How to throw a great dog party

If you`ve got a dog party on the horizon this page can help you make it a howling success!

Throwing a party for your pet is a lot like throwing one for your child.... lots of noise, excitement, party games, food, cake, the occasional squabble or temper tantrum and, of course, a pile of gifts.

Video: How To: Throw Your Dog A Birthday Party

To help you make sure your pup`s big day is a big success, I`ve puttogether a whole host of ideas, tips, recipes, games and more to get theparty started.

Just scroll down to find all the tips, advice and help you need - all in one place, the fun starts here!

Where`s The Party?

Where you decide to hold your dog party depends on several differentthings such as - whether it`s summer or winter, how many pups you planon inviting, whether or not you have a big, safely fenced garden/yard,your budget and so on.

If you`re inviting every fur-friend little Fido has ever met andyour apartment is only big enough for the two of you it`s a good idea toconsider an outdoor party or one held in a public place such as a parkor doggie daycare facility.

Other possibilities are dog-friendly beaches, dog-only parks and obedience/training schools.

If you choose an outdoor venue make sure there`s plenty ofshade and wateravailable. If you`re going to be indoors check that there`s easy access to an outdoor space for the inevitable `potty trips`.

Why Are We Celebrating?

There are lots of reasons for throwing a dog party. Pick one of these or make up your own!

• A Birthday Party
• A Costume/Theme Party
• A Halloween Party
• A Christmas or New Year Party
• A St. Patrick`s Day bash
• A Valentine`s Day Party
• A Puppy Class/Obedience School Graduation celebration

If you`re thinking of a costume or theme party be creative - there`san ever growing range of dog birthday party supplies these days!

A Hawaiian theme allows lots of scope for costumes anddecorations, or be up-to-the-minute and hold a Pirates-of-the-Caribbeanparty.

It`s easy to find tons of decorations and ideas for that right now.

Or how about a surf party if you`re going to the beach? The ideas are endless, see what you can come up with!

Who`s Invited To Your Dog`s Party?

Although it may be tempting to invite every 4-legged friend littleFido has, take a minute to think about your guest list before you mailthose cute invitations.

It`s best to invite dogs and puppies that Fido knows and likes -you don`t want the dog party atmosphere ruined by two quarrelingcanines.

Try to get a fairly even balance of male to female pups as dogsof opposite sexes tend to get along better. Although if they`re youngpuppies this isn`t generally too much of an issue.

Remember that Fido`s doggie pals come with human puppy-parents sotake that into consideration. It helps if the 2-legged party-goers getalong with other too!

If you need help thinking of guests, how about ;

• Pups that live in your neighborhood and rub noses with Fido on his daily walks
• Dogs that you meet and greet regularly at the park
• Pups that attend Puppy Class/Obedience School/Agility class with Fido
• The furchildren of other family members or close friends
• Fido`s littermates or mom and dad (if you`ve kept in touch)

You can make your own dog party invitations quickly and easily at home - and it`s fun too. Or just buy some ready-made invites and customize them to suit.

Video: How to host a DOG BIRTHDAY PARTY - How to throw your dog a party- a tutorial by Cooking For Dogs

In addition to all the usual info. on the invitation, make sure you makea note of any special requirements you may have.

For example, a B.Y.O.B.stipulation (no...not beer, it`s Bring Your Own Ball silly!) or arequest for all puppy parents to bring their pup`s leash should beclearly indicated.

Dog Party Food & Games

No party is complete without lots of yummy food, and fun games will keep your pup and his friends happy and out of mischief.

Make sure that all the food is safe for dogs to eat (see this page for info. on every day foodstuffs that are poisonous to dogs), and that the birthday cake is dog-appropriate.

Stock up on special dog treats to use as prizes for games, and if you want some really delicious take home goodies then theseParty Favor Bagsare amazing.

There are tons of fun games your dog and his friends can play, and they`re fun for the human party-goers as well.

Check out the image links in the left;hand navigation column to find delicious dog birthday cakes and lots of games that everyone will love.

If you want to add some extra flair and make your dog party that little bitdifferent why not consider inviting a `dog professional` to come alongand give a demonstration of some sort.

Here`s a few ideas to get you thinking

• Professional Photos
  You could have a photographer come and take portrait or candid shots ofthe party host and guests (the furry ones that is!). Guests could choosefrom the proofs at a later date.


• Dog Training
  Invite a dog trainer to give a short lesson in basic obedience or manners


• Grooming Demo
  Ask a professional dog groomer to give a demonstration and perhaps one of the guests could volunteer to be groomed

Keeping Your Party Animals Safe!

Whenever you`ve got a bunch of puppies or dogs together, in an excited atmosphere there`s the potential for trouble.

You`re going to want to make sure youpuppy proofyour home or yard and do your best to eliminate any possible hazards or reasons for conflict, well ahead of time.

Video: How to Throw a Pooch Pawty in 8 Easy Steps - When Pooch Comes to Shove

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