Dog friendly

[PA-Steelers]

I am considering a move to The Villages. Are people dog friendly? We are compulsive about playing with our pet & walking her as she is a very important part of our family. However if her chasing the ball in our driveway or urinating on someones grass as we walk (do do is picked up immediately) then maybe this isn't the place for us plus the Villages do not allow fences.
What have other dog owners' experienced?

[crummybuttons]

I am considering a move to The Villages. Are people dog friendly? We are compulsive about playing with our pet & walking her as she is a very important part of our family. However if her chasing the ball in our driveway or urinating on someones grass as we walk (do do is picked up immediately) then maybe this isn't the place for us plus the Villages do not allow fences.
What have other dog owners' experienced?

They put their dogs in strollers, dress them up and then walk them.

[CFrance]

First of all, Goooooo Steelers!

Second, you will not find people so amenable to your dog peeing on their grass. Otherwise this is a dog-friendly place as long as your dog is leashed while not on your property, and as long as you pick up the poop. Some of the cul-de-sacs have islands in the middle with low shrubs and pine mulch. People don't seem to mind dogs peeing in there. The urine wont kill anything there. But please don't let your dog pee on somebody else's lawn if you move here.

Actually, I can't think of anywhere we've lived where people thought that was acceptable. We walk our dog around our yard to do his business before we strike out on our trek. He's not a marker, so that works for us.

Good luck with your search. Wish you well.

[CFrance]

Another thing... electronic fences are allowed here, and there's a very good company who installs them and helps you to train your dog to it. They will come back as many times as it takes. Do a search for electronic fence on this forum for a lot of good info.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

I am considering a move to The Villages. Are people dog friendly? We are compulsive about playing with our pet & walking her as she is a very important part of our family. However if her chasing the ball in our driveway or urinating on someones grass as we walk (do do is picked up immediately) then maybe this isn't the place for us plus the Villages do not allow fences.
What have other dog owners' experienced?

We bought a courtyard villa. They have tall fences around the rear/sides of the property if an electric fence doesn't work for you. I am not aware of other adult communities that have them. Alst TV has several dog parks that are free and there is a reasonably priced (nearby) Doggy Do Run larger dog park.

[Taltarzac725]

Also seems to depend on the neighbors and how well you get along with them. I try to clean up after my pooch and he gets to Doggie Doo Run Run just about every day as well as to the mail center. But, he goes more than at these times.

Doggie Roo Run Run is about one mile north of Southern Trace Shopping Center and the Villages High School on the intersection of CR101 and CR104. It is the best Village area dog park. There are three Villages dog parks at the moment but these are about the size of an average Villages residence lot.

[scrapple]

We're in a cyv for the past 3 years! Dogs are a part of the family. Everyone is expected to be kind, polite, pick up after themselves and play well with others, including dogs.

[birdawg]

First of all, Goooooo Steelers!

Second, you will not find people so amenable to your dog peeing on their grass. Otherwise this is a dog-friendly place as long as your dog is leashed while not on your property, and as long as you pick up the poop. Some of the cul-de-sacs have islands in the middle with low shrubs and pine mulch. People don't seem to mind dogs peeing in there. The urine wont kill anything there. But please don't let your dog pee on somebody else's lawn if you move here.

Actually, I can't think of anywhere we've lived where people thought that was acceptable. We walk our dog around our yard to do his business before we strike out on our trek. He's not a marker, so that works for us.

Good luck with your search. Wish you well.

Well said

[Debfrommaine]

The Villages is a dog friendly area as long as you are respectful of other folks property, as mentioned. I haven't found it any different from other places we've lived. Do consider a courtyard villa - it has been a wonderful experience for us and our dog - freedom from a leash and she has her own yard within the walls of the villa. Absolutely recommend Doo Run Run, too; your dog can run the some 10 acreas I think they have for cheap money (and reasonable Daycare). Good luck!

[tommy steam]

First of all, Goooooo Steelers!

Second, you will not find people so amenable to your dog peeing on their grass. Otherwise this is a dog-friendly place as long as your dog is leashed while not on your property, and as long as you pick up the poop. Some of the cul-de-sacs have islands in the middle with low shrubs and pine mulch. People don't seem to mind dogs peeing in there. The urine wont kill anything there. But please don't let your dog pee on somebody else's lawn if you move here.

Actually, I can't think of anywhere we've lived where people thought that was acceptable. We walk our dog around our yard to do his business before we strike out on our trek. He's not a marker, so that works for us.

Good luck with your search. Wish you well.
I agree about not letting the dog pee on others grass.

[dsned]

Yea they are very strange about their grass here, where I came from it was just something to drive on! The mailboxes are a good place to walk the dogs and all the other dogs will be there too! But do not put poo poo bag in trash there, take home with u. Also as mentioned above the dog parks. I walk my dogs in the neighborhoods but on the street. Of course the people here think nothing of letting their cats pee all over my grass and cat urine is deadly to plants and grass, just sayin!

[paulandjean]

Yea they are very strange about their grass here, where I came from it was just something to drive on! The mailboxes are a good place to walk the dogs and all the other dogs will be there too! But do not put poo poo bag in trash there, take home with u. Also as mentioned above the dog parks. I walk my dogs in the neighborhoods but on the street. Of course the people here think nothing of letting their cats pee all over my grass and cat urine is deadly to plants and grass, just sayin!

Dogs vs Cats,Sounds like a "cat fight".

[Barefoot]

I am considering a move to The Villages. Are people dog friendly? We are compulsive about playing with our pet & walking her as she is a very important part of our family. However if her chasing the ball in our driveway or urinating on someones grass as we walk (do do is picked up immediately) then maybe this isn't the place for us plus the Villages do not allow fences. What have other dog owners' experienced?

This is one of the few retirement communities in Florida that allow two dogs per household with no size restrictions. For that reason, there are many, many, many dogs in TV, which is known to be a pet friendly community. Dogs are allowed at the town squares. We rarely take our dogs to the Squares, because of the crowds. But if we do, people line up to talk to our dogs and pat them. Many seniors don't have pets any more, but love to see them and cuddle them.

If you don't want a fenced Courtyard Villa, I suggest you consider Invisible Fencing from Dog Watch in Ocala. I'm suggesting that company because they do a great job assisting with training.

Of course, not all Villagers are pet lovers. It's up to those of us with dogs to make sure we are clean, respectful and responsible. Please keep your dog(s) leashed at all times when off your property. NEVER let your dog pee on anyone's lawn. ALWAYS pick up after your pet.

There are several dog clubs to join, and a few small dog parks provided by The Villages which are golf cart accessible. We take our dogs daily to a private dog park which costs $1 a day for two dogs, which we consider a bargain. The dogs get to run free on ten fenced acres and play. And it's a great way to make new friends and talk to other dog lovers.

[PA-Steelers]

To all who responded to my inquiry about pets. I really appreciate your responses. Needless to say when we visit we will spend some time in the dog parks and talk to other dog owners. The idea of a courtyard villa sounds good since we love to play fetch.
Again thank you all.