[gcrisp]

I need advice from folks that have CYV and pets. We have 2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and they are used to going out to "potty" in our fenced grass backyard. Is there enough grass for them to "go" in the CYV? It is easier to let them out than to put them on a leash each time. We would still watch them even though they are loose. Also, I understand that the bond is less on the CYV than the cottage homes. We put a deposit on a lot but are having second thoughts on which house to purchase due to our dogs. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Ohiogirl]

Lots of people in our CYV neighborhood (be sure to buy in one that allows grass - I think most of the new ones do at the moment) have 2 dogs. They do just fine. If they need more exercise, take them to the dog park occasionally.

The corner lots of CYV's are quite large, and the interior lots are big enough for most dogs.

[gcrisp]

What CYV village do you live in? We looked in the St. James area.

[ladydoc]

We bought a CYV specifically for the doggy kids. We have a small patch of grass, but we have ZERO grass where we are now. We have acres of property, but it is all either rocked or high desert natural. We think that the grass area will be just fine for our furry kids and a big treat for them. Since King Charles are small babies, they will be fine in a CYV yard. Our house is in Buttonwood.

[diskman]

Originally Posted by gcrisp

I need advice from folks that have CYV and pets. We have 2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and they are used to going out to "potty" in our fenced grass backyard. Is there enough grass for them to "go" in the CYV? It is easier to let them out than to put them on a leash each time. We would still watch them even though they are loose. Also, I understand that the bond is less on the CYV than the cottage homes. We put a deposit on a lot but are having second thoughts on which house to purchase due to our dogs. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I think that when a dogs gotta go they gotta go and no grass should not make a difference in my humble opinion!

[Avista]

Love King Charles Spaniels! We have two dogs and bought the CYV just for them. No regrets!

[ladydoc]

Good to know I am not the only one who chose their house specifically for the benefit of the pups!

[redwitch]

I have a friend who breeds King Charles'. She wouldn't live in anything but a CYV. Says it's the perfect fit for her dogs. Mind you, not her but her dogs. lol

One caveat -- don't just let them out without watching them or at least checking there are no predators in the neighborhood. While a bird of prey probably couldn't take off with a KCS, it could do some serious damage with its claws and we do have coyotes and foxes. So, just letting them run loose outside is not necessarily a wise idea.

There are many who bought a very specific type of home just for their babies. I know of one couple who covered part of their lanai so they could build a HUGE aviary for their parrot. Many buy a CYV for their dogs (and cats). One woman built a birdcage for her kitties. She never even sits out there, but the cats have a cat door so they can safely enjoy nature.

Let's face it, our pets are our babies. No reason to not get what we want for them.

[OpusX1]

Plenty of room in a CYV yard for your dogs. We have a CYV in Belvedere, took out all the grass and put stone & bark mulch down. Our dogs are med 60 lbs and large 85 lbs. They have no problem without grass. We do take them to the dog park almost everyday for exercise. The convience of not having to put them on a leash everytime they go out is well worth having a CYV.

[gcrisp]

We thought it would be best to have a little grass. The concrete/stone patio could get real warm on their paws. We would never leave them unattended. They love to lie in the sun at our front door in our Indiana home.

[Ohiogirl]

Well, gcrisp, sun in Florida is a little different than sun in Indiana. Until it gets in the 80s here, Ohiodog lies in the sun on the lanai - when it gets hotter (and not even too hot, or he wouldn't even be out there), he's lying in the shade on the cool concrete.

[whartonjelly]

We also plan to buy a courtyard villa for our 2 Cavachons. Mixture of King Charles Cavalier and Bischon F. They are the best company, they rarely bark, and don't shed. They are about 28 pounds of lap doggies !! It is good to hear from all of you!