New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, which means you’ll have parties to attend. But what if you have a dog? Do you lock him in your room? Send him to the sitter’s? No. If your dog likes to socialize, you throw a dog friendly New Year’s Eve party.
1. Sorry, No Cats Allowed
Your guest list should include friends with dogs and friends that love dogs – well-behaved dogs, that is. Dogs love to party and make huge messes, so it’s critical that your dog and his friends can play well together.
2. No Fur, No Service
Instead of asking your guests to bring booze, have them bring dog friendly snacks instead. It’s not that you should have a dry party, but dogs can’t drink, so keep their bellies full with goodies. When you give out the treats, do not have a free-for-all. Make guests give their dogs the treats. This will help alleviate any potential fights over food that sometimes happens with dogs. Also, make sure you mix in play with treats, or you’ll spend the rest of the winter dieting with your dog.
3. Size Really Does Matter
When making out your guest list, take into account the amount of space you have and create your list accordingly. If your place is small, and you have to have the party inside, your chances of serious dog-related damage to your home from wagging tails, jumping, playing or running around increases, which could get you a nasty note from your landlord, or cost a lot for you to repair. If you can take the festivities outside, then by all means, invite your 6-foot-4-inch neighbor and his Great Dane. Just keep things in perspective.
4. Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner
No party, if it’s a good party, should be without games to play. You can purchase a few extra dog toys like rope toys for tug-of-war. You can also hide treats around your home, and the dog that finds the most is the winner. Another idea is to have a trick contest, because what dog owner doesn’t want to show off their talented pooch? Whatever you decide to do, just make sure there are games to play, because a tired dog is a good dog. Click here for more indoor game ideas.
5. Can I Get a Doggie Bag to Go?
Finally, send your two-legged and four-legged guests home with a custom goodie bag. Decorate it and then fill it with treats, toys or whatever you want. Sending your guests home with souvenirs gives them the opportunity to continue the fun at home, and a fond memory of the fun they had.
6. You’ll Poke Your Eye Out!
Fireworks are awesome, but your dog does not share your joy – he hates fireworks. Before the big show starts, make sure your canine guests are inside and preferably some place quiet where they can’t hear the pops and bangs. Hopefully, they are so worn out from the party activities, that they’ll be napping peacefully way before midnight.
Lastly, keep those champagne corks away from the pooches. And don’t pop the bottle near them, because, well, you could poke an eye out!
PHOTO: peanut_roaster