I just re-read the original post. It is stated that the 100 pound dog ran up to a passing neighbor. Can we assume barking? The neighbor obviously is unnerved by a big, strange dog running and barking at him. I know I would be! The OP states categorically that the dog did not actually come close to the man.

He then says that man called Animal Control, Community Watch, and the CDD regarding the unleashed dog and a trailer in the driveway. Did the neighbor and the OP have a shouting match to precipitate those calls after the OP got his dog under control? The OP does not say if all 3 entities responded to those calls and, if so, how those encounters went. That is all important information.

Sounds as if tempers on both sides might have flared under the heat of the moment.

Definitely, a peace offering on the part of the OP is warranted (sincere or not) and good neighbors restored.

Once a "rear orifice" always a "rear orifice". The neighbors attitude has little or nothing to do with a big dog. Apology if it makes the apologist feel better, but it won't change the dynamic.

New or Preowned
 

OP has not yet replied. My guess. Preowned

CF, The OP didn't say he apologized. He said the neighbor called authorities before he had a chance to apologize. You can read that either way, I took it to mean all hell broke loose and the OP holed up in the house afraid of what might happen. It's really not a scary place to live, but I'm sure it seemed like it.

OP HERE
The dog did not get too near the neighbors wife
He stopped a driveway before
We tried to apologize, but neighbor was screaming and cursing at us
The trailer issue has been taken care of.
We're both working FT and trying to move
I admit the trailer was pushed to the back burner
And we honestly didn't realize it was a problem
Thanks for all your kind words
I have been a wreck and not sleeping since this all happened

Okay, kitty, thanks. Maybe OP did not have a chance to apologize, in which case an apology might be helpful.

Buggy, the only thing I can say is that we've had two goldens, dog-sat two before that, frequently, and have known a ton of them... and they are not barkers. Most likely tail was wagging, mouth was open with tongue hanging out, and dog was bounding in joy over his freedom, as opposed to zeroing in for a fight.

I'm not saying someone not familiar with goldens shouldn't be frightened. I totally understand that. I'm just saying my bet is the dog was not presenting in an aggressive manner. It's just not in their nature when interacting with humans.

It's unfortunate that the dog got out, and a good lesson to whoever (whomever?) didn't shut the door properly.

So funny. My golden also rarely barked. Just wanted to be everyone's friend. Had a beautiful golden across the street from me here in TV. He got out once in a while and always galloped over to visit me......loved, loved that dog. I will admit though, if one is not a dog lover, a large dog like a golden can be intimidating.

Shouldn't happen
 

So sorry this happened! Not the norm in the Villages...I think there are more dogs thn residents!! Move on, the majority are reasonable friendly folks...it will work out! Welcome to the Villages!

thanks for checking in here. I once hit someone with my car. It was my fault. While I asked if she was ok, she screamed "You HIT me!!"....
I can see where she was coming from. It was not a time she could hear an apology. All her buttons were pushed and I was the person who threatened her survival. Little ol' innocent kind well-meaning me. I made a mistake and she was bent out of shape. Bottom line is I did threaten her survival.

So, for what it's worth - after reading your original post and your latest explanation... here's what I'd do. I would follow the advice of our "sages" here on TOTV. I would take this dog for a walk in the neighborhood often - waving to neighbors and saying hello. I would also stop by your neighbor's house (without the dogs) and offer a formal apology. That's really all you need to do. Put a big smile on your face - bring cookies or a box of chocolates - explain that it was a mistake and that the dogs really are friendly and sweet - that you understand that it would have been frightening to have a big dog run up without introduction. I think we all wish you luck in your new home and neighborhood. We'll hope that in the coming months you all become good friends and can laugh about this...

and that's really what we're all about. good synopsis.

dont let it get to you. those neighbors seem like jerks. rather than act civilized and find out what went on they immediately went nuclear. be glad they were not carrying a firearm!

You made a mistake, you apologized. You meant no harm and no harm occurred. Let it go. There are so many more wonderful people here. Ignore the bad and enjoy the good. And if you want a great place to run your Golden go to Doggie Do Run Run. It is a park off of 466, take a turn at CVS onto CR 101. Go about a mile it will be on your right. Cost $3 or $25 per month. It is about 10 acres and lots of great dogs and owners go there daily. And if you see a big black lab named Robbie, say Hi.

Lots of ways to look at this..

The new neighbor: broke rules for how long to leave trailer, broke rules for dogs running loose, posted a complaint on TOTV against his community in first week living there.

The old neighbor: did not bother to go meet the neighbor moving in, reported two violations of rules.

We don't know who started what in the shouting match or the tone people took.
to date, as far as we know, neither neighbor has apologized.

This is just my perspective, mind you, and is based entirely on one side of the story: one neighbor reported to authorities for infractions of rules, the other reported said neighbor to the public as a bad neighbor...

Time is a healer and I believe the OP should give her neighbor space and let nature take its course.

Having said that my reaction would have been the same in some ways but not others. I won't bore you with details but my life experiences taught me to be alert around dogs not known to me. so I would have been upset and concerned about a large dog charging at me and since I have a fear of dogs I wouldn't know if the approach by this animal was friendly or not. I do not curse and I do not shout at people. However, I would stay away from this dog owners household.

Like most people here I take extra measure to keep my property in pristine shape. I deplore seeing vehicles parked outside and I follow rules that I agreed to when I moved here.

In other words I am sensitive to the concerns of people around me and do not wish to offend in anyway.

I am so sorry you received this kinds of welcome. Anyone unable to befriend a golden probably isn't worth being friends with. All the feedback you are receiving is correct; there are people just looking for problems. Hopefully you'll find other neighbors who will embrace you and your dogs.

There is one on every block ( even in The Villages) We have had bad experiences from un named neighbor but took the high road and basically are civil (when not ignoring) We continue to be courteous and friendly (if not down right charming ) to all the surrounding neighbors. We always walk dogs around the block,talking and waving to anyone. Contact us for dog loving new friends!

No, there's not one on every block in our neighborhood and many others in TV. The o.p.'s situation is not the norm. I think that neighbor was waiting for something to pounce on and the dog was just what she'd been hoping for.

And we've only heard one side of the story as Kitty said. It does sound like the neighbor is more aggressive than the o.p.

Kitty, you never fail to amaze me with your posts.
You've had some very interesting life experiences, which you're forthcoming enough to share with us.

Great suggestion!

It causes one to pause to see that some people actually believe that animals and humans are equal in all ways and as such everyone just has to tolerate their misbehavior. And yet some of these same people have said on this very thread rudeness by people shouldn't be tolerated.

Logic would dictate that the animal's behavior mimics that of its owner.

A few years ago, one of our new neighbors had a Rottweiler (sp?) that got loose while I was out gardening in my yard. She is a love, but I did not know that at the time when she came bounding over to me. Being a dog owner myself, I was not panicked, but was a bit nervous because of her breed & because I had not met her yet. It was just a slice of life that ended well, but may not have...

I agree with both of Patty55's posts & also one of the others that recommended being friendly to all the neighbors with a wave. I would not bother to apologize now. It is water over the dam at this point. Just move forward showing all that you are a friendly, responsible neighbor.

Welcome to The Villages. You will love it here!

If the cookies and apology doesn't work, mail them a box of EXLAX!! :)

People complain to you because your dogs are barking while walking? Sheesh. That's utterly ridiculous. It's not like you're parking them at the end of their driveway so they can bark incessantly.

There's a couple of doxies around the corner and down a street from us who, when they pass Crosby on his walk, go into a fear-aggressive attack frenzy. At first we would stay on our side of the street and just keep moving. After learning that they're not going to get used to him, we now take a different route. Life is too short for all this angst.

Sorry to learn about your first impression that was NOT so good. But give it some time and the over whelming majority of Village friendliness will put that memory in the distant past. Too many good things here in the Villages to allow for one negative encounter to ruin your happy retirement. Best wishes!

The OP has not mentioned if Community Watch, Animal Control, or CDD responded to the calls the neighbor made and what, if anything, they said to do.

Was there any two way confrontation between the OP and the neighbor when the dog was back in control of the OP?

Just wondering - no accusations either way.

Yes, please tell us the rest of the story. I'm particularly interested in what CW would do. I'm guessing just an admonition, like--watch your dog more carefully?

Please let the TOTV readers know how you decided to handle the situation with your irate neighbor.
We are interested and supportive.
I hope the rest of your neighbors have been welcoming,
and that you're feeling more comfortable in your new home.