Give me your HOA stories...

We are currently house hunting. We have tried avoiding areas with an HOA, but we are seeing a home today that belongs to one. I guess they provide lawn care and snow removal. Doesn’t seem like a lot for $120 additional each month.

Are HOAs super controlling? What have your experiences been? The backyard at this place is pretty bare and we would want to plant some greenery. Do you think we would need permission or be stopped? Also, we were going to get a dog. Would that be a nightmare?