Lakeside Villas is a wonderful place to walk a dog: shaded paths, river views, and a jogging track that loops through the community. Many of our residents enjoy daily walks with their pets, and a few simple habits keep the experience pleasant for everyone.
Always bin the poo
This is the big one. Dog waste left on paths, grass, or near the river isn’t just unpleasant. It’s genuinely harmful to the environment we all share.
Why it matters at Lakeside Villas
Our community sits alongside a natural river and a 10-acre lake. Dog waste that’s left on the ground or tossed into the river doesn’t just disappear:
- Harmful bacteria: dog faeces carry E. coli, salmonella, and parasites like roundworm and giardia. These can infect other animals and pose health risks to people, especially children who play outdoors.
- Algae blooms: the nutrients in dog waste act as fertiliser in water. This triggers excessive algae growth, which depletes oxygen and can suffocate fish and aquatic life.
- Water pollution: when it rains, waste left on paths and grass washes into our storm drains, which flow directly into the river and lake with no treatment.
A single gram of dog waste can contain 23 million bacteria. Multiply that across daily walks by multiple dogs, and the impact on our waterways adds up quickly.
The right way
- Bring bags on every walk. Keep a roll by your door so you never forget.
- Pick up immediately. Even on grass, even if nobody’s watching.
- Take it home. There are no bins along the walking routes, so carry bagged waste home for proper disposal. Don’t leave bags on the ground “to collect later.”
- Never throw waste into the river or storm drains. It flows directly into our shared waterways.
Jogging track etiquette
The jogging track is shared between walkers, joggers, and dog walkers. A few courtesies go a long way:
- Joggers have right of way. Keep to one side and keep your dog close when joggers pass.
- Use a short leash on the track. Retractable leashes can trip joggers and cyclists. A standard leash keeps everyone safe.
- Clean up on the track. If your dog goes on or near the track, pick it up straight away. Nobody wants to step in that mid-run.
Around the lake and river
The riverside paths are the most scenic walk in the community, and also the most sensitive area environmentally.
- Keep dogs out of the lake. The lake is home to fish and wildlife. Dogs swimming in the lake can disturb nesting areas and introduce bacteria.
- Stay on the paths. The vegetation along the riverbank helps filter runoff and prevents erosion. Walking through it damages this natural buffer.
- Watch for wildlife. Monitor lizards, kingfishers, and otters are occasionally spotted along the river. Keep your dog leashed to avoid disturbing them.
Being a good neighbour
- Noise. Early morning and late evening barking carries far in a quiet community. Be mindful of your dog’s barking, especially during walks near other homes.
- Other people’s property. Keep your dog from entering other residents’ gardens or relieving themselves on their lawns.
- Nervous residents. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs. If you see someone looking uneasy, shorten your leash and give them space.
Where to walk
The best routes for dog walking at Lakeside Villas:
- Jogging track loop. The main circuit around the community. Shaded and paved. There are no bins along the route, so bring your bags home for disposal.
- Riverside path. Scenic, but keep your dog leashed and away from the water’s edge.
- Internal roads (early morning/evening). Quieter times are best for dogs who need more space.
Supplies checklist
Keep these by your front door so you’re always ready:
- Poop bags (biodegradable if possible)
- A standard-length leash (not retractable for shared paths)
- Water bottle and portable bowl for longer walks
- A small towel for muddy paws before heading home
Our community’s natural setting is what makes dog walks here so enjoyable. A little care and consideration keeps it that way, for residents, for pets, and for the wildlife that shares this space with us.
Have a question about pet rules or community guidelines? Chat with Seroja on Telegram, available 24/7.