Planning a birthday party for your pooch? Before you embark on planning the big day, check out these tried and true tips for giving your pup the perfect party.
Although you don’t have to have a theme, it makes for a really cute party. Just take a look through some online birthday party sites for children to find one that really scoops you up. It will be a real treat for your pup.
Still at a loss for a theme? Consider your pet’s personality. Is he independent and adventurous? If so, the Pirate theme might be arrrsome. Or maybe she is a priss. If that is the case, a Princess theme could be a royal ball for her. You can always pick a Dog theme like Pink Poodle or Puppy Party.
Once you have chosen a theme, or opted not to have one, you can easily blend it into these all around general Dog party ideas.
Before you can do the invitations, you will need to establish who you are going to invite and when and where your party is going to be. You may want to limit the actual doggie guest list to just one or two and their owners but you can also include those with no pets who would like to enjoy yours. It’s your call but too many canines in one spot can be rufff.
A park, especially a dog park is a great place to have the party but you can also have it at your home, inside or out…or both.
After deciding upon the de-tails of who, where and of course, when, you are ready to purchase or make invitations. You can find them in the theme of your choice from online party supply stores or make your own using your poochie’s photo. I make my own by printing out a photo of my dog dressed in Pirate attire since his theme was Pirates. You can also order personalized invitations online and many allow for a photo.
Another idea is to simply cut out bone shapes from tan card stock paper and print in the party information.
You can also cut card stock paper out to look like a dog and do the same.
Fur even more fun, slip some Dog Theme confetti in with the invite and seal the deal with some Dog stickers. You can even order personalized stickers.
Don’t forget the stamps. You can purchase dog rescue stamps at USPS online while supplies last and some of the proceeds actually go to animal rescue centers.
Make sure your party decorations are dog gone good ones that make your pooch proud. It’s easy with some creative touches and innovative ideas.
If you are hosting at a park or outside, you can still fly a birthday banner in the theme you have chosen. Don’t forget to get it personalized for that special touch. And if your party is at your house, the banner can help mark the spot which your neighbors will no doubt be grateful for.
Balloons add festive fun to any party so don’t forget to bring in plenty for your pet’s party. Mix themed Mylars with solids and anchor them with over sized dog bones for even more fun.
Whatever dog related items you can fetch will help add to your decor. Along with checking out the decoration idea section of the theme you have chosen, you can use an old chewed up tennis shoe, bones of all shapes and sizes and dog toys to place about.
Add a fun flair by using new dog toys and accessories for decorating and have them double as party favors to give your furry friends when the party is over. You can use your own creative touch to combine your theme with dog items such as placing a pirate patch over a plush stuffed animal dog toy or placing Pink Poodle theme stickers on a new dog bowl.
A bone pinata will serve as an adorable decoration and a fun game for the humans at game time. This pinata comes unfilled so you can mix canine treats with candies and treats for the kids and dog owners.
Paw print streamers add a special touch to the occasion. They are so cute and easy to hang. Simply drape around the room or party area. You can find them at birthday party stores online.
Deck the walls with bone-ified dog stickers. You can use wall art stickers in the theme you are using instead if you would rather or even mix and match.
What about adding some dog fur-niture like a dog house? A large cardboard box transforms into a dog house with a pair of scissors, a black marker and a little paint. If the dogs don’t want in it, the children probably will.
Decorate a table or tables to place the cake and drinks on. You can even have one to display the gifts on.
A table cover is a must. You can go with a solid one or find one in your theme. Of course a paw print pattern is appropriate as well.
You can use a centerpiece in the theme of your choice or a Dog theme one. Some even have a spot for pooch’s picture which is perfect.
You can also make your own. Use a treat box from the Dog theme or another theme such as Princess. Place a piece of Styrofoam in the bottom of the box and cover with shredded paper or gift wrap tissue. Glue large treat bones on to small wooden sticks. You can also bring in another theme and glue on trinkets in that theme, like small glass slippers for Princess. When the glue has dried, stick into the Styrofoam.
Scatter small treat bones about on the table. You can even mix in other dog snacks like People Crackers and such. Add in a frisbie, dog ball and chew toy and you have one grrrreat table.
Set out napkins, plates and cups in your theme and don’t forget the blow outs and party hats.
Of course your dog can have his cake and eat it too. For great dog cake recipes, check online. Top with smal bone shaped treats.
Or, simply shape canned dog food into the shape of a bone and serve on a paw print platter.
If you want to serve cake for the humans too, You will find cute and delicious Dog theme cake instructions and recipes online or you can do one in your them.
The scoop on chow time is to make some special snacks for both the humans and the pups. Everyone is sure to be hungry with all the fun they will be having.
Do be sure to feed each dog from a bowl all his own as some dogs get touchy when it comes to chow time.
Offer the pups some fancy dog food like the kind in a pouch or can. If any of the guest dogs are too picky or cannot tolerate a change in food, have the owner bring some along. When the pups have had some filling food, you can bring out some tasty treats. You can even look online for fun homemade treats. Make plenty though, the pups are sure to wolf them down.
As far as the humans, you can find all sorts of great snack ideas from birthday party sites online that have special sections on the theme of your choice as well as Dog themes.
Although water is the choice of drink for dogs, you will want to offer other alternatives to your human guests.
Do be sure to designate a water bowl for each pup and keep it full throughout the party.
Have fun serving the humans drinks by using party cups in your theme. You can even purchase ice trays that are make ice in shapes of dogs and bones.
Dogs love to play fetch so make sure to set out plenty of balls so they can have fun at game time. Keep a basket available with plenty of other dog toys as well.
For another fun activity, have all the owners walk the dogs around the block or park. Make sure all are on leashes though.
Set out small containers of tempura paints and let the owners help their furry friends make bandannas. Simply dip a paw in the paint and press onto a solid colored bandanna then repeat. Set out wet wipes so your floors do not end up with paw prints too.
For fun with a twist, let the owners make their dogs a toy by braiding strips of fabric and tying at each end. If you want to go all out, make the strips out of fabric or a sheet that has your theme on it or even tiny paw prints.
Entertainment is really fun when you call upon the canine’s assistance. Arrange a talent show where each dog can show his or her talent. You can even put on some fun music such as “Who Let the Dogs Out?” and give a special treat to the best in show.
Dress your dog for success with canine costumes that delight young and old alike. You can find all sorts by searching costume stores online.
Send your furry friends away with tails wagging when you pass out the goodie bags.
Decide what container you are going to use to put the treats in so you get an idea of how many favors it will take to fill it.
You can use dog bowls like the shiny silver kind, a jar with paw prints on it, a bandanna filled with goodies tied at the top, or a party favor box in a Dog theme or any other theme you choose.
For fillers, squeaky toys and stuffed animals, dog biscuits and bones are all great ideas.
Make a treat bag for the owners too if you want to. Fill with dog accessories like dog brushes, nail clippers and poop scooper sets.
Add your own creative touches to these fine ideas and you are sure to have a dog gone great party that will make your pooch proud.
Make sure you check out Cheryl Jerabek’s site for great birthday party themes and best deals on party supplies.