Dogs in the Villages

[mrsstats]

We are considering a move to the Villages. We have 2 dogs (about 17 lbs each) we now have a fenced in yard. I know there are some homes that do have fenced in property but if we can't find one how do others deal with their dogs. Do you walk them always? Do you walk them on your property if they need to go out in the middle of the night? Can they be leash free at the dog park so they can run around?

[DylanTodd]

In sum you will find the Villages to be very dog friendly. If you do not find a home with a fenced in backyard, many Villagers choose to get an invisible fence installed for their pets. You will often see neighbors taking their dogs out late at night onto their own property or up and down the block for that last bathroom break. For example, last night my wife and I went out for a walk at 730pm and we bumped into 3 sets of neighbors out with their dogs around 8pm. The dog parks are the only area in the Villages where a dog should be off leash. For a full list of details see this website here: Dog Parks (https://www.districtgov.org/departments/Recreation/dogparks.aspx#:~:text=All%20dogs%20are%20required% 20to,walk%20on%20common%20area%20landscaping).

Cheers,

Dylan

[Glorantha]

The Villages have 7 dog parks where you can let your dogs run free and socialize. There are plenty of green spaces and trails where you can walk your dogs to do their business. Newer neighborhoods include veranda homes and courtyard villas with small fenced in yards.
Most homes don’t have fenced in yards and you may have a walk to a green space so you’ll have to train your dogs. The Villages is mostly very dog friendly, with an occasional neighbor going ballistic if your dog goes on their lawn.
Bottom lines, my dogs love it here! They love the dog parks, riding in the golf cart and especially me being retired.

[Taltarzac725]

Doggie Doo Run Run is a 10 acre private dog park about 1 mile north of Southern Trace Shopping Center. It is up CR 101. It is in Oxford.

[LAFwUs]

Op,
You should have no issues here - unless of course you cant control your pets, dont/wont clean up after them or expect your neighbors to listen to them bark relentlessly while your out.
If you are the previously mentioned type owner (not saying that you are..), you will have endless issues in very short order, up to and including TV policy violations.

We own 1 med. size older lab. Probably every other house in our village, has at least 1 dog.
You'd never know it however, if you didn't see one of us out walking them near sunset. Everyone is very courteous, mindful that not everyone else are "dog people" and tries their best to avoid any issues, be it negative dog/dog or dog/person interaction.

No one here ties up outside ( I think thats a big no-no) but our dog spends a lot of time in our screened lanai w/ open door access into the house, because it does get really hot for them outdoors.
She likes to watch the world go by, but comes in when shes too hot or wants a treat. :)
As stated, the courtyard villas have a 'private' closed backyard, plenty of space for your dogs to have their own space, but thousands of people like us, do just fine without such.
Most owners simply leash walk them as needed, but you'll find most are early morning or evening when the pavement (paws) & temps are cooler. In our area, there are at least 2 houses with little 'dog water' stations placed on the curb for passing dog walkers.
The many dog parks are really nice, very large - but can get crowded at certain times & on weekends.
Best of luck.

[ThirdOfFive]

We are considering a move to the Villages. We have 2 dogs (about 17 lbs each) we now have a fenced in yard. I know there are some homes that do have fenced in property but if we can't find one how do others deal with their dogs. Do you walk them always? Do you walk them on your property if they need to go out in the middle of the night? Can they be leash free at the dog park so they can run around?
Not a dog guy but I do recall a story a couple of months back where some guy let his dogs run free at some place adjacent to water (dog park? Can't recall). Dogs love water: one of them ran to the shore and became lunch for a gator.

Something to be aware of, at any rate.

[Djean1981]

A lot of the houses in the south have fences with a side yard gate.

[Rose Ann Vinci Igoe]

We are considering a move to the Villages. We have 2 dogs (about 17 lbs each) we now have a fenced in yard. I know there are some homes that do have fenced in property but if we can't find one how do others deal with their dogs. Do you walk them always? Do you walk them on your property if they need to go out in the middle of the night? Can they be leash free at the dog park so they can run around?
The Villages have NO fenced in yards, but court yard villas that have walled back yards. very nice... but if you can't find one you like, a regular home is fine BUT leash law at all times even on your property. you can walk, on leash, dog parks, and at night to walk for potty before bed is LEASH. KEEP IN MIND we have PREDITORS here, coyotes, hawkes, gators, and yes if unleashed they could possibly get your fur baby. but leash law always if you love your baby... but Court yard villa... leash is not required because your back yard is surrounded by wall.

[tophcfa]

In general the Villages is a dog friendly place, but be careful at the dog parks. Many owners go there to socialize and don’t watch or have any control over their poorly behaved pets, letting them terrorize other dogs. Also, in Florida (especially if you use dog parks), get your dog preventative medication for hookworm. It’s not a common intestinal parasite up north, but it’s very common in Florida. It’s spread through feces and easily transmitted by a dog stepping in it and then licking its paws.

[valuemkt]

My home backs up to the water. While my dog is not considered to be a "water dog" when we first got him he chased a bird (duck/ egret/ pelican) into the water and I nearly had a heart attack. he quickly came out. We had an invisible fence installed shortly after, and it only took one training session for him to learn his boundaries. No more walking on a leash in the middle of the night. Outdoor spots light up the yard to make sure any native creature is ignoring their boundary. Best money you will spend for your dog's safety and your peace of mind. (This is not a paid commercial). Even if you are not directly around water, your neighbors will appreciate how your well behaved dogs stay in their yard.

[brianherlihy]

just let them poop on your lawn not my keep poop at home

[village dreamer]

and lots of people have ring and house cameras to see who is on the lawn.

[brianherlihy]

i dont like dogs keep them on your grass

[Papa_lecki]

Villages is VERY dog friendly. Your dogs will be fine. As mentioned earlier, screened lanai’s are nice for them. Walking them is easy. Many walk when they are getting mail.

[mrsstats]

Thank you for all your responses. I appreciate it.

[Djean1981]

Wrong. The newer southern communities have yards..

[asianthree]

The Villages have NO fenced in yards, but court yard villas that have walled back yards. very nice... but if you can't find one you like, a regular home is fine BUT leash law at all times even on your property. you can walk, on leash, dog parks, and at night to walk for potty before bed is LEASH. KEEP IN MIND we have PREDITORS here, coyotes, hawkes, gators, and yes if unleashed they could possibly get your fur baby. but leash law always if you love your baby... but Court yard villa... leash is not required because your back yard is surrounded by wall.

Verandas (designers with complete vinyl yard enclosures) are being built in new areas in the south.

[Joecool]

Verandas are designer homes with fences you could also put up a bird cage and have some grass inside it. About every 2 blocks is a common area common area owned by the villages that dogs can potty on, but it is best to let them party in your yard where you can pick it right up.

[GmaLisaG]

Veranda homes are completely FENCED in. 😊

[jimkerr]

The Villages have NO fenced in yards, but court yard villas that have walled back yards. very nice... but if you can't find one you like, a regular home is fine BUT leash law at all times even on your property. you can walk, on leash, dog parks, and at night to walk for potty before bed is LEASH. KEEP IN MIND we have PREDITORS here, coyotes, hawkes, gators, and yes if unleashed they could possibly get your fur baby. but leash law always if you love your baby... but Court yard villa... leash is not required because your back yard is surrounded by wall.

That’s incorrect. There are 100’s of homes with fenced in yards that are designer homes. They call those Villages Verandas.

[Lindaws]

We have a home in Hemingway on Nash Loop: our street is the only one with totally fenced in back yard. A 6 ft. high fence
with gate to access backyard.

[EatthMama]

We are considering a move to the Villages. We have 2 dogs (about 17 lbs each) we now have a fenced in yard. I know there are some homes that do have fenced in property but if we can't find one how do others deal with their dogs. Do you walk them always? Do you walk them on your property if they need to go out in the middle of the night? Can they be leash free at the dog park so they can run around?
I have 2 small dogs as well. I am single, and didn’t want a big house, so prioritized having a fenced in yard for the little guys. Courtyard villas all have fenced yards. Some verandas do as well, but of course those houses are much higher maintenance.
I have doggie doors in my sliding glass door and bird cage, and have my dogs trained to take themselves out if they need to go. I do also take them to a dog park at least every other day so they can run free with their friends.
Good luck!

[airstreamingypsy]

The Villages have NO fenced in yards, but court yard villas that have walled back yards. very nice... but if you can't find one you like, a regular home is fine BUT leash law at all times even on your property. you can walk, on leash, dog parks, and at night to walk for potty before bed is LEASH. KEEP IN MIND we have PREDITORS here, coyotes, hawkes, gators, and yes if unleashed they could possibly get your fur baby. but leash law always if you love your baby... but Court yard villa... leash is not required because your back yard is surrounded by wall.

I have a friend in Pine Ridge who has a fenced yard. You are wrong saying the Villages has NO fenced yards,

[Jayhawk]

just let them poop on your lawn not my keep poop at home

Noted.

Now, please share how you deal with rabbits, squirrels, anoles, coyotes, mice, rats, birds, and other wildlife when they poop in your yard. Do you hate them equally? Or do you just hate dogs?

[maistocars]

A courtyard villa should be easy to find and there are at least 10 new ones available for a week or more in different neighborhoods. Two (built within last year) in St. Catherines were out there for 1-3 weeks and another available in Chitty Chatty for 2 weeks now.

[Driller703]

We are considering a move to the Villages. We have 2 dogs (about 17 lbs each) we now have a fenced in yard. I know there are some homes that do have fenced in property but if we can't find one how do others deal with their dogs. Do you walk them always? Do you walk them on your property if they need to go out in the middle of the night? Can they be leash free at the dog park so they can run around?
Fenced in yard

Ask your realtor to show you some. Veranda homes. If you add some sod under the gate, the pets can’t get out. Really easy for middle of the night sessions.

[Davonu]

Noted.

Now, please share how you deal with rabbits, squirrels, anoles, coyotes, mice, rats, birds, and other wildlife when they poop in your yard. Do you hate them equally? Or do you just hate dogs?
Hmmm. Wild animals equal domesticated owned-by-human animals.

Interesting perspective.

[DonnaNi4os]

We are considering a move to the Villages. We have 2 dogs (about 17 lbs each) we now have a fenced in yard. I know there are some homes that do have fenced in property but if we can't find one how do others deal with their dogs. Do you walk them always? Do you walk them on your property if they need to go out in the middle of the night? Can they be leash free at the dog park so they can run around?

You would be best to consider buying a villa. You will find lots of other dog owners in developments that are all villas. That makes for understanding neighbors should your dog be an occasional barker. Having said that, dogs need exercise, and so do I, so we walk at least twice a day. Be sure to carry sufficient poop bags and be a thoughtful dog owner. Regardless, no one wants a dog peeing or pooping on their property unless it’s their own. Mine has learned to poop in the street. I clean it up immediately and no one gets upset about that. Hope you find a home you like. This is a pretty great place to live.

[Rsenholzi]

There are plenty of homes with fenced in yards to be had. You just have to search in those areas. However, remember that with small dogs , there are predators out there that aren’t in the north - gators , coyotes, lynx, armadillo, opossums ,etc. they can climb these walls despite having them. Small dogs should not be outside unsupervised ever. As people said. , the villages is dog friendly to a point. It is not appreciated by the owners when you walk your dogs on their property. Those with corner properties do not appreciate your using their property as a bathroom for your dog. I have had dogs since I moved here and have one of these corner properties. I train my dog to the backyard and yet I have walked barefoot out front and stepped in s—-! I have yellow pee marks that I have had to rake out and replant sod and finally reseed. This is not acceptable and property owners will be upset when you do it. People say oh I clean up after my dog but you can never get it all and the bacteria grows destroying someone else’s lawn. If you train your dog to your own property, people will be much happier with you . My dogs have been trained to do this so it can be done.
There are plenty of dog parks especially in the south. Seems like there , they are in every section. They are off-leash but you must remember to clean up after your dog and watch constantly. Recently there was an outbreak of illness in one of the parks due to feces leaving a bacteria. Parks are closed frequently for spraying for this usually 2 weeks at a time so be aware you will have to find another park to visit during those times. Most dog owners there are friendly and most dogs are also. Dog fights break out occasionally so you need to keep a careful watch on your dog at all times. There are 2 sections at each park ( large over 30 lbs and small under 30 lbs) believe it or not I find the large dogs are much friendlier especially to the small dogs. There are some sections along the golf cart path that people have made into dog walks. These are on leash areas and people stop despite not actually being a clarified park and walk their dogs. Many people walk them at the PO Boxes despite being told not to. Some dog owners feel they have the right to do what they want wherever and whenever they want. This is not acceptable and those dog owners ruin it for the rest of us who respect others homes, PO Boxes, paths , etc.
you will find some restaurants are also dog friendly. These are places with outside patios ( keep in mind not all with outside patios are dog friendly - when in doubt ask) many will even provide a bowl of water and even some dog cookies. I usually bring my own water bowl and water as well as treats. Squares are dog friendly also as long as you steer clear of the dancing areas. Many places are cracking down on emotional support dogs and only allowing service dogs . You will be asked for papers if this is the case. Good luck with your choice and I suggest you wait to find a home with a fence if you have a dog . There are plenty out there in both the old and new sections ( courtyard villas in the old ( not patio) and verandas and courtyard in the new.