are small dogs safe out in the cyv?

[Veronica]

I have a pug and am moving to TV soon. I was going to get a cyv. i have read hawks swoop down on small dogs and cats in a cyv - is this true?

[Avista]

LOL never heard of it. We have lived in a CYV for over 6 years. Our longhaired dachshund and Boston Terrier do just fine. It is hot in the summer and we must persuade our Boston to come inside. She loves being out, but is also a "smooshy nosed breed"and should not be out too long.

I love pugs! How old is yours? Our dachsy is 13 and Boston is 9.

[rayschic]

LOL never heard of it. We have lived in a CYV for over 6 years. Our longhaired dachshund and Boston Terrier do just fine. It is hot in the summer and we must persuade our Boston to come inside. She loves being out, but is also a "smooshy nosed breed"and should not be out too long.

I love pugs! How old is yours? Our dachsy is 13 and Boston is 9.

Take a look at this thread.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/does-anyone-let-their-cats-into-cyv-85517/

[Bonny]

It has happened in the Villages area ! A couple of years ago I saw a hawk swoop down & grab a good size mouse. right next to the cart path.

[Avista]

Take a look at this thread.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/does-anyone-let-their-cats-into-cyv-85517/

Interesting,, but never heard of such a thing until just now.

[red tail]

It has happened in the Villages area ! A couple of years ago I saw a hawk swoop down & grab a good size mouse. right next to the cart path.

mouse yes dog....no unless its a puppy weighing 2 lbs

[Bonny]

A lot of people have those little teacup dogs. My girlfriends pom weighs under 3 pounds.

[CFrance]

I really don't think it's a good idea to leave a dog, especially a small dog, outside without supervision, whether it's a cyv or a larger lot with electronic fence. Aside from hawks, there are snakes. If your dog likes to "noodle" outside all afternoon, it could be a problem, because you wouldn't be constantly in the area. But surely this is less of a problem with a cyv than a designer with larger lot.

We have had hawks on our deck in MI, causing us to stop putting our Cockatiel out there in his travel cage, total weight about 10-12 pounds. Maybe the hawk wouldn't be able to pick up your pug (btw I love pugs!), but if he tried, it could be very traumatic to you and your pup.

[Bonny]

This is on Ask.com

How Much Weight Can a Hawk Carry?
Answer
The hawk is a great predator that captures its prey and then brings it back to the nest. A hawk can carry an item or animal that is half of its body weight.

1 Additional Answer
A hawk can carry an average of 4 1/2 pounds. They usually can carry rodents, gophers, and prairie dogs.

[Bonny]

Let's not forget. We have been talking about a hawk carrying an animal off. They don't always carry prey. They can get what they need right there.

[quirky3]

Coyotes are also athletic enough to jump over privacy fences

[SpicyCajunPugs]

We have two beautiful pugs that are potty trained (artificial grass and self cleaning container). We built a small screened in area on concret outside for them to do their business on the potty and eat raw food sometimes that is about 17 X 4. It has a bar in the middle and pet screen along the sides so nothing can get in or out easily. We also installed some drains so we can easily clean and hose the area. They enter it through a plexidor dog door and they can come and go as they want. They don't hang out there long, but we feel so much safer for them.

[buggyone]

Coyotes are also athletic enough to jiump over privacy fences

Besides the hawks swooping and coyotes jumping into courtyards, don't forget the very real likelyhood of fire ants and venomous snakes. Those are found in The Villages. There are also very large toads that are extremely poisonous to dogs.

A poster said they have built an enclosed area outdoors for their pugs and after the pugs "do their business" that "We also installed some drains so we can easily clean and hose the area." How ecologically correct is hosing dog poop down the drains or do you pick it up and discard it properly before hosing the area?

[SpicyCajunPugs]

We have two beautiful pugs that are potty trained (artificial grass and self cleaning container). We built a small screened in area on concret outside for them to do their business on the potty and eat raw food sometimes that is about 17 X 4. It has a bar in the middle and pet screen along the sides so nothing can get in or out easily. We also installed some drains so we can easily clean and hose the area. They enter it through a plexidor dog door and they can come and go as they want. They don't hang out there long, but we feel so much safer for them.

The tough pet screen and bars are tough enough to keep your dogs safe for quite awhile until they can go inside and a great alternative for your dogs to have some safe outdoor fun.

[mulligan]

I'd be more concerned about some of the rather large owls. You won't even hear them coming.

[SpicyCajunPugs]

Someone requested pictures of our setup we mentioned. Attached are photos of the actual dog potty (called the porch potty). I will send other pictures of our actual enclosed dog area after we take some pictures. Thanks for your interest.

[SpicyCajunPugs]

Here are some photos that were requested of our outdoor dog area that could be the solution to your doggie worrys and also allowing them to do their business and eat messy food and just clean with a little soap and a hose.

[Serenoa]

It has happened in the Villages area ! A couple of years ago I saw a hawk swoop down & grab a good size mouse. right next to the cart path.

Wow, big shock...of course it's happened in TV; small mammals like mice are what hawks typically eat. But, correct me if I'm wrong, I don't think I've ever seen a mouse-sized dog breed.

And furthermore, with all of the natural areas scattered about TV I really doubt that a hawk or any other bird of prey would be scanning the mostly concrete & gravel, human infested courtyards of your typical CYV neighborhood. So.....no worries.

[Barefoot]

I would never leave a dog unsupervised in the yard of a CYV or in a yard enclosed with invisible fencing. As well as predators, you don't want your dog to have a barking fit and annoy your neighbors.

In the past six years in TV, I've seen foxes, snakes, and several coyotes. We have a large owl that regularly circles in the area, presumably hunting. Better safe than sorry.

[duffysmom]

We have a very aggressive hawk in my neighborhood. The other day he swooped down two feet from me to grab a mourning dove (missed). I was in my lanai which is glassed with reflective film so he didn't see me. Once when I was walking the lawn with a landscaper with Duffy Dog beside me he kept circling us. The landscaper commented on the hawk's aggression. I also saw him grab a mocking bird in mid flight. I no longer feed the birds it became a killing ground for the hawk. He is large, bigger than a rooster. A few months ago there was a story about a cat tied up outside who was taken by a coyote somewhere around Buttonwood. When outdoors our pets need to be supervised at all times. We haven't even mentioned the dog taken by an alligator and rescued by his brave owner. We are surrounded by wildlife; it's a mixed blessing.

[SpicyCajunPugs]

Here are some photos that were requested of our outdoor dog area that could be the solution to your doggie worrys and also allowing them to do their business and eat messy food and just clean with a little soap and a hose.

Our screened in area we have attached as pictures earlier is also good protection for not just birds, but alligators, cayotes, etc. I am not as afraid of birds because our pugs are 20 pounds, but some other creatures roaming could be dangerous and the pet screen should keep them safe and they can retreat if the pugs feel threatened.

[Bonny]

Wow, big shock...of course it's happened in TV; small mammals like mice are what hawks typically eat. But, correct me if I'm wrong, I don't think I've ever seen a mouse-sized dog breed.

And furthermore, with all of the natural areas scattered about TV I really doubt that a hawk or any other bird of prey would be scanning the mostly concrete & gravel, human infested courtyards of your typical CYV neighborhood. So.....no worries.

I was talking about a dog (puppy). I just mentioned I have also seen a hawk grab a mouse.

My girlfriend lives in a cyv. Last year she went out to find a big snake in her yard.
There are a lot of hawks flying around all of the time. Also we have some very large owls here that can easily grab a small dog.

[jblum315]

I have a pug and am moving to TV soon. I was going to get a cyv. i have read hawks swoop down on small dogs and cats in a cyv - is this true?

Let me ask you this: how would you feel if you left your small dog alone in the courtyard and when you went to bring him in he wasn't there? Huh?

[CFrance]

You don't say where you're from, Veronica. We came here from MI. It is a much different environment for our dog in FL than it was in MI. There are a lot more ways for a dog to be injured/attacked/bitten/infested than up north. You just have to be more vigilant.

[perrjojo]

Ummm, and there are the alligators...we have had several in our CYV neighborhood. I would never hesitate to let our dog out but if you leave them out unsupervised for long periods they will bark and the greatest danger will be from unhappy neighbors.

[SpicyCajunPugs]

If the dogs are not supervised at all times, I would only recommend a heavy screened room or area, preferably with pet screen on the sides for extra protection. That is what we did in the photos shown in this post.

[benj]

I was a master falconer for years, volunteered for a raptor rehab center for over 15 years, did live raptor shows from NY to Ca, and flew ( hunted with ) every bird from a kestrel to golden and bald eagles. You have no worries here in FL. The birds you see here eating birds are accipiters they only eat birds, The other common hawks are red shouldered and red tailed. A big one ( female ) might be two and a half pounds. They can fly with around a third of there weight, The eagles here are mostly scavengers and wouldn't have enough room to maneuver in most areas around here and they are not very good hunters anyway . Better scavengers. Also just like predators the world over they will always go for the smallest and easiest meal they can get like rats and mice.

[red tail]

I was a master falconer for years, volunteered for a raptor rehab center for over 15 years, did live raptor shows from NY to Ca, and flew ( hunted with ) every bird from a kestrel to golden and bald eagles. You have no worries here in FL. The birds you see here eating birds are accipiters they only eat birds, The other common hawks are red shouldered and red tailed. A big one ( female ) might be two and a half pounds. They can fly with around a third of there weight, The eagles here are mostly scavengers and wouldn't have enough room to maneuver in most areas around here and they are not very good hunters anyway . Better scavengers. Also just like predators the world over they will always go for the smallest and easiest meal they can get like rats and mice.

hallelujah...someone with good info and knows what they are talking about. its a refreshing change from the wild talk we usually hear.

[CFrance]

That is fascinating information, Benj. Thanks for posting. I would give my eye teeth to be that close to an eagle.

So to the OP, looks like your biggest worry would be snakes and fire ants.

[duffysmom]

I was a master falconer for years, volunteered for a raptor rehab center for over 15 years, did live raptor shows from NY to Ca, and flew ( hunted with ) every bird from a kestrel to golden and bald eagles. You have no worries here in FL. The birds you see here eating birds are accipiters they only eat birds, The other common hawks are red shouldered and red tailed. A big one ( female ) might be two and a half pounds. They can fly with around a third of there weight, The eagles here are mostly scavengers and wouldn't have enough room to maneuver in most areas around here and they are not very good hunters anyway . Better scavengers. Also just like predators the world over they will always go for the smallest and easiest meal they can get like rats and mice.

Great information, thank you. What about owls?

[Barefoot]

I was a master falconer for years, volunteered for a raptor rehab center for over 15 years, did live raptor shows from NY to Ca, and flew ( hunted with ) every bird from a kestrel to golden and bald eagles. You have no worries here in FL. The birds you see here eating birds are accipiters they only eat birds, The other common hawks are red shouldered and red tailed. A big one ( female ) might be two and a half pounds. They can fly with around a third of there weight, The eagles here are mostly scavengers and wouldn't have enough room to maneuver in most areas around here and they are not very good hunters anyway . Better scavengers. Also just like predators the world over they will always go for the smallest and easiest meal they can get like rats and mice.

We probably tend to be overprotective of our little fur babies, I know I am. It's good to hear first-hand information. Thanks for sharing.

[buggyone]

We probably tend to be overprotective of our little fur babies, I know I am.


What kind of dog is the large one in your avatar?

[kittygilchrist]

...somehow this posted twice. see below.

[kittygilchrist]

http://http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/red-shouldered_hawk/id

Florida girl here. lived with red-shouldered hawks perching on kid's basketball goals for 15 years. Had an indoor outdoor cat all that time. Website says "These forest hawks hunt prey ranging from mice to frogs and snakes. " and I'd add they must've enjoyed some baby squirrels and birds I was feeding, but I'm not sure of that.

I miss them here. I loved to hear them say "keerah, keerah"...their average weight is 1.5 lbs.

[Barefoot]

What kind of dog is the large one in your avatar?

Oh, my favorite topic! That is Lollipop, our Portuguese Water Dog. She is oversized at 70 lbs. She had at least four different homes before we rescued her three years ago. We are so lucky to have adopted her, she's a great dog! It is our little 10 lb dog that I worry about as far as predators go.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

I love hearing from all of TOTVs doggy people and respect your opinon very much. That is why I am asking your opinion on this. We have a CYV and planned on having a doggy door when we finally move down. Our dogs are not barkers at all and we don't worry about that. They are a giant breed, Russian Wolfhounds, and we want have always had a doggyy door for them to come and go as they please. Should I be worried about their safety alone in the yard? They are not the type to hang outside. They go out, potty and come back in. It would allow me the freedom to spend days at Disney, etc though and I am reluctant to give that up unless I have to if it's necessary for their safety. What do you think? Hawks, coyotes, etc??

[SpicyCajunPugs]

I love hearing from all of TOTVs doggy people and respect your opinon very much. That is why I am asking your opinion on this. We have a CYV and planned on having a doggy door when we finally move down. Our dogs are not barkers at all and we don't worry about that. They are a giant breed, Russian Wolfhounds, and we want have always had a doggyy door for them to come and go as they please. Should I be worried about their safety alone in the yard? They are not the type to hang outside. They go out, potty and come back in. It would allow me the freedom to spend days at Disney, etc though and I am reluctant to give that up unless I have to if it's necessary for their safety. What do you think? Hawks, coyotes, etc??

I honestly don't think your huge wolfhounds would be in any danger, especially behind a CYV wall. But if you want to be on the Very Very safe side, you may consider at least partially screening in a smaller area of the courtyard right outside the doggie door with pet screen like we did (shown in earlier pictures). It gives us piece of mind.

[Bonny]

I was a master falconer for years, volunteered for a raptor rehab center for over 15 years, did live raptor shows from NY to Ca, and flew ( hunted with ) every bird from a kestrel to golden and bald eagles. You have no worries here in FL. The birds you see here eating birds are accipiters they only eat birds, The other common hawks are red shouldered and red tailed. A big one ( female ) might be two and a half pounds. They can fly with around a third of there weight, The eagles here are mostly scavengers and wouldn't have enough room to maneuver in most areas around here and they are not very good hunters anyway . Better scavengers. Also just like predators the world over they will always go for the smallest and easiest meal they can get like rats and mice.

REALLY ?? So I can let my 6 pound kitty and my 5 pound Pom out and I never have to worry about any animal bothering them. Really ? And you know this how ? Just askin'.

[Barefoot]

I love hearing from all of TOTVs doggy people and respect your opinon very much. That is why I am asking your opinion on this. We have a CYV and planned on having a doggy door when we finally move down. Our dogs are not barkers at all and we don't worry about that. They are a giant breed, Russian Wolfhounds, and we want have always had a doggyy door for them to come and go as they please. Should I be worried about their safety alone in the yard? They are not the type to hang outside. They go out, potty and come back in. It would allow me the freedom to spend days at Disney, etc though and I am reluctant to give that up unless I have to if it's necessary for their safety. What do you think? Hawks, coyotes, etc??

I really wouldn't fret too much about a large dog being outside in a CYV, although there are snakes to consider. At one time, I remember that a member posted that they'd seen a coyote walking along the top of a CYV wall. Yikes. That seems pretty unlikely to me, and I doubt that any wild animal would jump into a walled yard with a big dog, unless it had rabies.

I think once you've lived in TV for a few months, you'll develop a comfort level with your dogs being outside. You'll probably make friends with other dog people on your street, who would be willing to check up on your dogs, and let them out for potty breaks. If your Villa is near my house, I'd volunteer to let them out, but I'm not there during the summers. Everything will fall nicely into place for you, I'm sure!

[jblum315]

I can't think of anything that would attack a Russian Wolfhound except maybe another wolfhound or a wolf LOL. Should you worry that they might jump the wall and be off, I don't know.I would dearly love to meet them, one of my favorite breeds. Good luck with your move and your wonderful dogs

[LndLocked]

This is on Ask.com

How Much Weight Can a Hawk Carry?
Answer
The hawk is a great predator that captures its prey and then brings it back to the nest. A hawk can carry an item or animal that is half of its body weight.

1 Additional Answer
A hawk can carry an average of 4 1/2 pounds. They usually can carry rodents, gophers, and prairie dogs.

anything less that 4.5 lbs is not an actual dog. :jester:

[CFrance]

anything less that 4.5 lbs is not an actual dog. :jester:

Hooooo boy...

[CFrance]

REALLY ?? So I can let my 6 pound kitty and my 5 pound Pom out and I never have to worry about any animal bothering them. Really ? And you know this how ? Just askin'.

I thought his credentials sounded very credible. I think he should know what he's talking about with 15 years' experience with raptors, not to mention hunting with these big birds.

That said, there are too many other things to get to your dog and cat in the yard--snakes and ants, for example. Alligators if you yard isn't walled...

I wouldn't let a Pom or a cat out of my sight outside. (And I'm sure you don't.)

[lovsthosebigdogs]

Thanks for the reply, Spicy and JBlum. I don’t worry about my Borzoi (Russian Wolfhounds) jumping the 6’ fence. I was worried about being pecked by large birds or maybe a coyote getting in and them having to fight one. I think if they had to they could defend themselves, although they would probably have to do it together and not be happy about it. It’s not something they are accustomed to doing (hunting). I do worry about their safety. I would love people to meet them. They are a lovely breed and, like everyone else, we love to share our dogs with dog lovers. There are so many people from TOTV that w can’t wait to meet. When we finally do make it down, I do hope to meet you. I know you will love them also (be prepared for a big white head to land in your lap!)

[kittygilchrist]

please see new thread, was your pet injured in tv by a wild animal...if yours were injured, it would be huge news...and we'd all be talking about it for years.
so far there is only one truly concerning event, which involves a small dog around a backyard pond with a gator in it.

[SpicyCajunPugs]

Thanks for the reply, Spicy and JBlum. I don’t worry about my Borzoi (Russian Wolfhounds) jumping the 6’ fence. I was worried about being pecked by large birds or maybe a coyote getting in and them having to fight one. I think if they had to they could defend themselves, although they would probably have to do it together and not be happy about it. It’s not something they are accustomed to doing (hunting). I do worry about their safety. I would love people to meet them. They are a lovely breed and, like everyone else, we love to share our dogs with dog lovers. There are so many people from TOTV that w can’t wait to meet. When we finally do make it down, I do hope to meet you. I know you will love them also (be prepared for a big white head to land in your lap!)

Yes, I would love to meet them...they look beautiful in your picture. Our pugs also will be in anyone's lap, as that is what they were bred for. They have new met a stranger !!!

[redwitch]

Another one who would love to meet your Borzois. Love the breed! They really are sweet dogs. Your biggest worry would be fire ants. Snakes would run away unless absolutely trapped. Coyotes really don't care to go after things bigger than they are and, let's face it, Borzois are not small dogs. Raptors don't go and just randomly attack something large -- it would have to be seen as a threat to their nest or in the way of some real prey. They should do fine with a doggy door so long as they get chances to run and get some real exercise (unless you have a corner lot with a very large yard, they will need lots of exercise here).

[Spectreron]

People keep mentioning fire ants....How bad are they? Do they cause problems for dogs or is it a rare event?

[SpicyCajunPugs]

People keep mentioning fire ants....How bad are they? Do they cause problems for dogs or is it a rare event?

They can be if they get out of control in your yard, but there mounds are easily noticeable because they are huge, and you can take care of them quickly with special fire ant killer available at hardware and drug stores.

[gomoho]

lovsthosebigdogs - what on earth does a dog door for a Borzoi look like??? I am imagining something like a garage door with an automatic opener!:loco:

[kittygilchrist]

People keep mentioning fire ants....How bad are they? Do they cause problems for dogs or is it a rare event?

fire ants hurt when they bite. on my feet I get a tiny blister which heals quicker if I pop it. these are not killer ants that swarm all over you and leave you a skeleton. In the yard they first make a small mound that you can put amdro on to kill them before it gets huge. my dog got a bite once on a walk and yipped. I know cuz I got one too.
I wouldn't say it's rare, but it's not a big deal either and you can keep them mostly off your own turf.

[beachgirl]

I have a 25 lb. dog. When the weather permits, she stays out back in our CYV. She loves to chase the lizards. I don't worry about snakes; most of them don't want to slither across concrete to get in your yard. I grew up in the south; most animals are as scared of you as you are of them UNLESS you leave food of any kind where animals can get it. Then all bets are off.

We had a pet door put in our lanai on a side so our dog could get into the shade and also when the weather allows, we open our sliders, and she can go in and out as she chooses.

[zonerboy]

My, my!
The things we find to worry about. Certainly it is in the realm of possibility that a large hawk could swoop down and carry off a small dog or cat. But just how likely is such a happenstance?? After all, poor Fido might wander outside and be struck by lightning. Never heard of it happening but it is a possibility. Or an errant asteroid might enter the Earth's atmosphere and pulverize an innocent pet who is just minding their own business in the fenced back yard of a court yard villa.
I'd much rather just live what's left of my life, and not let it be governed by FEAR.

[benj]

REALLY ?? So I can let my 6 pound kitty and my 5 pound Pom out and I never have to worry about any animal bothering them. Really ? And you know this how ? Just askin'.
Bonnie, I didn't say anything about other animals, Just raptors. Your 6 pound cat would be more of a threat to the raptor, especially if it is a female.

[duffysmom]

fire ants hurt when they bite. on my feet I get a tiny blister which heals quicker if I pop it. these are not killer ants that swarm all over you and leave you a skeleton. In the yard they first make a small mound that you can put amdro on to kill them before it gets huge. my dog got a bite once on a walk and yipped. I know cuz I got one too.
I wouldn't say it's rare, but it's not a big deal either and you can keep them mostly off your own turf.

Articles about Fire Ant by Date - Page 5 - Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/keyword/fire-ant/recent/5)

[lovsthosebigdogs]

I'm doing better with this after the help from my dear TOTV friends who are the voice of reason. And GOMOHO, a doggy door for a big dog isn’t really all that big. They scrunch down and squeeze through like a mouse through a dime hole. It’s teaching them to do it that’s interesting. They are tall but narrow as you can see.