Top 5 Tips To Ensure Your Party is a Success
Everyone wants their party to be a success, so to help make sure your pup's big day is a hit, follow these 5 tips.
1. Location, location, location!
The first step in planning a pup party is to select a location to host your event. Regardless if you are indoors or out, make sure your space can accommodate your two and four-legged guests. There should be enough room for pooches to wrestle and run around comfortably without knocking down anyone or anything.
Be prepared to have several water bowls, plenty of poop bags and stain remover (if the party is indoors). You should also consider a “time-out” location for dogs that just don’t know how to behave themselves at a party.
An ideal location is a grassy, fenced-in backyard, however if that is not available, a public dog park is a great alternative. If you are outdoors make sure there are plenty of shaded areas and if it’s a hot day consider filling a kiddie pool with water for dogs to cool down.
If the weather does not allow you to be outdoors, a large basement or renting a room at your local doggie daycare facility or Obedience/training School are good options. If you are indoors, provide an outdoor space for “potty breaks”.
2. Cause for Celebration
While dog birthday parties are the most popular, there are many reasons to throw your pup a party!
- A Birthday Party
- An Adoption Date Party (Who rescued who?)
- A Howl-o-ween Party
- A Holiday/Christmas Party
- A Valentine's Day Party (because really, isn't your pup the BEST Valentine?)
- A Puppy Class/Obedience School Graduation Celebration
3. Invite list
It might be tempting to invite every furry friend your pup has ever met, however you should think carefully about your guest list. It's best to invite dogs and puppies that your dog knows and likes. The guest list can include: pups that live in your neighborhood and meet on daily walks; that you meet regularly at the park; that you attend Puppy Class/Obedience School/Agility class with; pups of other family members or close friends; or your dog’s littermates or mom and dad.
Your guest list should have enough people there to help you keep an eye on all of the dogs. Steer clear of inviting dogs that have displayed aggressive behavior. Try to get an even balance of male to female pups, as dogs of opposite sexes tend to get along better.
There are many options to create your dog party invitation quickly and easily on a home computer or you can purchase ready-made invitations that you can customize.
Your invitation should clearly indicate that all furry guests are to attend with a leash. If they are not “playing well with others” they can be easily taken away from the situation to avoid any major incidents. You should also request they send contact information for their veterinarians. All dogs should have been neutered/spayed, are up-to-date with vaccinations and are well socialized with other dogs.
4. Make the Party Special
To make your party unique, consider having a special guest or activity during your event. Here are a few great options:
Hire a dog event company to handle all the logistics. They can help with invitations, decorations, games and so much more. (If you are in the NY area, we suggest Puppy Parties NYC.)
Provide a professional photographer to come and take portrait or candid shots. Guests could choose from the proofs at a later date.
Invite a dog trainer to give a short lesson in basic obedience or manners. Some of your guests might need it!
Ask a professional dog groomer to give a demonstration. You can plan ahead of time to have one of your furry guests be groomed at the party.
5. Visit Puppy Kisses for Great Dog Party Food, Toys and More
Let them have cake! No party is complete without cake and cookies. Having treats and toys available will keep your pup and their friends happy and out of mischief.
Puppy Kisses has many great items to helps pups plan the pawfect party. For larger parties, consider one of our party packs. Or if it is just a party of two for you and your pup, select our Birthday in a Box option. Check out more dog party gifts and treats here.
Having a doggie party? We would love to hear about it! Send us your best puppy party pics to mail@puppykisses.com or tag us on instagram @puppykissesboutique