Dogs in the Square and etc.
 

I have nothing against dogs but I think the square has more people then they can handle,so I wish that people would leave their dogs home.My friend was walking and stepped into dog doing's. please make your dog do their business on your own property and not on others when you walking your dogs...Thank you

Welcome
 

I see this is your 3rd post.Welcome & I hope you enjoy being here! I am a dog person & once in a while I do bring my German Shepherd to the square. She is very well behaved & if by chance she did her business i would take care of it immediately. Only responsible people should be allowed to own dogs as they are a big responsibility.Sorry your friend happened upon an owner that is irresponsible. Once again welcome!!

Of course people should clean up after their pets, anything else is disgusting!!!

One reason we purchased in TV was that we loved seeing the dogs everywhere! My husband has been working in Canada for the past month. He arrives here Thursday. He just called to ask me "Can we take our two dogs to the Square on Thursday night"? So we'll be there with our little dog "Biggins" and our 70 pound "Lolli Pop"!

I am with you, a lot of people are allergic, they have no place down at the square..

Gee, I'm allergic to most scents. Does that mean that if you make me sneeze you shouldn't be allowed at the squares? Sorry, it is outdoors. No one says they have to touch the dogs. Personally, I love the dogs at the squares, especially the bull mastiff who is walked with his Yorkie buddy.

I am allergic to lots of things: pollen, strong perfumes, cigarette smoke, and sometimes the screenprinting on t-shirts, and rarely latex. It would be hard to eliminate things that cause allergies for a lot of people from the squares.

:BigApplause::BigApplause::agree:

:BigApplause::BigApplause:

We kinda love dogs here.

It's a go!
 

Whew! Guess I won't be calling my salesperson to cancel my home order!:D

Like everything else, don't blame the dogs blame the owners. Like was said, it's the unresponsible owner that will leave a dropping behind. Same as it's the irresponsible owner that will bring a poorly behaved dog to the square - owner needs to train the dog - the dog does not train the owner.


We are at TV to enjoy ALL parts of what is available, that being friends, mate or pet.

Also, keep in mind some of us pet owners have lost our mate and now our comfort is our pet (who by the way was always there during bad times - who is will be there for you when that time comes).

Just some thoughts but I'm sure I could be wrong...


aj

AJ - you brought up a point that I hadn't thought of. I am sorry for your loss, but glad that you have found comfort in your pet.

The entire dogs at the square stuff has been discussed many times - with usually a comment or two by Fumar, who is so far conspicuously absent.

We generally do not bring Finley in the winter, especially on Market nights or when really popular bands are playing. He is a small doggie and a lot of people and a small doggie could equal a stepped-on paw.

Please don't blame those of us who are responsible pet owners for the behavior of a few. And, while I have many allergies, I fail to see how bringing a dog to the squares would set off an allergic reaction unless someone pet a dog or the dog rubbed against them causing a transfer of dander.

Besides, Finley does not shed - (nor does Barefoot's Lolli Pup). Should they be allowed and not, for example, a collie?

What is the exact difference between a "well behaved" and "not well behaved" dog? What are the guidelines?

I think a lot depends on whether you basically like dogs or don't like them.

I love dogs, but I don't like them to jump on me. BUT even if they do, I still like them. I don't like owners who let their dogs pee on my Magnolia bush. The dog is not to blame.

I think there are some people who don't like dogs and are a bit afraid of them. To those people, even if the dog sits quietly by its owner, walks beside them, doesn't bark or do anything you might think a bad dog would do, they still don't like them.

I don't own a dog, but I like them. People are kind to let me pet theirs.

Dogs in The Square
 

IMO a poorly behaved dog lunges, jumps up and barks at people. They should walk politely on a leash and the owner should have poop bags in their pocket.
Jeanne

A well behaved dog does not pee on someone's shoe.

(This is the only thing my dog has figured out as proper behavior and I am sure he is well behaved.)

Aha! We are now defining a well behaved owner - right to the core of the matter.

:BigApplause: I think some need a little common sense I don't take my dog when crowded and I do like to see dogs their but when crowded thats another story.

We currently have 4 dogs! One things owners forget, especially in public places, is some dogs behave differently and people don't know the temperament of their pet. As a result, most people are very skittish about strange dogs. I know I am, especially when we are down and go to the squares. Example, our son was on the sofa petting one of our pomeranians and had his head low and out of the blue the dog bit him on the mouth - 3 stitches!. He is a well behaved, loving and friendly pet of 11 years. So that is why I'm a little skittish.

So, bottom line - I love dogs, but go to the squares to dance and have a cool one!!! :smiley:

Just my - 2 cents!

all of you are not getting my point I like dogs they are sweet and loving they bring joy to many of us..I just don't think that the square is a place for any dog when iit is crowed.I went to the parade for st patty day and I was standing there with no place to move around and this lady was behind me with 2 big dogs and passed by me to get on the other side of the street with all the people at the square that day we could have stepped on their paws and hurt the dogs and maybe they would have gone for us to protect themselves this is the only thing that I am concern about.So don't let this post let out of hand...If children are not allowed in certain places and we obey by those rules that should be the same for dogs.....I am sorry this is the way I feel....yes I agree with some of you it is not the dog but the owner that should be in control of where their dog goes...I was sitting in my kitchen looking out the window and this man was walking his dog and the dog made on my next door neigbhor lawn he picked it up but that was a very rude thing to do and he lived only a few houses away from this person.....that's nerve dont you think....

I agree
 

That is the point that I am trying to bring out to the people in the villages.....Thank you......

Oh, the joy there must be in carrying around those little bags of poop in your pocket.

And I for one (responsable dog owner) would agree with you 100%. If it is so crowded due to special event night or if I arrived with my dog and saw a over crowded condition I would either take the dog home or keep her in my golf cart that night.

Once again blame the owner for not being responsible, I think most of us are saying that. We do understand and if the owners were responsible they would not have their dog in that condition for the dogs safety as well as for others.

We do understand and just are hoping you are understanding what we are trying to say to you but to all dog owners as well.

Thanks, hope we all are on the same track now.

aj

Individuals' "rights" v. the whole
 

I am a dog owner and I love dogs and like seeing them at the squares, but I often wonder if certain dogs there would lunge or bite. Some of those dogs' owners act like they LIKE having others feel a bit intimidated.

This problem reminds me a lot of no-smoking laws recently enacted.

Some smokers are courteous and do not smoke like a chimney at the table right next to you in a restaurant when you're trying to eat the meal you paid good money for. But the ones who DO/DID that caused enough ruination of other people's right to a pleasant atmosphere that voters approved the no-smoking laws now in place in various states/localities.

This dog situation, like public smoking, is a question of the "rights" of a few proudly militant dog owners who force their dogs onto other people who have good reason to fear dogs from past, real experience; or who force their dogs onto TV visitors, guests and residents who do not consider stepping in manure to be a necessary part of enjoying the totally unique atmosphere at the town squares.

Apologies and statements from "responsible" dog owners do little to avert the problem of a person who does get bitten or who steps in manure and their whole outing is ruined and they have to go home or buy new shoes at VanHuesen if they're open.

Maybe TV could start by prohibiting dogs there during certain peak hours when there are more crowds, during busiest winter months. Letters need to be written.

I am sorry but I still think that dogs belong home while the owners are out having a good time at the town square..And remember I have nothing against dogs....It is just not the place for dogs.Maybe you should no my reason My husband and I were walking in Ridgewood New Jersey going to the movies and there was this man talking to his friends holding his dog my his leash when this dog jumped and wanted to attact me if his owner didnt pull him back he would have hurt me bad he was a big dog and the owner said to me he never did that before maybe not but he did it that time......

Because this is highly unusual behavior for this pet, please take your dog to the vet and have the dog's ears checked for an infection. Also have the dog's teeth checked for an impacted tooth or other painful dental problems. Many times, pain in or around the head will cause an otherwise mellow and peaceful dog to react just that way.

You had me under your spell until the "Letters need to be written." part. IN FACT, I am still under your spell. I think you are right. Except for I like dogs at the squares.

There is no person that I know of to whom you can right such a letter....and feel that having done so that the authorities have been told of your feelings and/or that they have been told and something will change...

That is how it is in a CDD form of government.

This is NOT a democracy here in The Villages.

Plus...I like dogs at the squares. I like them walking by my house. I like them peeking at me from golf carts.

I'm afraid if a letter-writing campaign were begun to keep dogs away from the squares, an opposing letter-writing campaign would begin from those who prefer dogs' presence at the squares . . . don't you think?

Somehow there was effort to get dog parks put in, wouldn't the same work for no dogs on the squares?

letters need to be written to send the 'old fogies' back north where they came from!

Hi Josephine71,
Welcome! One of TV's attributes is that it's a dog-friendly community. Dogs are allowed on the squares. Those are the rules. Much as I enjoy seeing dogs on the squares, I do not take my own because he is small and could be stepped on or trip someone.

It is true that some dog owners don't always use good judgement. It is equally true that some non-pet owners don't use good judgement. Some drive too fast, don't enter and exit the roundabouts properly, deprive attending patrons by saving rows of prime seats at popular events for people who aren't there, are rude to others or don't play ready golf.

None of this is the fault of the rules. Likewise, your friend stepped in dog poop not because there's anything wrong with the rules but because some selfish, entitled person failed to follow them.

Pun intended, that's usually why sh** happen. :D

Thank God there are still dog lovers in TV. I get a real kick out of seeing the dogs in the squares and in TV in general. We plan on having our dog with us whenever we are there which is a couple (or a few) months a each year.
If you really want to complain about something, sit behind or near a lady or guy in the theatres after they have dipped themselves in some obnoxious scent. Tha's as bad as stepping in dog do, maybe even worse.
Just my humble opinion.
Irish:D

I have yet another twist...
 

As a few of you know I get around using a mobility scooter and transport it in a mobility equiped vehicle. If or when a dog poops, my scooter's tires don't care if its from a responsible or irresponsible owner's dog and neither do I. If I accidentally roll over some of the semi-dry chocolate pudding and don't realize it, I could later wind up getting it not only on my tires, but on my vehicle's ramp and on the carpet inside the vehicle, not to mention on myself.

Back when I first got a mobility scooter I did run over some of the stuff that wasn't picked up by the dogs owner. When I used a hose to try and wash it off, some spray got up under the motor cover and ruined the motor. I went without a scooter while I had to wait for the replacement to be shipped to me.

Another problem I could encounter is if a dog, under control or not, decided that my ankle or leg looked like a big tasty bone and took a sample taste. This could trigger months of painful ulcerations that I'm prone to and have suffered from, on and off for years. Believe me, if you experience the pain I've gone through because of ulcerations, you would most likely feel the same as I do about this.

Having said this I want to emphasize that I'm not in favor of banning dogs from the towne squares. Heaven knows I too love the little critters and enjoy petting their heads and chins when I run across one being walked in my Village or when going to our mailbox... if I can safely do so. However, I do wish dog owners, responsible or not, would stop and think about whether their optional choice to bring fido with them to the squares, when it's busy, is so important or necessary that it's worth the potential problems that could be created by their very presence.

If a dog owner feels it's worth the risk of exposing others to these kinds of problems, as well as the potential that exists for liability, then by all means they can bring their little cutties. But if they care for others and feel it's not worth the risks, then they should walk fido at the many other places possible around TV or leave them home and bring them back a nice treat. Today, the choice is yours to bring or not bring your dog to the towne squares. But in the future, if irresponsibility starts to overshadow responsibility... rule changes won't be very far away!

I like dogs at the squares, too! But I truly have seen owners who seem to like it that their dog is a "big dog" that can seem intimidating.....(big in attitude, not necessarily size)....

I like the dogs at the squares.....but not such attitude from owners.

..

Dogs in the Square
 

dogs, I am afraid of dogs but only four kinds big ones, little ones, alive ones, dead ones:BigApplause: To my way of thinking it is unkind to the dog to place them in a such a position as an overcrowed square. It is unfair to people who may not see this little creature and end up tripping over it. And it is unfair because of the situations similar to what has been described by skyguy. Do dog owners believe that their dogs are grooving to the music? Or do they believe their dog may have an opportunity to hook up to a cutie pooch? Are these dog owners frustrated "dog show" wanntabes strutting their "best in show" dog? Really take stock and examine why people go to the town square. Hint it is not to meet your dog.

I have to say I have a dog who loves to dance. If we play msic at home he "asks" us to dance. He loves it. When at the square(if it's not a real busy night) we take Merlin with us. He is perfectly behaved and loves to slow dance between us.

Does he like an occasional martini between dances?:rolleyes:

Dogs in the Square
 

Great points, I agree. We would never be able to have any fun if all rules were made for the irresponsible few.