How to Make Your Next Event Dog Friendly

Planning a birthday, anniversary, or holiday party? Whether it’s for you or a hundred of your closest friends, don’t exclude your best friend on four legs. While traditionally people saw dogs as the “nuisance” that needed to be removed during soirees, times have changed and dogs are being welcomed at the fanciest events – even the Oscars!

But how do you make sure your party and your dog mesh well? Here are some tips and tricks to make your next event dog friendly.

Party Animal

Before the party, make sure your dog has the manners for one. Your dog should be able to greet guests without clobbering them with love and affection. If not, you have a couple options.

For example, you can teach your dog to:

• To not jump up
• Sit to greet
• Stay away from the door
• Go to a Mat (or other specified location) and stay until released

If you don’t have time (i.e. the party is in two days), then you need to find a way to manage him. Keep him on a leash while guests enter, or put him in another room unto everyone arrives and the commotion has died down.

Be sure to have treats with you to reward good behavior.

PARTY IDEA: Give each guest a little organza pouch of dog treats as they enter.

Also, make sure your dog is not the type to “counter surf” human goodies. Giving them their own treat, like a Kong® or bully stick could help them resist the urge. Also, remind guests to not leave food on low places, like coffee or end tables.

It’s About a Dog

You can take your event to the next level by making it about the dogs! Regardless of whether the party is for a dog crazy kid’s birthday or a formal New Year’s Eve get together, dogs are always in style.

For the more informal events, you buy dog-themed party decorations at places like Party City, and Etsy.

PARTY IDEA: Instead of gifts, have your guests donate to a local dog shelter, or bring dog food donations.

PARTY IDEA: For games, have kids do pin the tail on the dog, or play one of DARF Inc’s board games that involves the dog too!

For more Formal parties, chose colors that coordinate with your dog and have subtle touches like dog napkin holders and elegant dog statue centerpieces.

PARTY IDEA: Buy new fancy dog bowls and use them as serving dishes for dips, olives, or chips.

PARTY IDEA: Have dog breed drink charms or color paw prints like these for sale on Etsy.

Plus One

For the ultimate party, tell your guests to bring a “plus one” furry friend to the party! Opening your home to your friends and their pups can make the evening even more entertaining – nothing brings more smiles and laughter.

PARTY IDEA: have a costume contest that matches the theme of the party. For example, formal New Year’s, Birthday fun, Red/white/blue (4^th of July), etc.

PARTY IDEA:  Build your own runway or red carpet and have a doggie fashion show! This is perfect for an Oscar-night party.

Just be sure that your invite states rules such as “well mannered, leashed, dog-friendly” etc., to avoid mishaps.

Setting the Stage

Regardless of your theme, be mindful of your dogs when you are decorating. Think about placement of anything that is breakable – wagging tails are powerful weapons! – or hazardous should a dog decide to chew on something.

Quick tips:

• Keeps all lighting cords up and off the floor or under mats so dogs can get to them
• Decorate ceilings, fireplace mantels, high tables, and leave the rest relatively bare – a simple color-coordinated cloth is a good choice.

PARTY IDEA: put dog toys on tables (A pyramid of tennis balls?) that are low enough for dogs to reach. You can get dog toys to match any theme nowadays – from rubber wine bottles to plush birthday cakes.

Veronica Glynn, founder of One Dog Organic, says space is important when you are including dogs.

“Dogs naturally want to begin chasing, running and rolling around when they meet up with their fur friends,” she advises. “Just make sure they are not in danger of knocking over your antique vase and all items you cherish are safely tucked away. Remember that you are inviting other people’s pets into your home. They may not be as obedient as your own.”

Don’t forget the party favors!

Aside from the organza pouches of dog treats, guests are sure to love and of the following doggy favors:

• Color coordinated bandanas or bows
• Toy that matches the theme
• Chew stick (Glynn recommends West Paw Design’s Hurley or Jive Dog Ball)
• Silver picture frame (more formal parties) with a picture of their dog (easy to get thanks to social media)

Doggie D’oeuvres

Glynn also has some great tips when it comes to feeding your four-legged guests.

“One week prior to the event, ask your guests if their pet has any allergy concerns,” she says. “If there are going to be canine’s at your event that have food allergies, but sure to clearly mark each gift bag and all other food items clearly. Having a sick pup at your first party is not a great way to start the festivities.”

That being said, her own dog treats are made of all natural, organic ingredients that were developed in conjunction with a panel of vets, so you know they are safe for your dog. They make great snacks for a party – simply place in goody bags or on a fun platter.

“A safe, healthy, low fat and delicious choice would be One Dog Organic Bakery’s Peanut Butter & Honey bones or training treats,” Glynn adds. “If your guests will be of smaller stature, you may want to use the training treats.”

PARTY IDEA: for a fancier party, put a swirl of yogurt or peanut butter on top of each treat, add a dash of cinnamon, and voila! doggy hors d’ouevers fit for a prince!

The key to having a successful canine get together is to hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Just like our small children, our fur family will need to be gently reminded of the house rules but if you can keep them entertained and provide positive reinforcement, your party should be a success!

About the Author

Based in Wilsonville, Ore., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She is the founder of A Fairytail House, a unique all-positive all-sport dog training facility that helps rescue dogs in her area and provides free seminars and training classes for the community. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs. She smartly married a Veterinary Technician, who helps keep the fur kids happy and healthy, and provides a quick resource for articles.