I think it depends on the personality of the dog. We could take our golden to restaurants in Europe but rarely did so, unless it was outside. Most did not have a lot of room, and he struggled a bit to fit himself in. Even though the restaurants allowed it, we mostly left him at home, with a couple of exceptions. (He liked sitting outside for after-dinner wine.) We wouldn't take him into big crowds for his own safety.

Our rescue beagle mix is skittish around noises. So no go to any outdoor gathering with her. Walks and dog parks.
Most people know their dogs. If I saw a big dog in a crowded situation, I would assume the owner knows the dog is good in that situation, knows how he will act. Was that big dog the OP saw jumping up on people? Truly freaking out? Really, I've never seen a dog jump up on strangers in outdoor markets or other venues. I can't think of one time I've seen that. I give people credit.

As for anthropomorphizing pets, I have to mention this: we anthropomorphize many things, God included. So what. Does that mean we're crazy or something?

Finally... I may not always have a husband, but I WILL always have a dog. (Although at 52 years together, husband is pretty safe.)

I sense a trend in your post..."Some"...

Some idiots want to turn "some" into "all"...

Yes, just seeing a dog at a crowded event will cause someone to go into anaphylactic shock...

Difference between cats and dogs:
Dogs have masters and cats have staff.

But the question is why would you bring a dog to such a large event? You did not answer the question posed by the OP.

People bring dogs to events because the events are dog friendly. It is the owner's decision to bring their pet.

And multiple people have answered his question.

You may not like the answers given, and that's fine...

Why?Honest Question
 

Because dogs are allowed and the owner can bring them if they want to. There does not need to be any other reason than they want to. The Villages is a very dog friendly place, that is one of the appeals of living here. A couple of reasons that might answer your question: "I love my dog and want to be with him"; "I love my dog and my dog loves me and she wants to be with me"; or one more.... "I want to annoy some people by bringing my dog." Any of these answers are reason enough to bring a dog to an event.

Your dog liked wine?

Had a German Shepherd once who liked beer...

Most dogs are very social and if trained to behave, they have just as much a right to be there as you. So why don’t you just stay home if this bothers you so much. I currently don’t have a dog and I LOVE getting to greet and pet them all💗🤣

Just saying…
1. Dogs don’t get drunk at events
2. Dogs don’t drive the golf carts into walls
3. Dogs are more handsome than most Villagers
4. Dogs are more behaved than certain Villagers
5. Dogs don’t save “spots” in the bleachers for their friends.
Just kidding….. happy holidays to all!

Woof
 

waiting for the article where someone gets bit, sues the owner for his village home and/ or the venue/ store for millions in pyschological damages. You'll really need your service dog then

Don't have a dog (been there done that many times, but wanted a retirement dog free life, selfish but, want to be able come and go with out so much responsibility. Since so many seem to give such, well, rather nasty type replies, I'll try to give you an honest answer. Have a cousin who takes her dog everywhere, and I mean everywhere, if you invite her to lunch at your home (and I have), you also get the dog. It goes to all the stores, she does take a pad she puts in the shopping buggy, and she constantly tells us how "even at stores that tend to discourage you from bringing your dog inside, just fall in love with our Hunter, they just flock to him everywhere we go". I have never understood why people would just flock to this dog as she always relates they do... it's not a small dog, medium mixed breed from a shelter, not "snippy", seems friendly enough when we're around him, but he's quite a load for a shopping cart or in a restaurant, etc. She claims HE will not allow her to go anywhere, even on a quick errand, without HIM or he pouts and is angry with her for several days ???? I gave up trying to figure it out. Apart from this odd behavior, she has NO other odd behaviors or talk ! ? All I can say is, from what we have observed in our home, in her home, and out at public events, she just firmly believes the dog IS AN ACTUAL HUMAN PERSON with the same range of emotions, desires, and demands ! ?

:agree: Not much that's for sure, well, they do seem to know how to spend other people's money very very well... both parties...LOL !

Nice to know there are are animal/dog loves here who are also able to view pets in a rational way, and realize that while we should always treat animals with kindness and respect, they are not "equal to" human beings. You expressed some rational thinking, nice to see !

I understand why you might have to "hold your tongue" at times, you seem to be not only a "responsible" pet owner, but I would guess you also treat your pet very well and do not walk it a couple blocks away, momentarily unleash it, and urge it into a yard to do it's business. I watch this and really wonder if the owner did that in the PREVIOUS locations where she lived, or does this happen when you moved to the V's ? Puzzling, and very disrespectful ! Actually gives me a sad feeling to watch some of the "entitled" behaviors you see here. Here's another interesting "discussion"...LOL... why "some" people feel entitled to park a golf cart in the MIDDLE of a parking space... do they have the "right", of course, but why do it ? What do people feel they can just drive their autos IN the golf cart lane along main streets ? But they do it ALL the time, not just "swerve" into the GC lane momentarily because they were busy checking their cell phone, but actually drive with the right front and rear tires entirely in the GC lane ! Senility or entitlement I always wonder, same with some of the things you see in regard to pets, dogs in particular. Like you, just watch and shake my head in wonder, but hold my tongue... LOL !

They probably bring their dogs so people who see them can post 20 pages on TOTV about "why do they bring dogs to <fill in the blank>" every week. I guess this smells better than POOP posts. Just wait! Next will be "when is Costco for Dogs" coming to The Villages? :D:D

totally agree, leave the pets at home, if they need you that much, stay with them.

Does taking a pet for a walk in a baby carriage actually considered " taking a pet for a walk"? It seems to defeat the purpose.

138 posts............is this some sort of a record?

Agree

A support animal is a made up term
 

A real service dog must have a note from a doctor. You can not ask the person what if anything is wrong with them, but according to Fl law you can ask what the dog is trained to do. A business can decline to entry to a support animal but not a true service dog. Just because you went online and brought a vest or a leash with “service animal” it doesn’t make it real.

Aaaand, you let it all out here... :p

Does taking someone in a wheelchair out for a walk really count as taking them out for a walk?

Sometimes, it's the best one can do to get fresh air and see the world outside their home...

People, dogs and Christmas. Add gold cart speeding and lawns.

Not even close...

No matter what the law is or it's INTENT, there will be people who think they are ENTITLED to abuse it. We/I tend to notice ABUSERS but need to remember that MOST
people are responsible. As far as a business POLICING customers, Imagine the POSTS from SOME of our fellow Villagers. They have ALL decided it is not a good idea.
Grocery, better not to realize the previous user decided THEIR mutt that just stepped in
poop, is needed as a consultant to decide what FOOD to purchase. Have not seen any pet, oops, service pigs.

Because it’s good for socialization. Who cares if someone brings a dog. There are so many busy bodies trying to get involved in other peoples business here.

I encourage more people to bring their dogs.

I've seen dogs at the squares, but I've never seen one that seemed distressed by the crowds or the noise, probably because the owner has taken the time to desensitize the dog to such an environment, by, (get ready for this now...) bringing the dog to places with people and noise.
If the dog has been conditioned to it, and is behaving well, I have no problem with it. Not all dogs are bothered by it. Some dogs tolerate guns being shot over their heads, other dogs hide under the bed when a car door gets slammed shut. If the dog is freaking out, and as I say, I haven't personally seen this at the squares, then the owner should get the dog away and seek some professional guidance in dog behavior and training, and learn how to gradually desensitize the dog to such an environment. This can be a daunting task, and likely more time consuming than most dog owners realize, or are willing to undertake.

Training dogs is not that hard to do, but it requires an owner who is willing to do it, and consistently reenforce desired behaviors, while calmly, assertively, and humanely, discouraging undesirable behaviors.

humans don't take a dump in other human's yards.

Uh oh! :duck:

Saw an allergy post on the other page. Used to work with a guy that couldn't be around dogs for that reason. For him we had a strict no dogs at work policy. The couple times it happened he got annoyed and a few of us mentioned it to the owners and the dog was kept away from roaming our side until they took it out and left. I also knew a little kid who loved dogs but if he pet them would stir up his allergy and the mom always had to refrain him from doing so because she didn't want to have to rush him to the ER. Sad on both cases but allergies suck.

BS counter and deffect. How do know they were not Russian spy dogs, space aliens, etc.

You cannot determine if a dog is or is not by looking at them, unless they are lunging, barking or uncontrolled.

What is deffect?

It is because some people put their own needs in front of the dog's needs. Loud noise and crowds overstimulate animals with sensitive hearing. Some adults put their needs above those of the elderly, babies and young children. It is sad but selfishness and what one person wants with disregard for others (human or animal) does exist. It is important to recognize those traits. That is why some people want to work in a care giving position with either the very old, the very young or the infirmed. It is so they can indulge themselves either on their phones or whatever and not think about the one who needs their care. I see people with very large dogs like Newfoundland's who bring them to the square in the summer and don't even bring a dish of water for the dog. It is horrible to see those animals suffer and their owners only want to gratify their own needs. What Newfoundland would want to be in 90 degree heat with their heavy coats and no water?

Good for socialization?? Like taking them to a fireworks display gets them to loud explosions. Or putting them out in lightning stom gets them to appreciate the wonder and beauty of wild weather.
"Who care"? I, and many others who have been attacked, are allergic, feel dogs don't belong at every human focused event or business.
"Get involved in other peoples business". By bringing a dog to a crowded publick event, you are messing with other people's business and their right and ability to enjoy the public festivities.
I encourage folks to leave their pets at home for the benefit of all, pet and human.

Pretty broad statement, that.

It is the owner's choice to bring their dog not yours. There are many communities that do not allow dogs. If the dogs upset, you that much you can move to one of those communities. We moved here because of the multitude of championship golf courses and that TV is dog friendly.

If bringing beautiful dogs to the squares at night, is your number one bug in this world ..This, and having to post it, you are very lucky indeed.....

Best post in this thread!

You may want to (re)read the original post. The OP doesn't have an issue with bringing dogs to the squares. His question, as I read it, was why presumably caring owners would subject their pets to such a crowd. Assuming there is a reason for it, what is the reason?

"Beautiful dogs"? Definitely in the eye of the owner.