-
Keep an outdoor party to
an hour, especially if you're inviting less active
dogs.
-
Be sure there's adequate
shade and water for everyone. A fun way to keep dogs
hydrated is to freeze a large block of ice in a
plastic food container. Place it within reach of all
dogs and allow it to melt during the party.
-
Don't have some dogs on
leash and others off-leash. Dogs act more defensive
when they're on a leash, and could be at a
disadvantage with others who are off-leash.
-
Bring pickup bags
(enough for everyone).
-
Give treats that don't
last longer than a gulp. If a dog takes a larger
treat away to sit and eat it, a skirmish could
result.
-
If you're having a
party in your back yard, don't put food down on the
ground, or your own dog may get territorial.
-
The safest way to
introduce food to a group of dogs is to have the
owners feed bite-size snacks to their dogs.
4
-
Let guests know that
dogs may need to be separated if squabbles break
out.
-
The safest mix of guests
is equal numbers of males and females.
-
If any guests are not
spayed or neutered, let other guests of
non-spayed/neutered dogs know it.
-
During social time,
throw a ball to give the dogs something to chase and
focus on. Be sure to have enough toys for everyone
to avoid possessiveness.
-
Ask your vet about foods
that you're planning to give the dogs at the picnic,
to be sure that you're not serving anything unsafe.
Some foods, though not toxic, should still not be
served in large quantities (examples: macadamia
nuts, raisins).
