collie who is very smart and capable of taking care of herself against most critter threats in the Villages. However, we abut a wildlife preserve and I won’t let her out anywhere in our yard without being by her side. My biggest fear is the venomous snakes, especially the cottonmouths. Gators are a minor concern, but we have only seen one very small gator near our house over several years. We have a family of bobcats living in our greater back yard area, but they are small cats and are very skiddish. My biggest concern for our little girls safety are the numerous idiotic and sometimes aggressive humans who don’t like dogs.

[John41]

The info on all the wild animals has been very helpful as we have two cats that go outdoors in our fenced in cyv. Usually the big one demands i go out with him and now i know why. Our lanai has several scratches from the cats and i just patch them up. in our other house we got pet screening on the lower 30 inches that works well.

[PugMom]

ikr! yesterday i took hubby to creekside for a dr appt. while parking i saw a pet cat wandering free, & this may sound alarmist to some, but i thought that cat must've slipped out because no one who cherishes their pet would let it roam free here. it had a collar & was VERY well fed. lol

[TCNY61]

I fence doesn't do much good either. Coyote jumping a 6'-0" wall in Phoenix, Az. - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCcuWQ3COjk)

[Gulfcoast]

We live in Florida now, close to a wooded preserve and I have seen deer, hawks, eagles, armadillos, rabbits, turtles, snakes. We've had a bear or two knock over our garbage can a few times, I've heard coyotes in the distance but I've never seen them in our backyard. We have 3 dogs, one of which is a German Shepherd. We also have a Golden and a solid 35 pound Heinz 57. Thankfully, no wildlife has ever tried to mess with them. The bobcats in TV look huge, I think I would faint if I had something like that walking along the top of my fence.