Cohousing-L Mailing List: Dogs in Community

[Mary McKeever (mckeever7868]

I'm interested in hearing how different communities deal with dogs in their
communities -what are the policies/agreements regarding dogs and how are
issues addressed and/or 'enforced'.  For example:

   - can dogs be off-leash in any parts of the community and if so, under
   what circumstances
   - can dogs be in the common house and if so, under what circumstances
   - how does the community deal with dog poop in common areas
   - how are issues handled when practices are not adhered to by residents
   and/or visitors.

We are a small community of 18 homes, 8 of which have no yards.  The others
have small fenced back yards and we have a smallish common lawn between the
homes and the Common House.   We are surrounded by lots of open space
including a large fenced in dog park.  We have 10 dogs in the community,
several of which are allowed to run freely in the common area with limited
supervision/owner site or voice control.  When more than one dog is out
unleashed (or even when one is leashed and another isn't)  there are
invariably "fights" and/or rough play among the dogs.  Some residents are
not dog owners and are fearful when dogs are acting aggressive.  The sheriff
was called in one instance.  Yet the situation persists.  Is it unreason
able to expect dogs to be leashed and under owner control when in the common
area?