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If you're having an
outdoor party, have a rain plan.
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For best results, invite
dogs that your dog already knows. If your dog
doesn't know a prospective guest, meet at the dog
park first, to assure that they get along.
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Provide enough pickup
bags for everyone. Be sure everyone knows where the
bags are and where to dispose of pet waste.
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Keep the party to an
hour, especially if you're inviting less active
dogs.
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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.
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When it's time to give
treats, ask owners to give the treats to their dogs.
This is where games and contests can provide fun and
treats, with no squabbling.
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Let guests know that
dogs may need to be separated if squabbles break
out.
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On the back side of
directions to your party, give some party tips. Ask
owners of smaller dogs to refrain from picking up
their dogs as the party guests get to know each
other; this only turns the dog into bait. Ask guests
to let dogs socialize naturally.
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The safest mix of guests
is equal numbers of males and females.
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If any guests are not
spayed or neutered, let other guests of
non-spayed/neutered dogs know it.
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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.
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It's usually not a good
idea to put food down on the ground or floor, as it
might bring out the competitiveness in your canine
guests.
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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).
