This is our first House Party, and first dog party- some of our neighbors have very rowdy dogs and we are worried about how to "keep the peace".  Our Lab is 108 lbs. and he's only 1 1/2, so he's still very playful.

Did I mention we do not have a fenced in yard?  We were thinking of having the party in our driveway and setting up tables in the garage for the dogs and people to get out of the heat - super hot here in NC this time of year.

Any suggestions/ideas would be so appreciated, we are excited just not sure how to make this a success!  Thank you!


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Sharon R.

I have a Lab and a mixed Lab breed. Funny, all their friends are small breeds (Chiuaha's! Haha!) but they all get along. Some friends it wont work out well to come with their dogs, so my boys have helped me put the goodie bags together as "to go" bags. It will be fun no matter what.

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Michelle S.

We have a fenced in yard but if you don't please keep your dogs on leashes. Luckily all our friends have either small dogs or Labs so they all do (as far as my experience) get along, but I think this will be a great opportunity for some socializing among the animals and people. I'm so looking forward to it.

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Madeleine T.

ok, someone said a few weeks ago they where having it at a dog park...we dont have one, and no fenced yard. So, thinking on how dogs do better together when there is no territorry involved, I called our local park. Explained what was going on....and they donated the park to me for 4 hours. It will be reserved and no one else can use it while we are there. We do have to pick up poop...lol. We are also having our vet bring 2 dogs that need homes and the local HS is bring a couple too. I am making bandanas that say "ADOPT ME" for those dogs to wear. We invited a bunch of families we know that are dogless and want a dog to come. This way they can meet some dogs and maybe someone will get a forever home. All dogs will be on leashes. And my hubby....bless him, is making some loopy things that the dog leashes can be hook to so owners dont have to hold them at all times. I am thinking of keeping the food dishes at least 2 feet away from each other.

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shari f.

I do not have a fenced yard either, but am renting the local Humane Society dog park with a cash donation for an hour of play with just the dogs for my party. This will give them time to run free and have fun. It might be something you could do in your area. I'm also asking my guests to donate to them to so we can help out the less fortunate four-legged friends.

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Elizabeth H.

Do you have any local parks with dog parks? Maybe you could hold it there? When we lived in a condo I held one of my dog's 10th bday parties at an off leash dog park and then the dogs all got leashed after they ran off their energy (or at least a little) when it was time for treats (human and dog).

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Deborah H.

Great ideas, Ms. Whitman! Thanks!

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Lindsey J.

Great comments here as this is my biggest concern. I have some that are afraid of how their dogs will do and for them I am going to bring the party samples and info to them. I don't want there to be any problems!

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Kimberly S.

I saw this conversation and wanted to chime in with some tips for a fun and safe Doggie Dinner Party! I hope they help... - All dogs should be on a 4-6 ft leash (no retractable leashes) - Feed each dog separately; don't allow dogs to each out of the same bowl and give each dog his/her own space to enjoy a Chef Michael's meal - Consider putting a "halti" or "gentle leader" on your dog, so you'll have more control - Have a pre-introduction with the dogs you are inviting a couple days before the party - Use baby gates to separate different parts of the home, so all of the dogs aren't in one place - Consider having a couple of crates in the home in case one of the dogs needs some time away from the party - Use all areas available to you for the party to spread out the guests: garage, living room, kitchen, family room, basement, backyard - Have enough water bowls for each dog to have his/her own - Place all human food in a place where the dogs can't get to it - Don't let your dog out of your sight - Make sure each dog has a properly fitting collar. Martingale collars or "no-slip" collars are sure to stay on - Be picky about your guest list. Only invite dog-owning friends who will respect your household rules - Keep the number to your local veterinarian or your local animal emergency clinic handy in case of any medical issues

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Sandra J.

we have many parties where people bring their dogs--if someone is new--they need to watch their dog--but not be nervous--the dogs all pick up on their nervous vibe. if all the dogs get a treat at the beginning--they usually retire to their various areas and work out any differences as the party continues.

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Sandra J.

we will have a fun kids pool for the dogs to cool off---also we will have some Frosty Paws--ice cream type treats for dogs. Oscar and his buddies love them.

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