Coming down! What need I know?

[WiscoDogsDad]

As a dog parent, what would you have liked to know…about The Villages and/or the area…before coming to retire?

Great stuff?

Not so great?

[oldtimes]

As a dog parent, what would you have liked to know…about The Villages and/or the area…before coming to retire?

Great stuff?

Not so great?

We knew we wanted a yard for them to run around in so we knew we wanted a courtyard villa with the biggest yard that we could find and also a 2 car garage. We hunted around until we found one. They are happy and we are happy.

[Stu from NYC]

One could write a book.

Love this place but suggest you spend some time on here reading threads on what goes on

[asianthree]

It’s summer, if you choose to walk your dog on the sidewalk or road…..Please take off your shoe and stand on that surface. If it’s too hot for you to stand for more than a few minutes that it’s really too hot to walk your dog for 1/2 hour. Please invest in booties for you pup, we used them in winter and hot summer months

[dhdallas]

As a dog parent, what would you have liked to know…about The Villages and/or the area…before coming to retire?

Great stuff?

Not so great?

If there is one thing I cannot stand, it is a barking dog. I will politely ask the dog owner to keep the animal quiet one time but the next time the dog has a fit of prolonged barking I will let the police handle it. Believe it or not but there are a number of us who don't like dogs, don't want friends & neighbors bringing their dog to the house, and definitely do not want to see a dog in a restaurant under the guise of being a service dog. Dogs do not belong at public gatherings such as neighborhood parties and they should never be allowed at the squares. As a helpful warning, do not walk your dog within 15 feet or so from the edge of the ponds or the dog (or you) could be an alligators next meal. Stay on the paved trail and you will be fine.

[tophcfa]

Get your little buddy treated with a hookworm preventative, especially if you bring him/her to dog parks. Many people don’t properly clean up after their dogs and in the Florida climate hookworm can easily be spread through feces. Trust me, we learned that the hard way with our Border Collie. Also, good veterinary care is hard to find here and the good ones are very busy. Establish a relationship with a veterinarian ASAP because if you wait for an emergency it will be to lake. Welcome and best of luck.

[Bitsee]

Contrary to popular belief....The Villages is not as dog - friendly as the sales representatives would want you to believe - IMO

I speak from 15 years experience with my dogs in The Villages.
We snowbird in Northern Wisconsin where our dogs have unlimited freedom , safe lakes to swim in, off leash walking trails that go for miles, and plenty of chipmunks to chase !

When we come here for the winter we have a nice yard with our CYV for them to lounge in.
We take them to the nice dog parks occasionally but beware of the usual " Click" groups that frequent those parks....they will scrutinize you and your dog(s) up and down as you will be the new interloper that has entered.

We also tether our dogs in our golf cart to ride in at night and they seem to enjoy that very much as well.

We go to the squares and listen to the bands, but never do they leave that cart to walk the squares.

And Please never leave your dog(s) unattended in your cart either, that is irresponsible to say the least.


Other than that our dogs are quite stifled from thier normal Wisconsin routine when we get there but they always behave amazingly enough.

I also seem to forget alot of folks are not dog people and you need to respect the rules and regulations regarding pets in TV because believe me you and your dog(s) will be confronted if you don't...just saying.

Wish I could paint you a prettier picture ~ Sorry.

[MrFlorida]

Bring poop bags. It's a sore subject here...

[JMintzer]

If there is one thing I cannot stand, it is a barking dog. I will politely ask the dog owner to keep the animal quiet one time but the next time the dog has a fit of prolonged barking I will let the police handle it. Believe it or not but there are a number of us who don't like dogs, don't want friends & neighbors bringing their dog to the house, and definitely do not want to see a dog in a restaurant under the guise of being a service dog. Dogs do not belong at public gatherings such as neighborhood parties and they should never be allowed at the squares. As a helpful warning, do not walk your dog within 15 feet or so from the edge of the ponds or the dog (or you) could be an alligators next meal. Stay on the paved trail and you will be fine.

Well, at least the last part of your post was helpful...

[JMintzer]

Bring poop bags. It's a sore subject here...

It's a sore subject even if you do bring the bags...

[WiscoDogsDad]

We are coming from Dane County and have spent many great weekends in Arbor Vitae....

I'm very appreciative of the unvarnished observations. I was/am seeking a realistic set of viewpoints.

Many thanks from a fellow Badger

[WiscoDogsDad]

Can I impose for elaboration?

I would not dream of leaving any poop behind, anywhere.....with a considered effort to have most voiding occur on my own property.

[sdeikenberry]

Small dogs can be lunch for eagles and hawks...don't let them out alone in a courtyard. Keep it on a leash, and know not everyone loves Fido or wants him to approach them. Dogs have no place at the squares during music venues. Pick up the poop and respect other people's lawns. Otherwise you're good.

[NoMo50]

You will find the State of Florida to be fairly dog unfriendly when it comes to the beaches. Most public beaches do not allow dogs. It is strange, at least to me, that you can drive your car onto many beaches, and let it leak oil all day, but you cannot bring your dog.

[asianthree]

Can I impose for elaboration?

I would not dream of leaving any poop behind, anywhere.....with a considered effort to have most voiding occur on my own property.


Dog owners who go for long walks for exercise, with proper short leash, never allowed to enter yards, respect their neighbors, and leave deposit in their yard only. They realize some work hard to try keep a green healthy lawn. ( that is difficult in FL) The lawn owner is Glad to be Mowing without stepping in remnants of left behind presents. Many who no longer own dogs, would like their lawn to stay dog free. Not dog haters just tired of upkeep from dogs they do not own.

Then there are the lawns usually the corner lots that can become the “dog” park of their neighborhood, baggies for waste removal can be only a suggestion for some. It’s hard for some of those owners who can no longer pick up after your dog.

It is and always will be those who think everyone’s lawn is their personal dog park, ( because every lawn has an easement and it’s perfectly proper to allow your dog to use anyone’s easement lawn).

All of our very large Belgians were never allowed to walk on someone else’s property easement or not. They were train to use their lawn, and walks or runs were for exercise. . My father in law was attacked, from behind, with serious damage to his hand and fingers by a large shepherd, running loose while in his yard. He wouldn’t come to our house unless we penned our dog, and that was only once a year at Christmas, never any other gatherings.

OP you will find this subject can become very uncivilized. But realize there are people who really are not comfortable around dogs, good or very well trained. Plus it’s pain to watch our 90 plus year old neighbor bend down to pick up after dogs in his easement part of the yard. For a dog that he doesn’t own.

[DonnaNi4os]

Contrary to popular belief....The Villages is not as dog - friendly as the sales representatives would want you to believe - IMO

I speak from 15 years experience with my dogs in The Villages.
We snowbird in Northern Wisconsin where our dogs have unlimited freedom , safe lakes to swim in, off leash walking trails that go for miles, and plenty of chipmunks to chase !

When we come here for the winter we have a nice yard with our CYV for them to lounge in.
We take them to the nice dog parks occasionally but beware of the usual " Click" groups that frequent those parks....they will scrutinize you and your dog(s) up and down as you will be the new interloper that has entered.

We also tether our dogs in our golf cart to ride in at night and they seem to enjoy that very much as well.

We go to the squares and listen to the bands, but never do they leave that cart to walk the squares.

And Please never leave your dog(s) unattended in your cart either, that is irresponsible to say the least.


Other than that our dogs are quite stifled from thier normal Wisconsin routine when we get there but they always behave amazingly enough.

I also seem to forget alot of folks are not dog people and you need to respect the rules and regulations regarding pets in TV because believe me you and your dog(s) will be confronted if you don't...just saying.

Wish I could paint you a prettier picture ~ Sorry.


Could I have misunderstood? You don’t really tether your dog to your golf cart and allow your dog to run along? I can’t think of many things more dangerous for your dog. Wow!

[Veracity]

The Villages is very dog-friendly. The people who live here...not so much.
As you can see from some of the responses to your post, they make no bones about their disdain for dogs (no pun intended).

[deborahcme]

As a dog parent, what would you have liked to know…about The Villages and/or the area…before coming to retire?

Great stuff?

Not so great?

Here only parts of the year, but this is what I see. Dogs here are among the calmest, most well-trained dogs I've encountered anywhere in my travels. I've met them in the squares, at the farmer's market in Brownwood, and during what I call the "dog parade" in the early morning or evenings. You'd think there would be a bark-a-palooza, but nope. These dogs I've met are all well socialized and obedient. I've learned to stop laughing at the dog "baby" carriages and booties, a necessity because of the heat. I always ask if it's OK to approach, just like everywhere else. Most people here seem to like dogs as well, as long as they (dogs, but maybe the people too!) are polite, well-trained, and don't assume a welcome. Definitely line up your vet and dog care services in advance. And be aware that tiny dogs can be seen as supper by predators, but that's kind of true everywhere.

[NotGolfer]

IF your dog(s) love to be free...this community will make them unhappy as there are leash laws. Also if they love the water....too bad as all the ponds, lakes have gators and it's not a good idea to let Rover or Mitzi take a plunge. Yes, you can rent or purchase a court-yard villa with a fence but as another stated we do have cayotes, bear, hawks and other wildlife that will attack if they can. You won't want to just "let" poochie out on it's own.

[oldtimes]

Could I have misunderstood? You don’t really tether your dog to your golf cart and allow your dog to run along? I can’t think of many things more dangerous for your dog. Wow!

I think you very much misunderstood. "We also tether our dogs in our golf cart" You missed a rather important word. The dogs ride not run.

[Rzepecki]

Could I have misunderstood? You don’t really tether your dog to your golf cart and allow your dog to run along? I can’t think of many things more dangerous for your dog. Wow!

No, no, no - that’s not what was meant. Most all dogs love golf cart rides, but for their safety you need to use something as a seat belt for them.

[sallyg]

There are a lot of dogs and dog-lovers in the Villages. Sadly there are also many people that complain about the number of dogs and dogs using their lawns for rest-stops. You will see loads of "dog poop" threads on this site. ☺️
There are dog parks in most areas and many paths to walk your dog. Some homes have fences, Verandas, Courtyard Villas and some of the newer Patio Villas in Marsh Bend. If you are a responsible dog-owner, and you must be or you wouldn't be
Inquiring, keep your pup leashed, watch for hot pavement, and don't get too close to any ponds. If there's a pond there's probably an alligator. Welcome to the area. Hope your dog enjoys it.

[JWGifford]

As a dog parent, what would you have liked to know…about The Villages and/or the area…before coming to retire?

Great stuff?

Not so great?
Not a resident, but we’ve been on two lifestyle visits and are coming back for two weeks this summer with our dog. We’ve brought her each time and had nothing but good experiences. Just use common sense; pick up, keep them constrained, if they’re loud put them up, etc. We had several people approach us and love on our dog and tell us how pretty she is, pet her, etc. Had a nice conversation with three ladies at LSL who told us all about their dogs. We brought her to the squares (while shopping, not to the nightly music) as well as Edna’s and either kept her in our lap or tightly constrained and had no problems. You know how it is, there’s good dog owners, and seemingly clueless dog owners. Be the good dog owner, lol.

[Karmanng]

Get your little buddy treated with a hookworm preventative, especially if you bring him/her to dog parks. Many people don’t properly clean up after their dogs and in the Florida climate hookworm can easily be spread through feces. Trust me, we learned that the hard way with our Border Collie. Also, good veterinary care is hard to find here and the good ones are very busy. Establish a relationship with a veterinarian ASAP because if you wait for an emergency it will be to lake. Welcome and best of luck.

What is the prevention of it?

[Karmanng]

Here only parts of the year, but this is what I see. Dogs here are among the calmest, most well-trained dogs I've encountered anywhere in my travels. I've met them in the squares, at the farmer's market in Brownwood, and during what I call the "dog parade" in the early morning or evenings. You'd think there would be a bark-a-palooza, but nope. These dogs I've met are all well socialized and obedient. I've learned to stop laughing at the dog "baby" carriages and booties, a necessity because of the heat. I always ask if it's OK to approach, just like everywhere else. Most people here seem to like dogs as well, as long as they (dogs, but maybe the people too!) are polite, well-trained, and don't assume a welcome. Definitely line up your vet and dog care services in advance. And be aware that tiny dogs can be seen as supper by predators, but that's kind of true everywhere.

LOL You havent met my Rocky then he lives up to his name..........NOT well trained but hates birds has to check you over and is a bit of a fighter.......couldn never break him of these habits at 8 weeks old..........

[bowlingal]

Lots of thunderstorms/lightning here in the summer. Is your dog afraid? think about it.

[tophcfa]

What is the prevention of it?

There are different medications veterinarians can give a dog to prevent commonly found parasitic infections in different geographic locations, including hookworm which is common in the Villages area.

[Marsha11]

A lot of info already. Over many years we had many dogs. When all 5 kids are gone and married we never bought another for us. I don't take them anywhere other than a walk. It's great for the. You can have the electrical fence so you can leave out around your home. Do not, I repeat, do not take dogs to your postal address as they all get off the cart and immediately take a p__sprobably 100 per day. Don't walk it around the squares, home depot, resturants. That should be enough. Crazies her are losing it. There is a law re. Dogs ability to service a owner that always work and work well. They are very expensive an

[Marsha11]

Reply on paper as well. Many people have tiny dogs claiming that's what they have. I know differant. They really tend to get in people's way. Probably much worse than you are. God Bless

[Bonanza]

I'm just curious . . . What breed is your dog or what size is she/he? THAT could matter.

If your dog is a yapper, you will have a problem. If your dog is large, you could have a problem, but most people will simply cross the street.

Take your dog out in your own yard to "go" before you take him/her for a walk. Mid day the street is too hot for your pup's feet. If you walk your dog close to the street/gutter on someone's grass they will probably be P.O.'d and let you know about it in Spades. Keep in mind that you are walking your dog on a county easement (even though the owner mows the grass) but the owner doesn't care; he thinks it's still his grass.

You cannot have a fence and the villas only have very limited contained outdoor space. On a serious note, you might want to consider looking for a home elsewhere if you want a fence and I can recommend a Realtor if that is the route you choose to go. It isn't easy to be a dog owner in The Villages and YOU must be vigilent as a dog owner, in doing what other owners think you should do.

[WiscoDogsDad]

I'm appreciative of the curiosity and the insight.

I have a coonhound/terrier mix and an English setter. Both ARE accustomed to a fenced in yard that they can hang out in.

But, we three (I'm a singleton) are going to be in for changes and we'll adapt. They are both around 40 pounds. So, not ankle-biters, but not of an intimidating size.

I envision that elimination will occur on MY property to the absolute extent possible. I pride myself on being both a good "dog dad" AND a courteous and considerate neighbor.

Leash walks and dog park visits will be the "new normal".

And.....we have over two years before we arrive, there. They will both be seniors, and mellower, by then.

[Kelevision]

I have 2 dogs. I’ve never experienced any negativity. My neighborhood is very dog friendly. I don’t take my dogs out and about though. They bark too much. But there are lots of people here with dogs. Using common sense is all it requires. I’ve never encountered any negativity with or about my dogs while out and about, I think this site in particular is where all the negative nellies are.

[oldtimes]

I’ve never encountered any negativity with or about my dogs while out and about, I think this site in particular is where all the negative nellies are.

:agree:

[JMintzer]

I have 2 dogs. I’ve never experienced any negativity. My neighborhood is very dog friendly. I don’t take my dogs out and about though. They bark too much. But there are lots of people here with dogs. Using common sense is all it requires. I’ve never encountered any negativity with or about my dogs while out and about, I think this site in particular is where all the negative nellies are.

Same here... Some of our neighbors (who don't have dogs) greet us on our walks and have dog treats with them. They always ask if they can giver her one.

When we first moved in, we met our neighbors behind us. We walked over and said hello. Maggie promptly dropped a deuce on their lawn. My wife apologized profusely. They said, "Don't worry about it. Just please clean of after her" (which we always do...)

[tophcfa]

I have 2 dogs. I’ve never experienced any negativity. My neighborhood is very dog friendly. I don’t take my dogs out and about though. They bark too much. But there are lots of people here with dogs. Using common sense is all it requires. I’ve never encountered any negativity with or about my dogs while out and about, I think this site in particular is where all the negative nellies are.

In eight years we only experienced negativity once. We were walking through Spanish Springs on a quiet afternoon, minding our own business with our dog on a short leash, and some guy sitting on a bench purposely swung out his leg at our passing dog trying to kick her for absolutely no reason. My wife literally had to jump on my back to keep me from pummeling the f’in douchebag.

[derrickgoobie]

I have seen many humans that are much dirtier and messier than any dog

[Whitley]

Small dogs can be lunch for eagles and hawks...don't let them out alone in a courtyard. Keep it on a leash, and know not everyone loves Fido or wants him to approach them. Dogs have no place at the squares during music venues. Pick up the poop and respect other people's lawns. Otherwise you're good.

Are there rules about dogs in squares? I do not know for sure.

[Whitley]

You will find the State of Florida to be fairly dog unfriendly when it comes to the beaches. Most public beaches do not allow dogs. It is strange, at least to me, that you can drive your car onto many beaches, and let it leak oil all day, but you cannot bring your dog.

We have a great dog beach in Venice. I have found Florida to be friendlier than NY concerning dogs. Many restaurants have outside seating that is dog friendly, and will give the dog a frisbee and water. On St Armands in SRQ or the main strip oin Naples the stores keep treats for the regulars. Just be considerate. There are some extreme cases on both sides that get most of the attention (ie bringing your dog to a neighboprs lawn to relieve itself or yelling at a dog if it barks.)

[Whitley]

Could I have misunderstood? You don’t really tether your dog to your golf cart and allow your dog to run along? I can’t think of many things more dangerous for your dog. Wow!

Excuse You! You are mistaken. To do my part to fight Global warming, I tether my dog to my cart to pull it, not run alongside it. I am saving the Earth, you are welcome.

[Whitley]

IF your dog(s) love to be free...this community will make them unhappy as there are leash laws. Also if they love the water....too bad as all the ponds, lakes have gators and it's not a good idea to let Rover or Mitzi take a plunge. Yes, you can rent or purchase a court-yard villa with a fence but as another stated we do have cayotes, bear, hawks and other wildlife that will attack if they can. You won't want to just "let" poochie out on it's own.

I am from a place called Tuxedo Park in NY. 90% of the dogs ran free. We had thousands of acres and three lakes. You would think it paradise for dogs. We also had rattlers, bears, coyotes and raptors (Bird type, not dinosaur THOUGH there was the Lake Monster (different story). Many times I would find a neighborhood dog many miles away trotting by a highway after it got lost after chasing deer or turkey beyond its normal range. IMO, and only that, I wouldn't let a dog run loose out of your sight. Here, with gators especially.

[Debfrommaine]

Been dog owners for many of the years we've lived here. We've had a variety of homes in The Villages, couple of courtyards etc. All the homes have worked with a dog because he gets goods walks, thered golf cart rides, now he loves the walking paths and fields. When we were in the courtyard, we did not leave him alone by the pool or in the yard to bark. Nothing really changed from when we moved from Maine to here. No eagles ever circled my dog to eat him.

[Pugchief]

Dog owners who go for long walks for exercise, with proper short leash, never allowed to enter yards, respect their neighbors, and leave deposit in their yard only. They realize some work hard to try keep a green healthy lawn. ( that is difficult in FL) The lawn owner is Glad to be Mowing without stepping in remnants of left behind presents. Many who no longer own dogs, would like their lawn to stay dog free. Not dog haters just tired of upkeep from dogs they do not own.


It is unconscionable to not pick up after your dog, but it is also unrealistic to expect a dog being walked through the neighborhood to never use the grass as a potty.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It is unconscionable to not pick up after your dog, but it is also unrealistic to expect a dog being walked through the neighborhood to never use the grass as a potty.

Our "behind the house" neighbor (they live on a street parallel to ours) has a dog and they let the dog out to do his business twice a day in the yard. He's chosen OUR yard to pee on and we have the burned grass marks to show for it. Unfortunately we're not out to monitor when this dog is running around, and it's not the same time every day and evening. We have spoken to the owner the couple of times we've actually watched it happen, but the owner doesn't really seem to care.

[Pugchief]

Our "behind the house" neighbor (they live on a street parallel to ours) has a dog and they let the dog out to do his business twice a day in the yard. He's chosen OUR yard to pee on and we have the burned grass marks to show for it. Unfortunately we're not out to monitor when this dog is running around, and it's not the same time every day and evening. We have spoken to the owner the couple of times we've actually watched it happen, but the owner doesn't really seem to care.

That's fair, and your neighbor is being rude. I'm talking about actually walking the dog on a leash around the block, and expecting the dog not to stop, sniff and pee.

[JMintzer]

That's fair, and your neighbor is being rude. I'm talking about actually walking the dog on a leash around the block, and expecting the dog not to stop, sniff and pee.

Hope you have a thick skin... The wrath of the "poop patrol" will soon be upon you...;)

[Pugchief]

That's fair, and your neighbor is being rude. I'm talking about actually walking the dog on a leash around the block, and expecting the dog not to stop, sniff and pee.

Hope you have a thick skin... The wrath of the "poop patrol" will soon be upon you...;)

TV is basically designed like a giant suburb with a bunch of subdivisions. I would respectfully suggest that if one doesn't want dogs occasionally peeing their parkway easement, a suburban style setting may not be ideal for them. Maybe a more rural setting where you don't have neighbors in close proximity would keep the curmudgeonliness to a minimum. Although they may exist, I have never heard of an HOA of single family homes banning all dogs.

Again, OTOH, if your dog poops, please pick it up and take it home. That is a reasonable expectation.

[npwalters]

Not directed at any specific individual here but...if you don't like dogs then I won't like you. There is not a more loving and selfless creature on earth, including humans.

[BAT777]

FYI there are no Veterinarian Cardiologists in The Villages. For having over 150,00 people and have to travel an hour is not a good thing. Especially with so many pets here!
We come from a city of a little over 150,00 and there were 3 in the city.