Hold a Party for Your Canine Friends

November through January are often a whirl of parties and socializing
for humans. Why not include your best friend in at least
one celebration? Early November is a perfect time to
host a party for your canine companion and his friends.

Here are some tips to help you plan a fun event.

Decide if it will be indoors or outdoors

Certainly if your weather is still nice, it's best to do it outdoors.
You have space in backyards and if a guest has a little
accident, it's easy to clean up.

If the weather isn't cooperating, do you have a basement
or could you empty a garage for the event? Maybe a local
dog training center or day care facility would allow
you to have a party there.

Develop
your guest list

Make certain your human and canine guests are compatible.
A group activity is not the time to introduce new dogs
and owners. Pick a group that already knows one another.
Decide how many humans and canines can fit in the area
where you're holding the party.

You may want to ask your friends not to bring children,
or restrict child guests to those at least in elementary
school. Toddlers and dogs may be difficult to watch
in a party setting.

Buy or make bone-shaped invitations and ask the humans to
RSVP.

Get
your food ready

Make or buy doggy treats. I offer several recipes at

http://www.toybreeds.com/treats.htm.

Don't forget to put out several bowls of water for your canine guests. Be sure to use non-breakable bowls and sit them
on rubber mats which prevent slips and slides and make
clean up easier.

Plan
some entertainment

Let the dogs play together if they're use to it. Try throw
and fetch with rubber toys if the dogs like that. It's
always fun to try to have a doggy race (although dogs
new to this will need a good deal of coaching).

Remember these are small dogs so don't
make the 'track' too long. Have a treat, such as a biscuit
or piece of cheese, for those who make it all the way
to the end.

If the weather is warm enough, have two buckets with water
and food. One will have apples for the humans to bob.
The other will have hot dogs or other meat that floats.
Both humans and canines will enjoy it.

If you want to play a version of musical chairs, put newspapers down on the floor or grass. Have the dogs sit on the
papers instead of chairs. It's fun once the dogs understand what they're supposed to do!

Invite someone take photographs or make a video

Maybe you have a family member who's
willing to do this. Older children or teens might be
willing to help (especially for a small fee). If you
do something really creative like have your pets in
costumes, you'll definitely want to remember the occasion.

Expect doggy behavior

Have poop bags, scooper, plastic gloves and newspaper on
hand. You'll need trash bags and if you're not having
the party at your home, know the nearest place where
the poop may be placed in the trash.

If you're indoors, be sure to have Urine Be Gone, Nature's
Miracle or other cleaning products and towels to prevent
stains and elminate lingering odors.

Mark off some areas for a doggy bathroom and if there are
areas where dogs should not go, be sure to mark those.
Use a black Magic Marker on cardboard to create signs.

Keep an eye on the dogs at all times. If you have more than
four dogs, I'd ask a friend to help with this. You need
to watch for impolite behavior that often is triggered
in pack behavior. Prevent or quickly break up any dog
fights before they get out of control.

One other thing - don't be afraid to ask for help to clean
up afterwards.

Have a great time.

P.S. Visit http://www.ToyBreeds.com
next month for a new edition of the Bone-Mot™.