Dog walkers on golf courses
 

We are animal lovers, but when people walk their dogs on the golf course at night...unleashed...to eliminate on the course or in our yards, we get angry...not at the dogs...at the owners. We live on a golf course and we'd love to go out and chip and putt at night, but it's not allowed...neither is walking the courses...neither are unleashed dogs. The Daily Sun has put reminders that walking is not allowed on golf courses, but they put these reminders in the golf section...most of these people probably aren't golfers. We've even had bicycles and motorcycles drive by our lanai. Any suggestions on how to remedy this problem.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Traversing machine gun emplacements every 50 yards comes to mind.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Too bad the Developers didn't plan dog parks or walking trails (other than Springdale). They allow two dogs per household, and this is bound to cause problems if adequate walking areas are not provided. The Developers should provide facilities for the thousands and thousands of dogs they allow to live in TV.

They provide 32 golf courses, surely they could have a few scruffy fenced areas for letting dogs run. That would go a long way to alleviating the types of problems described.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

What?? TV should provide? That means you and me, and I don't have a dog. When I did, they wouldn't let the dogs on the walking trails. Some think a trail is open land, and they don't have to clean up.
If you have a dog, and want to walk it, walk it in the street. If you want to let your dog run free, go to the dog park on 101.
Speaking of golf course, I see people cut across Fox Run going to and from the Summerhill pool.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Hmmm ... let me see if I understand your reasoning. As part of our amenities, the Developer provides golf courses for you and me, and I don't golf. Because I don't golf, does that mean the Developer shouldn't provide golf courses for anyone else? :dontknow:

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Perhaps a "dog fee" should be implemented, like the "trail fee". If you live here and bring a pet, you pay a yearly fee for dog business. The fee would not have to be high, but a small fee would be appropriate. Those that play golf have to pay the "trail fee" yearly - a fee not required of those that do not play golf.

Everyone gets a statement from Teco, Seco, Lil Sum., etc. why not include a letter to "all" village residents as a reminder about golf course uses "after hours".

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

I had no idea there was a yearly trail fee for playing on Executive golf courses. (I did know there was a fee for Championship courses). That is news to me. I had understood golf was free on Executive golf courses (the only charge being for your cart if you use one.)

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

There is a trail fee for using your golf cart on the executive courses.

As far as a dog fee....BS...NO WAY JOSE!!!!

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

I think this is a golfing community, or so stated. They have horse communities.
I just want everyone to understand, TV funding is us.
I do love dogs!

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

MnGirl: I think we all understand that funding for amenities is provided by residents, and we can debate endlessly about which activities should be funded. Kathy Hall was complaining about people allowing their pets to run free on golf courses. I agree with her. We back on a golf course and I wouldn't dream of taking my dogs on it.

My point is that the Developer has chosen to provide amenities for many types of people. There are golfers, pickleball players, painters, exercise lovers, paranormal classes, etc., etc. Something for everyone. All of us pick and choose which activities we prefer.

By allowing two dogs per household, the Developer has indeed made TV into a dog community. It is why many people bought houses in TV! However the Developer neglected to provide walking trails or dog parks for the thousands of dogs it allows. As a possible solution, I suggested the Developer should provide dog parks. I'm not suggesting glorious, manicured and wooded areas with ponds. I'm suggesting that the Developer should fence off a few scrubby, undesirable areas for dog parks. There is currently a lot of friction between those who own dogs and those who would prefer a community without them. By providing a few scrubby dog parks, I think a lot of the ill will felt by some people against inconsiderate dog owners would be eliminated.

And Fumar, I know you're going to suggest putting them in with the Buffalo, don't do it!

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

I thought walking your dog on the golf course was against the law? Think that was in the Villages phone book somewhere which stated that local ordinances made this illegal??

From the The Villages Phone Book 2008 it says that there's an animal ordinance in the Town of Lady Lake and Sumter County which forbids dogs on the golf courses AND the polo fields. (page 35 in the White page section in the front of the phone book).

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Tal, I think Kathy's point was that people aren't obeying the by-laws!
And they're on the golf courses at night (with or without dogs), and there is no-one around to kick them off. She was looking for a suggestion on how to remedy the problem. Calling The Villages to report it is obviously one way to address it. Difficult to eliminate the behaviour without providing an alternative place to walk.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

TV could be called a Golf Community...they advertise it on the Golf Channel and there are somewhere around 32+/- golf courses. That is certainly more golf that most communities provide. So I guess it is a Golf Community and all resources should be directed that way.

Hmmmm, wait a minute TV has probably got even more pools than golf facilities, maybe it should be known as a Pool Community and more funding should be directed that way. With so many pools that must be why people move to TV.

But wait, I don't do either one and I am moving to TV. I am moving for the clubs and the activities. Now I know for a fact that there are more clubs and activities than there are golf courses or pools. I say we direct all funding away from the 1st two options, which I will seldom if ever use, and make all classes and clubs free and fully funded.

Oh dear, I was just reminded that there are probably more dogs than there are clubs and activities ...so I guess...

You get my point. The Villages is a community for us all. Our varied interests and focuses are ALL important. We are ALL important and we should ALL be tolerant of each other.

Hopefully we learned to share as small children.

My point being we have golf courses for golfers, pools for swimmers, clubs for clubbers, we've got animal lovers with no convenient place to excercise their pets. I don't have a pet. I would love to see dog parks (small fenced areas) in most of the individual villages. It will keep the poo out of my yard and off the golf courses.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Not sure I am close to anywhere in Lynnhaven where they could put in a dog park. The responsibility seems to be with the dog owners to clean up after their pooches when they go on others' yards. I even throw a bucket of water on the place around my neighbors' where my dog pees. That's when he goes on one of the neighbor's lawns.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Susan, beautifully stated. :bigthumbsup:

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Is there a problem walking dogs alongside the many trails that go all through TV? The dog gets the excercise along with the owner. The owner also has the chance to do some bending over to pick up. Most of the abuse I see results from dogs running lose and not having their deposits picked up.

Some, not all dog owners, think that their pets should only do their business in someone elses' yard or in the common areas or golf courses and not in THEIR YARDS.

I believe in some areas of TV, only 1 dog is allowed per home unless you move in with two. In some areas, I've been told, there are covenants that dictate dogs must weight less than x number of pounds. There has certainly been violations of the rules by some folks who have bought more than one dog since moving into TV home.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Walkers, with or without dogs, are on the courses both day and night. Just drive down Enriique anytime and you will see them. Why isn't one of the golf workers stopping them. I am not a golfer, but I know that is the rule for any golf course. I also know that a trail fee is paid so you can use your cart. Golfing on the executive courses is free if you walk.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

At the $1 store they sell disposable diaper bags for soiled diapers, they are perfect poop bags in that they have handles that tie tight. 100 bags for $1. I would never think of letting my 2 babies use others personal or public properties for their business and not clean it up!! Also an unleashed pet can chase a rabbit and be a lost pet in seconds!! I only let my dogs do their business in my own yard, but the bags are for the impropmtu visits to the historic east of 27 doggy park. Dogs on golf courses? Mine don't golf!

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Hancle, I think the problem is that people don't know where the many trails are located, thus the abuse of golf courses. The only walking trail that I can find on the map is the Springdale Walking Trail located in the upper North/West part of TV. When I questioned the Village Agent about walking trails, I was told that there is only one Trail. And that people are expected to get their exercise golfing.

If there are more trails, I'd be delighted to hear about them. Anything in the South/West part of TV?

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

I must be living in LaLa land because in the 6 months we've lived here, I have never seen a dog off leash! Well for my 2 cents worth, I don't golf, I don't swim, and I LOVE doggies!
(Even though I do not have one at the moment!) I think Bare and Susan have great ideas. I would love to see a some kind of dog park in every community. We have a pool and rec center in every community. Back in Illinois, my daughter was years out of school and we still payed taxes to have the best schools around. I don't see the difference. If there is a small fee, I don't think Dog Lovers would complain. But, I do think the Developer should provide it. Dogs are family members and should be treated as such. This is indeed a Dog Lover Community and I really don't get why the Developer didn't allow for this. I think it would solve everyone's problem, even mine. Not owning a dog yet (long story) I would love to walk down to a neighborhood dog park and enjoy all the doggy energy going on. I vote for Dog Parks! :bigthumbsup:
They bring joy and love to all. http://www.millan.net/minimations/sm...uppykisses.gif

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Kathy if you have a problem with people on your course, why don't you say something to them. How about, "Excuse me, did you know your not supposed to be on the course?" act concerned that they may get fined. Usually, that puts an end to it, much of this is done by renters, or visitors.
If the golf course is private, isn't everyones yard? Flex leashes were developed so you could exercise your dog and still be in control, not to let him wander into someones yard while you stand in the street. Has anyone heard of "curbing"? It's when you have the dog relieve it's self on the curb (and then clean it up). Allowing male dogs to pee on my garbage, trees, or street sign is so not right.
Back to the other topic. Who wants to live by the dog park?

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

I SAY PUT ALL DOGS IN THE BUFFALO FIELDS........AND KEEP THEM THERE..

that way you can visit them on weekends.........I heard that was considered once before but the buffalo complained about the c__p all over their area.........Oh well,,,,there's allways FRUITLAND PARK....
;D ;D :bigthumbsup:

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Thank you for all your replies. My main intent was not to bash dog owners but to ask what could be done to those who are not only breaking the law (NO non-golfers on Championship Golf Courses!!!....NO unleashed dogs...ANYWHERE), but causing unsafe situations. The back of our house faces the golf course. Altho it appeared that this couple with their dogs running free were Villagers, how could we be sure. How could we be sure that they weren't outsiders checking out houses for potential break-ins? In this particular instance, I opened my slider and one of the little dogs came running...right past me and into my house. Cute little dog, but... I picked it up and headed down the cart path looking for its parents. While walking, I could see right into my neighbors' homes...and so can anyone else walking the course. Anyway, I walked quite a ways and never saw the couple, so I turned to return home...dog still in my arms. As I got close to my house, I heard someone whisteling. They apparently had finally discovered that one of their dogs wasn't with them. I yelled to them asking if this was their dog. The woman yelled 'yes and thank you.' I replied that she was not supposed to be walking on the golf course and that there was a leash law. She again, said 'thank you.' I don't think she was thanking me for enlightening her tho. I've spoken to other walkers and that hasn't deterred them either. I'm very uncomfortable with people walking behind our house when we bought...and paid (dearly) for privacy. Any further suggestions would be appreciated.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

We need someone of authority to tell them. Maybe a posting in the paper? I didn't realize people walked around golf courses??!!!! :o FORE!!

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Hving lived here for over 4 years...I do golf 2-3 times per week both Executive and Championship courses and can say I have never seen anybody that did not belong on the golf course..let alone walking the dog.
I suspect we are trying to adjust our thoughts to isolated incidents....very isolated and looking for a solution to that isolated incident or incidents.
In fact I would say regarding dogs on leashes and folks not walking around golf courses the percent compliance is well above 99%!
Next subject please.

BTK

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

In response to your looking for a solution re the walkers on the golf course you might try going to a Resident Advisory Council meeting and informing them of the situation. Another idea would be to notify your VHA Village Rep of what is occurring.

As a dog owner I am very upset with Florida's Friendliest Hometown residents that have no consideration for private property by allowing their dogs to defacate on their neighbor's land. We live on a corner lot and we "were" having these "friendly" neighbors dog's doing their business here day and night. I say "were" because we finally decided if these neighbor's have no consideration for us then we were through trying to be civil and nice to them. I put signs in the front and side windows informing them no dogs allowed on our lawn. I also put a suggestion on the Village survey requesting they make it a law for pet owners to train their animals to defacate on their own lawn or the common areas in their respective village.

In one of The Villages Water Wisdom articles in the Daily Sun it stated that pet waste
carries bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can pose risks to human health and threaten wildlife.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Oops, my reply was sent in BTK's reply and not as a stand alone message. Sorry about the mix up. Anyway have seen on numerous ocassions non-golfers on golf cart paths that are clearly marked "golfing traffic only". As mentioned noticed kids playing touch football on palmer and in sight of golfers who ignored them. Also robberies in the local news last year, where it was suspected someone on a bicycle used golf course paths as access to the backs of houses. Enough on this....... :) :)

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

There is a newly paved path that runs alongside of CR 466A. Last Saturday I traveled by golf cart alongside of Morse Blvd from North of CR 466 all the way to CR 466A.Seems to me that dog owners could walk along these wide paths and have dog walk with them on a leash. These paths are wide enough to accomodate golf carts, bicyclists, walkers and yes, dogs. Similar paths run alongside CR 466 from Morse to Buena Vista Blvd and in many parts of TV. My point is none of these paths are restricted to golf carts only and they all have grass areas alongside and an occasional park bench for folks to rest and enjoy the day with man's best friends.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Barefoot,

I'm with you on this one. I don't golf, nor do I have a dog (we're cat people) but I certainly would be in favor of a dog park for all the puppies in TV.

The developers advertise they are open to suggestions, maybe if enough dog owners request a doggie park, they will accommodate.

It's worth a try

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

I think probably the same kind of people who would live by a school or a playground because they have kids. :)

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Thanks for your comments Peggy. I certainly did request a dog park in the recent Survey by TV. Hopefully others did also.

BTW, I totally agree with those people who don't like dogs going to the bathroom on their lawns. That is rude and unacceptable behavior by dog owners. And gives us all a bad name.

My worry is this. There is currently a private dog park where many, many Village dogs take their owners on a daily basis. Should this park
ever close, I believe that the impact on TV would be considerable.
If TV provided a dog park, it will make dog lovers happy, as well as those people who complain about dogs.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

To solve the problem,let your dog do his duty on your own property,then take him/her for a walk.
I still find it hard to believe that people take there animals to other peoples places to let then do there duty.
Shame on all of you,including the ones that take there animals to all the mail boxes and the post offices.
Animals are like children if you dont know how to handle them,dont have them.












i
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Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

So you want dog parks in every neighborhood,the developer gave you swimming pools,rec centers,golf courses, and many other things that are so reasonably priced, if he gave you dog parks then we need places for the kittens and cats,apparently there will be no end to what you are asking for,is it any wonder the developer keeps a low profile around the villages.Every body wants this and that,all I hear is gimme this,do this,we need this,give me that,can't you be happy with what we have here now, and we do have plenty,I will not blame the developer if he leaves when all the build out is finished.With 75 thousand people here now, I know we all can't agree on all things,but please give me a break and please stop your crying and asking for more more more.Take what you are given and enjoy it,we are all not here for an eternity.
Thanks for letting me have my say.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

I love this forum, because everyone can have their say and I am all for that. We have kitties, but I do love dogs and we live in an area where the sidewalks are across the street, not on our side. I enjoy seeing the pups take their people for a walk and some will stop and squat and people come equipped to carry it home.

I don't find it offensive for people to discuss things they'd like and do not consider it whining.
I don't think anyone is going to have a nervous breakdown if a dog park is not forthcoming. I believe that the developer is interested in pleasing the folks that move here and will try to fulfil as many wishes as they can.

Talking and chatting is so good for all of us. We learn from each other. Sometimes we are pleased and others not so much.

We have all lived long enough that almost anything we hear or see is not a huge surprise and we have learned to deal with annoyances and disappointments. I LOVE that we are all grown up here. This is truly a paradise of mostly like minded folks.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Indonesian cultures have solved their dog problems - Yep, taste like chicken!

Wait I'll save you all the typing:

That's just wrong Russ, what's your problem?



Actually I love dogs, cats, buffalo, baby buffalo etc. but let's get realistic. It is very simple, each person must have their own accountability for their pets and all their actions. You can partly blame lawyers for the current situation. If I hit a golf ball off of some trespassers noggin who was walking his dog on the course then I get sued! And lose! Don't ask me how I know, it's a sad story. I was actually told "that's why they have golf insurance" - who knew?

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Good points 'autoshow' and 'Russ Boston'. I don't have a dog or dogs, and when I bought here I did not realize how many dogs were in TV. I even ask my realtor at the closing if he was going to issue me a dog for use while here. If you have one, please follow the rules and don't let it interfere with my and other non dog owners pleasure of living here. Barking, running unleashed, depositing on private property not your own or community property, and other unreasonable acts should not be tolerated and it does give all dog owners a black eye. Dog parks are a great idea, "just not in my neighborhood".

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

Man, you guys are stiff! No walking on the golf courses? Can someone explain to me what could possibly be wrong with walking on a golf course, assuming that one is not interfering with golf play?

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

The developer WANTS the survey done, that's why they have it, for suggestions, and they have obviously listened to it over the years, and learned from Village to village that they build. The last State of the Villages address by Morse, even said that. So, requseting something more, and making things better, are a part of what TV's is all about.

Re: Dog walkers on golf courses
 

I'm all for 'dog walks", if it keeps 'em off the golf courses & away from me. Believe it or not, there are a lot of people that do not appreciate other peoples' dogs or other pets. Unfortunately there are too many pet owners that cannot grasp that fact. And walking your dog, horse, cat or penguin on a golf course does interfere with play, if not immediately, then later as golfers (and course maintenance people) deal with the "leavings".

Play by the rules, keep your pets off the golf courses. Pretty sure that's part of the many covenants in TV, and as such you agreed to 'em when you bought into TV, so get over it.