How to Throw a Party for Your Dog

Doggie birthday parties are a fun way to celebrate your best pal while socializing with others, but there are a few key things to keep in mind when planning one.

We love birthday parties so why not host one for your best furry pal? Doggie birthday parties might seem frivolous to some, but lucky pooches can appreciate the special attention and festivities of their very own birthday.

Can Your Dog Handle a Birthday Party?

Not all dogs can enjoy a party. They get over-stimulated and agitated by the deluge of strange new smells and sounds. Even a usually social dog might react badly when his territory is encroached upon by a pack of unfamiliar animals. Well-socialized dogs, on the other hand, welcome the opportunity to mingle with other animal friends.

How to Plan a Party for Your Pet

Remember that this party is for your dog’s enjoyment so keep in mind his temperament. He may be better suited to a small private celebration rather than a large soiree. Would he prefer to be the only pup at the center of a group of adoring humans? Does he enjoy the company of other dogs? Decide the following:

Small or large gathering?

Guest list: If you’re inviting other dogs, be sure they are well socialized. One aggressive dog changes the tone of the event and can ruin your dog’s good time.

Location: Choose a spacious, enclosed area that has ample places for toileting (access to the outdoors). Provide a separate room to give an over-excited dog a place to calm down.

Keep the party short with a two-hour maximum limit. Bored, overtired or over-excited dogs get aggressive.

Invitations: Along with other pertinent party information, include a request for guests to be sure their pets are healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. Leashes also are required.

Food: Unfamiliar foods in a new environment with strange new smells can cause vomiting. Do not offer a full meal to your doggie guests. Provide a small special snack but let the owners feed it to their own dogs.

Activities: Keep it simple. Allow the dogs to play together in a large, enclosed area. Toss them a few dog toys, balls or rope. If owners don’t mind their dogs getting wet, fill a small kiddie pool in the corner of the yard for the dogs who love water. (Have towels on hand!)

Birthday cake: Be sure all dogs are on leashes for the birthday cake candle blowing. Take pictures quickly and dole out snacks or portions of the doggie cake in separate bowls quickly. Never let all the doggie guests chow down from the same plate.

Birthday presents: Some dogs like to open present with their paws but the doggie guests won’t be patient watching him get treats. Present opening should take place after guests go home, but if you insist on having your dog open his birthday presents at the party, at least allow the other dogs to go out to play.

Doggie bags: Fill small treat bags with miscellaneous dog treats for their owners to take home for them. Go fancy or simple.

What to Avoid at a Dog Party

No mixed company. Unless all the dogs are fully socialized with different species, do not include other types of pets on the guest list. Keep it to dogs only.

No decorations within the dogs’ reach. Some are toxic while other can entangle the animals.

No structured activities and tight schedules. Let the dogs’ enjoyment level cue you to stay with or change up the activities.

No competition or games. No games where one pet wins a prize, especially an edible treat. Animals don’t understand games and that winner takes all.

What Dogs Really Like

Keep it simple and keep the focus on your dog’s enjoyment. Does your dog really enjoy dressing up with a birthday hat and being led through structured human-type games with other unfamiliar dogs? All this might seem cute for you, but it is entirely un-fun for your dog. What dogs really like:

Sniffing new smells, including new dogs

Playing that includes chasing, tug-of-war, jostling, fetching

Hunting (of course, it is inhumane to provide prey for them)

Swimming and playing with water (some breeds)

Getting brushed and pet

Eating

Resting and napping

Above all, your dog loves time with you. If your party hosting takes your attention away from him, it won’t be a celebration to him. But with careful guest selection, short party time and activities that dogs really like, you can give your beloved dog a birthday party to remember.