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Tips for Planning a Dog Party
Tips for Planning a Dog Party
If you're thinking of hosting a birthday party for your
dog, Charlotte Reed offers some useful tips.
September 23, 2004
Pet care expert, magazine columnist and radio and television
pet care personality, Charlotte Reed believes it is necessary
for pet owners to practice their petiquette skills when planning
the perfect party for their pet.
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Setting up doggie goody bags for the
party.
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“Pet parties are a fairly new and exciting idea for devoted
pet owners,” says Charlotte Reed. “Whether you are celebrating
your pet’s birthday, having his Bark Mitzvah or having a Halloween
costume party, take care so that your pet’s party won’t be
ruined by your uncivilized, four-legged guests.
Charlotte Reed offers seven strategies on how to make your
K-9 bash full of pet fun.
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Size Matters: Canine guest need a sufficient amount
of space and supervision. Either go for a backyard party
or a catered affair at a doggy day care of training center.
Package deals at such facilities include play space and
staff assistance for an agreed-upon number of hours. The
personnel can also help you set-up, monitor canine interaction
and expedite clean-up.
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Pick of the Litter: Consider the guest list. The
key element to a successful human event is to invite a
stimulating group of guests but at a canine event, the
mix is in the interest of safety. Your party should be
limited to dogs with compatible personalities and good
manners. Dogs that are already familiar with each other
from the dog run, neighborhood or doggy day care center
will be most likely to play politely.
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Bone fido Invitation: Every good hosts knows that
the invitation sets the tone for the party. Consider breed
stationery to match that of your guest of honor. For a
truly special invitation, have a pet photographer take
a special picture of you and your beautiful pet. Remember
to include the date, time, location, RSVP information
and the words “All canine guests must be accompanied by
their owners.” Remember, invitations should be sent out
at least three weeks before the day of the party.
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Dogs Play: If you are the kind of host who loves
to create an unforgettable event, consider hiring an obedience
instruction who can teach party guest, old and new, some
tricks. Agility exercises are an especially fun idea.
Watching Harry, the Great Dane, jump over planks and barrel
through tunnels is just as much fun as watching Sophie,
a Toy Poodle, discover her athletic ability on a low hurdle.
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Chow Hounds: Dogs might enjoy a cheese cake from
Fidofoodfair.com ($18.00). Or if you prefer baking yourself,
liver cupcakes topped with cream cheese and peanut butter
icing are a bit hit with the kibble crowd. Don’t forget
the beverage of choice at these dogged affairs is cool,
fresh water.
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Pooper Scoop: Have plenty of plastic bags hand
for cleaning up do's and don'ts. And if the party is indoors,
make sure there are rolls of paper towels and spray cleaner
as well.
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Treats to Go: Once the party is over, send your
guest home with doggy bags. Fill them with treats including
Greenies. After all those snacks, you always want to look
after those canines.
Charlotte Reed is a pet expert and columnist for several
magazines, including Time Inc.’s All You, Fido Friendly, Good
Housekeeping and The Resident. A former attorney, Charlotte’s
love for animals led her to switch careers and found Two Dogs
& A Goat, a New York-based complete pet care service in 1996.
Charlotte has shared her expertise on pets with millions of
people through her Pet-Owning Made Easy series of booklets
and her appearances on ABC’s The View, CNN, Good Day New York,
Fox Pet News and other TV and radio shows. She is currently
writing two books on pet-related topics. She can speak about
everything from pet health and insurance to pet etiquette.
To learn more about Charlotte Reed, visit www.CharlotteReed.com
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