Many residents live in houses without a fenced yard so outings with a pooch is necessary (besides the daily walk around the block). It also helps to better socialize the pet to come in contact with other folks. Finally with so many activities not many would like to leave the dog cooped up in the house all day. NOW, having said all this I agree with the OP that bring a dog to the square for this kind of event makes zero sense. Bad for the dog. Also extremely loud amped music can’t be enjoyable for the dog - maybe walking around the square - but probably not in the square. Just my opinion.

Here we go about the dogs again. First of dogs are allowed at the squares. And no I would not take my dog to a large crowd or a large event and no I do not take my dog everywhere with me, but I do take my dog out with me sometimes. And all of who do not like dogs and like to complain about dogs. why did you move here to The Villages that is pet friendly?
And not every pet owner is a good pet owner. We all know that. But there are people who like the wine hear about pets, no matter what they are good or bad or welcome or not. My suggestion is you should move out of the villages if you’re not pet friendly, or maybe go start your own village. But to move into a place that is pet friendly and bitch about pets is stupid. But I can only imagine that’s not the only thing you guys complain about.

I too wonder if all the excitement is too much for the dog. The large b&w border collie I saw at Brownwood that night was just chilling lying down by the owners. Didn't look overwhelmed or if it was it somehow knew how to behave.

So I'll use an example of a friend and how she is with her dogs. Loves them to pieces and so do I since I love and enjoy animals. So when I visit them the dogs get positive attention when they aren't lying down chilling around us. I jokingly call them spoiled but they really are having a good doggie life. Friends tell her if they themselves ever came back as a dog they would want her for their owner.

So on taking them out of the house she may take them for a cart ride (making sure they're secure for the ride) and says her dogs love it. Takes them outside but not for long walks as they get plenty of exercise. Takes them to work (she's the owner) and her employees love them. Leaves them with dog sitters when out of state; they only fly if going to their alt homes.

But she would never ever take them to the store, a restaurant, or to one of the squares. Why, because it's a short trip (store) or her time with friends or family. The 2 dogs stay home in their enclosure and don't leave surprises because she makes sure to take them out to pee etc before. So when I watch how she handles her pets I notice that she enjoys time with them at home and enjoys time without them when she goes out to have fun and that's what I see as the right way to handle pets. Not ignoring them but not overdoing, just in the middle somewhere but giving dogs the benefit if they seem to want something like attention or food. Friends and family are welcome to come over and enjoy the dogs there when visiting.

I jokingly call her the dog whisperer because she knows how to connect with them. Was with her at a relative's house and the subject came up about their dog and how to get it to do certain things. She calmly goes over to the dog and connects with it and actually teaches it to roll over and it responds. We were amazed as she had only just met it.

Everyone has their own methods and dogs behaviors are different. Tell you what though I never saw a dog get fussy over not buying them something in a store like a kid... I would think owner is cuckoo. :loco:

AMEN. Well said. Grow a little more empathy folks!!! Dogs fill voids in peoples lives. Children, grandchildren, spouses, whomever. Just ignore the pets. Turn away if they offend your eyes. Go back to whatever it is you do and leave the pet owner enjoy their interest

Because they want to. They will meet like minded people there also with a dog. They want to give some stimulation to the dog (I'd imagine staying inside all day with a few brief trips to the yard can be boring). Perhaps they are socially awkward and the dog gives them confidence, having a dog with them leads to meeting new people who come up and ask about the dog.
Lots of reasons I can come up with. Ultimately it is their business, as long as they are not breaking any law or violating a private entities rules for its property. While we are on the topic, are dogs permitted in Publix? I would think not, yet I see store managers petting dogs in grocery carts inside the store.

My previous dog used to turn the other way when I brought him to a square, so I stopped taking him. My current dog pipes up with excitement/wagging and practically pulls me into a square as we approach, so I take him there for a 1/2 hour or so. You asked why....because it makes us both happy. If its a packed event, I would stay on the outskirts though.

Forget the big dogs issue it's gonna happen. My problem is the huge amount of PEOPLE. We have lived here for 10 years and have gone to this event every year...except this one. We tried to find a parking spot for the golfcart and did. In front of MVP gym. Needless to say we didnt stay. Ever since the Villages built across 44 , the crowds at everything are really bad.

Maybe just plainly that they want to bring them. No rule against it and maybe they just don't want to leave the dog alone at home. Their choice. I have dogs and love them dearly and choose not to bring them. My choice. ❤️

No skin in the fight
 

I have no pets. Want to get that out there. I am amazed at people who get so upset over a dog at the outside square. You do not need to know why the owner brings the dog. You can be curious, and if you wish, ask someone when you see it, but no one really needs to give anyone a reason. I guessed at a few reasons. They meet others at the square with similar views on dogs, they feel more comfortable having the dog with them, they are socially awkward and the dog helps with their stress, having a dog with them leads to meeting more people. Whatever reason they have, it is their reason. Not worth stressing over.

If its that important for you to know then ask them directly. We brought our dog everywhere for the first 3 or 4 days after arriving at our rental. Gave her time to acclimate to the new house and environment before leaving her alone. She had been abandoned by previous owners so this was especially important to do. After that, no more to the squares.

Why do you bring kids, especially babies in strollers, they don’t care!

Exactly...... these people. <rolls eyes> Wah wah wah..... I saw dogs at the squares.

“why do you bring your dog to a jam packed people event?”

To the OP, why do you direct this towards everyone who reads this post. I was there that night too. The vast majority of participants did not have a dog with them.

My son who resides in the Panhandle area of Idaho has a wonderful (and smart) Terrier mix small dog which loves running and playing outdoors in nature. It loves to chase squirrels more than anything else. I doubt that dog would enjoy loud music and crowds at the squares.

dittos. we bring them to the squares so you could have something to complain about online. if no dogs were present, it would be 1 less thing for you to 'discuss' , leaving only little white crosses & ladies with clipboards. if you don't like it, well, you could always stay home, as it is not your decision to make. :spoken: