If you are concerned about your safety, then carry a weapon when you walk.

When we moved to Osceola Hills 3.5 years ago, we often saw dogs not on leashes. As we were walking one evening, two large unleashed dogs charged up to us in a very threatening manner, but the owner eventually got control of them.

The next day, we went to the Sumter County Animal Control and filed a complaint against the owner and we also went to The Villages office in Lake Sumter Landing to file a complaint.

After that, I would carry a metal hiking pole with a sharp metal point when we walked.

Community Watch does NOT explain rules. It is not what they do or what they are paid to do. They just watch and that is it.

Retractable leashes are so dangerous, it's a wonder anyone risks their dog's safety using them.

One has to say to oneself....ya live in TV, what the heck do you need a Doberman for (or any large dog breed that has been bred for aggressiveness)

okay, you had it before moving here....well, you're not in Kansas anymore....take it to a dog obedience school and get it socialized before someone gets hurt

Dobermans are strong animals....you're not as strong as you once were...this is 55+ community where people get out and walk

people that have these types of dogs in TV need to connect the dots

Dobies are not inherently aggressive. It all depends on the dog. When I lived up north I used to walk 7 VERY large dogs at a time, NEVER EVER on a retractable lead because I think they give you no control and are an accident waiting to happen. It's all in the control of the dog and what the dog and owner can handle, not the breed. I walk giant breed dogs and have walked with my own as well as taken my neighbor's dog with us on walks with no issues because I can handle it and I am in control and the dogs know it. I have been showing dogs, huge ones, for 40 years and never had an issue. What scares me is these little dogs that charge my dogs and the owner that says, "Oh, Fluffy is just playing." No matter if it's a toy dog or the Great Pyrenees I showed and handled myself it all depends on the owner and his/her relationship to the dog, not the size or breed. I see far too many people that use the 'rescue' excuse for bad behavior or the 'he's my little fur human' as an excuse for bad behavior. It's not an excuse. Badly behaved is badly behaved. Take responsibility for it and change it. If you don't know how to do it then seek professional help. I've had giant breed rescue dogs also and changed their behavior. Ultimately it's not the breed, it's the owner.

I don’t believe there is a length limit in Sumter county. You are required to have your pet “in control” or it is considered to be “at large” and no mention of leashes at all that I can see in the actual code. Can you really be in control if your pet is 25 feet away? I have my doubts. With the oodles of liability lawyers chomping at the bit in Florida, I would not want to try and convince a judge or civil court jury of that.

Dogs don’t like something thrown at them. In my native village many people had guard dogs and if someone walked by their property the dogs would likely attack. People walking used walking sticks and if a dog was charging, lean down suddenly as if you are picking up a rock. Given the number of rock mulches in people’s gardens in TV it is easy enough to find. But just the sudden movement usually throws off a dog.

Don’t hesitate to protect yourself, the owner may not be able to control their dog. The other thing is pepper spray, a small can is easily carried on a lanyard. Sometimes I feel it would be more effective on the owner.... and yes, I am a dog owner but people come first.

Then there are situations where the owner can’t look after their dogs. I was walking in my area when 2 medium size dogs escaped from an owner using a walker and dashed towards me. I was by myself. The dogs were barking. I recognized the type of bark was not hostile. The owner said, “You want a dog?” I just smiled. The dogs returned to him, but it was obvious that he could not physically control them. So what is he supposed to do? I am not sure.

No dog on a 25 foot leash is under control.
Period.
Full stop.
Amen!

I don’t believe any dog should be on a long leash out in public. However...

Your statement is simply not true.

Amen. One friend here in TV had a Dobie female who was the sweetest, friendliest dog. Our golden's best friend in Michigan was a male Rottweiler. Also sweet. Our next-door neighbor's daughter in MI rescued a pit bull who was just great.


I've seen some nasty little dogs, and some little ones that are sweet as can be. Dogs take time and effort. And a whole lot of thought.


But I wish they would ban those retractable leashes. I don't get the point of them. I don't think you could reel one in fast enough if your dog was 15 feet out and decided to run into the street.

Interesting. Did Sumter animal control or the Villages take any action

I couldn’t agree more. They purchased this dog here when they moved.

Stop
 

Why does everyone feel the need to go complain about everything? Just because you're shared of your shadow doesn't mean the dogs are mean. Good job being a nuisance to decent people

Really?
 

So you want to ruin everyone's enjoyment of their animals because you're afraid of a breed? Doubt the snarling happened.

Yep. If they take away the dog I really hope they know who you are.