So is TV not dog friendly?
 

I didnt mean to start so many arguments.

The answer is the Villages is mostly very dog friendly. I would guess approximately close to have of the residents are dog owners. There are some bad/lazy dog owners that give all a bad rap and a small minority of vocal dog haters that don’t represent the general population. As long as you don’t let your dog(s) do it’s business on private property, pick up after your dog, and don’t put a fake service vest on it and bring it with you places only real service dogs are allowed, you will find the Villages to be a great place for dogs.

TV is dog friendly as long as their owners are neighbor friendly. Keep them out of neighbors yards (no pee or poop ing). Lots of dog owners here. You will like TV.
Personally, I love dogs, but I am the cranky old guy that yells "keep off my lawn". And I mean it.
Now, come on down, bring your furry friends and enjoy.

As Tophcfa said, at least 50% of Villagers have dogs and they're welcome most everywhere, by most people, including in the Squares.

My dog is mostly a Golden, so he believes everyone's goal in life, is to pet him. Around The Villages, he seems to be right.

I also think you'll fid a different grade of owners at the Dog Parks, than you're perhaps used to. Most everyone is always conscious of where their dog/s are and what they're doing.

I would categorize TV as very dog friendly. Nearly everyone including myself has or had dogs and we love them to death! But… the owners have to deserve it too. It is not the dog’s fault if the owner lets it on another person’s property. It is not the dog’s fault if the owner takes it inside where the dog is not allowed. You may want to check the street you are considering to live on, as to what do the other people who have dogs do? Don’t ask your sales person, guess what is in their best interest to say? If everyone lets dogs crap on their property then it’s expected that you will too. And your property is fair game.

If everyone is respectful of other people’ lawn efforts (and even a tiny lawn here costs thousands a year to maintain as we are working against the natural environment in someways to have a lawn in the first place) then find out where do they take their dogs? Do they get their dog to go on their own property first and then take it for a walk? As most of us do in my neighborhood?

We also have common areas that are more acceptable than private lawns, and we have beautiful dog parks. Not much swimming available for dogs nearby (alligators) so it if that is important to you, buy a home with a pool.

There are no walking paths near my house and most houses but there are sidewalks near by. As far as the squares go, I believe the dancing area at the square is where you don’t want your dogs. The music can be quite loud and certain times very crowded and unless you have the dogs in your lap so they are not stepped on, those times I wouldn’t take them.

On the whole, I can’t imagine where you might be more welcome than TV with your pooches.

Some people treat their dogs as if they are their children - I don't get it but let's go with it for a bit...

- If your child regularly throws trash on my yard I am not going to like it, even if you regularly come over to clean it up.
- If your child stands in your yard and screams all day I am not going to like it.
- If your child runs in front of my bicycle or golf cart while walking on the MMP I am not going to like it.
- If your child runs over to me and jumps on my I am not going to like it.
- If your child yells at the squares, jumps on me at the squares, or runs around causing a hazard I am not going to like it.

MOST dog owners in the Villages, the VAST MAJORITY of dog owners in the Villages don't allow the above to happen. MOST dogs in the Villages seem to be well behaved or at least well controlled and don't cause any problems at all. The complaints you see on this forum usually concern the small minority of dogs or owners who just can't seem to behave properly.

The only thing not mention here, so far, are natural predators. While walking your dog, don't do it near the ponds, as in just off shore. Stay to the walking paths or near them, as gators love them too. Also, depending on size, the winged variety are also out there and even in your back yard, could be taken from you. We had a friend that lost a puppy to a hawk, while it was out in the back yard playing...

I am a dog owner & my experience is that my neighborhood is extremely dog friendly. Many of my neighbors have dogs, most I would say. Over 50% for sure, maybe I'll count someday. Several of my neighbors have invited me to walk the dog on their yards. (I haven't done it, but I do appreciate the kindness behind their invitation).

The only place I have found dog haters is here on this forum. Maybe they are in my neighborhood, but having seen me walking my dog, they don't share their hateful views with me. Maybe they are keyboard warriors, & post things they would never say in person. I don't know.

I always walk my dog on a leash, always pick up after him & don't allow him on other people's lawns. I leave him home when I go shopping & I don't bring him to the squares as I don't think he would like the crowds or the noise. Maybe I will try it once, just to see. He is a little guy & I would hold him on my lap, & leave if he started to cry or acted as if he were uncomfortable. But basically, I think both he & I would have a better time if I left him home when I go to the squares. He gets to nap & I get to enjoy the music. :)

I hope you have all of the same good experiences I have had, & meet similar kind & friendly people.

Oh, the leash walking, picking up, etc. seems to be universal among the dog owners in my neighborhood, maybe that is why we are treated so well. I have never seen a loose dog here, & if I did, I would be sure the little rascal had escaped & I would call him to me, so that we could have a friendly, leashed walk back to his house.

He said he had medium sized dogs, not bunny sized dogs. A hawk can only lift about five pounds. A full sized bald eagle about 15 pounds per some sources but less than 10 per others.

Alaska which is full of bald eagles and pets has this to say about the risk of an eagle taking your dog or cat
"Eagles Don’t Eat Children or Pets"

So there you go.
Everyone loves dogs except the folks who don't.
All dogs are lovely apart from those that are a pain.
Can't see a problem. 'So come on Down.' Seems just like any other place in the US that has dogs and owners. Enjoy your stay.
Get off my lawn!

Best post.



Like other poster OPINIONS, my opinion is there is far less than 50% of Villagers have dogs.
(but that should not impact you)

I love dogs(and other pets) and have had many dogs in my lifetime. I even trained them for a while, in the service. BUT, I don't appreciate or tolerate dog owners that allow their dog to use my lawn as a toilet. I spend a substantial amount of money on my landscaping. I would never/NEVER harm a dog, but I would be tempted with the owner. I had one dog owner walk her dogs up my driveway and allowed them to use my wife's flowers. I hate weeding my wife's garden but I love my wife and do NOT understand inconsiderate pet owners. Owners that should NOT own pets that they can not take care of properly.

Spot on!

"Banned from the squares"? "No dogs on the walking paths"? "Crazy dog parks"?

What a load of B.S.! Who told you these things? I take my dog to the squares every time we go. I take him on a 3 mile walk every other day, on the MMT that runs down the high voltage lines next to Nancy Lopez all the way from Mulberry down to the dog park. We practice off-the-leash heal on nearly every walk. When we get to the woods surrounding the power plant, he romps off leash all the way around, socializing with all the other dogs doing the same thing. We go to the dog park every day and I can count on one pinky the number of times I have seen a serious problem there -- and that was some 40-something non-villager who thought it would be OK to bring their vicious pit bull to a dog park they had to walk a block just to get to, while they were RVing through Florida.

Whoever told you this must have a vicious un-trained, un-socialized dog that someone complained about. This is the most dog-friendly place I've ever lived!

In my neck of woods it’s about 25 to 30% and that’s on high side of guest IMO.

“walking along the walking paths that big of an issue with your dog as I am reading”

No. I wouldn’t let dog off leash. Or be within leash distance (short leash) to disturb traffic on path. MMP usually has lot of common area on both sides. There are few (very few) ahs out there so best keep distance unless invited.

Thank you everyone!! This has been most helpful! So looking forward to meeting everyone

We are all much more enjoyable if you don't meet us.

:bigbow:

Why do people insist on bringing their dogs everywhere? Dogs may be allowed at the squares but they shouldn't be. Why would you take a dog to a place with loud music & crowded with people? Dogs do not belong there nor do they belong at any public gathering, restaurant, grocery store or any other business. I don't care where pet owners walk their dogs whether on the MMP's, walking paths, or village streets BUT I do NOT want any dog doing his business in my yard whether the owner picks up after it or not.

I use to get on my high horse and post about dog owners that walk their dog across the street to neighbors yard and leave, now, i sing a different note after i discovered a racoon and bunches of squirrels poop, sizeable too, and all poop that mysteriously disappeared the next day. Sooo my conclusion, a whole lotta poop about nothing, unless you own a dog the size of a horse!!!! Oh, btw, this is a dog friendly community for most of us.

Dog owner here...

Dogs are allowed on the walking paths. Just keep them on leash.

The dog parks? They seem okay, but my dog doesn't like them much. She'd rather sit in our lap than run around with the other dogs...

The squares? It's true that dogs are no allowed in the "Square Proper". That is the actual square, where the music is played. You can walk them Around the OUTSIDE of the actual square and on the side streets, they can walk as much as you/they wish...

Many of our neighbors carry dog treats when on their walks. As they approach, they ask if they can give our pup a treat. Only one neighbor has complained that out 13 lb Schoodle peed on his grass, He said it destroyed the grass. This was while his 50 lb lab was "copping a squat" right behind him... He left the pile and went inside... And his lawn look just fine (except for the land mines...)

We no longer walk on his side of the street...

As long as you're a considerate dog owner, you and your dog will love it in TV...

Nailed it.

There are 10-15 hard-core haters who feel that they have to make multiple posts every time this subject is needlessly raised. They claim to "love dogs" but can't seem to understand that a dog going on their lawn will not ruin it, especially if picked up by the owner. Heck, most of these people probably put BlackCow in their yard. Guess what that is.

Learn who the chronic complainers are and you will be fine. If they're not miserable, they are not happy.

:wave:

58% of American Homeowners, supposedly have a dog.

63% of families with income over $100,000 have a dog (or 2).

Pet Ownership Statistics 2024 – Forbes Advisor


The numbers seem high, but it seems like a huge portion of Dog Owners in TV, have more than one dog.

My takeaway on this post:

You have already gotten a home here, and will be living here three weeks from now. And today - three weeks before you move in, is when you first decided to ask about the community's perspective of dogs?

If you really wanted to prepare yourselves, you would've asked these questions the first day you decided to even WONDER about the Villages as an option for your next move. What would've happened if you found out - three weeks before move-in day - that the only option for your two medium sized dogs was to keep them penned up in your courtyard for the rest of their lives? What kind of "preparation" would you be making?

SMH - what kind of dog-lovers would move in to a place that they believe bans their pets, and then wait til three weeks before move-in day to ask for confirmation.

Of the 40+ houses on my street, fewer than 10 of them have dogs. One of them has three dogs. A couple of people have two dogs. And the other 6 or 7 have just one. So that's only around 25% of residents on my street.

Wow. Just wow. Harsh welcome to new folks.

:ohdear:

There you go!

Harsh, but everything a dog owner should consider and Forbes magazine should know, if they want to be credible. Forbes apparently neglected to survey OBB's entire street when they did their survey.

Sounds a little self-centric, but what do I know?

Best Wishes
 

I like to think so. Of course I can’t read minds and I’m not naive. We have a dog, and cant seem to live without one. Lawns can be damaged by female dogs or dogs on medication especially St. Augustine grass. Corner lots are frequently passed several times a day so remember to just keep them away from the lawn. A lawn in The Villages can be a great expense and often has a lot of personal work put into it. Try to be conscious that homeowners pay good money to fertilize, irrigate and cut those green patches. They run into chinch bugs and weeds that can be costly. If grass needs replaced a homeowner has to buy plugs or sod. The best practice is to just keep the dogs away from all the yards and all is great!

Pet Safety
Also when you walk your dog be careful in the summer months. It’s helpful to only walk the dog in the early hours or after dusk. The asphalt gets very warm and can burn the poor things feet. Always feel the roadway before walking when it’s hot out!

If you want the 100% answer, no. If you want the canine owner answer, maybe 80% of the time. There are caninemisos out there. They kind of stink like the land mines one sometimes encounters when owning a pet.

Good luck on your new buy!

And people wonder why TV is losing it's reputation as "America's Friendliest Home Town"...

Well, that's certainly true for your street...

Too bad it means nothing for the TV as a whole...

Doggie Doo Run Run just north of CR466 on CR101 is a ten acre private dog park that has a section for small dogs, big dogs, and a 5 acre back field. Just a moment...

You might want to check it out by talking with the owners. Worth a trip there to get a look of the dog park. At some times it is not that busy.

You mark the poop and an employee usually will pick it up every hour or two. You do have to watch where you step as some customers do not see their pooches go and do not mark the poop. I often would take extra flags and mark poop I walked past.

My dog is kind of getting old so I rarely go to Doggie Doo Run Run any more but would recommend it. Some of the younger as well as the older canines can play quite hard.

I had been going to Doggie Doo Run Run almost every day from 2007 through around 2022. Two different dogs though were involved.

So a person buys a house in TV and joins the forum (they did in Feb of 2024). The norm for moving to any neighborhood is bring your pets. That's the standard, unless it's a pet-free community. Why would you even think to ask about pets being welcomed. They're welcomed in the majority of communities.

After joining the forum, the new homeowner then comes across dog-hating threads of the 10-15 haters mentioned above, and starts to worry about it because he/she doesn't realize that this forum is a minute fraction of The Villages residents.

And then gets a snarky comment about not asking the community (that they weren't a part of till February) about dogs before moving here. From a person that doesn't have a dog.
Amazing.

Right. And that's not the point anyway. I counted up 11 dogs in our CYV neighborhood, a small percentage but so what. The point is the people in our neighborhood that don't have dogs are perfectly fine with us that do.

And the couple of homeowners who aren't fine with that outside our villa neighborhood are well known and greatly avoided.

I walk our dogs nearly down the middle of the street. It's my only gripe about electric vehicles--they're not loud enough to hear coming:what:

Your dog, your property, no problem. The problem seems to be some dog owners not understanding property lines.

A lot of dog owners take their dogs to the Polo Fields and walk them around the paved drive. Very serine in the morning.

The MOST dog friendly place
 

I’ve found The Villages to be the most dog friendly place I’ve ever experienced. We don’t have a pooch (but are huge animal lovers) and from what I’ve witnessed, this is a dog owners paradise.

Dog Friendly
 

People walk dogs all day in my neighborhood. And people stop all the time to talk to the owner and their dogs. You and they will enjoy it here.

Lots of replies. T V is pet friendly. Get to know your neighbors. Mine straight up told me who is dog friendly and which houses aren't.

Dogs are not band from the squares; however, if your dogs don't like LOUD music avoid taking them to hear the bands. Truly not something most dogs WANT to attend.

Squirrel.... I find it horrible to see dogs teathered in golf carts while the owners are inside establishments. Are the owners NUTS???!!??

People move to T V and become waaaay too trusting (and pretty stupid sometimes) and leave their dogs in their carts on hot or humid days, which is typically 9 months out of the year. It is out right cruel.

I see dogs panting away while owners are sipping coffee or eating lunch inside. Makes me sick. Dogs LOVE THE RIDE not the WAIT.

Note to newcombers and travelors visiting FL it is illegal to leave pets in cars. Golf carts, it's an invitation to loose your pet. Please don't assume T V is a safe utopia for your pet to be left alone. Times, they are-a-changing!

It is pretty hard to keep your dog from peeing on a neighbor's yard, because there are no open lots or parks in the middle of our neighborhoods. But please make sure you pick up after your dog when it poops. Nobody wants to find poop in their yard when they don't own a dog themselves. That is very annoying.