|
Time & Place
Choose a time when most of your guests can get to the
picnic easily, and let guests know both the start time
and the end time of your picnic. This will avoid a
party that draws on longer than you were prepared to
host it, frees up everyone to do something else, and
keeps the dogs from getting too much sun and
stimulation for one day. An hour is a good length of
time for most dogs.
 Where
you hold your picnic might be decided by the guests
you’re inviting. If you’re expecting high-energy dogs,
large dogs, or more than five or six dogs, they might
have a more enjoyable time at an area where they can
run and play off-leash. Consider a large yard or
boarding facility with a private fenced-in area that
you could rent. Some facilities host parties free,
because parties attract potential clients. Ask your
local dog park if there’s a portion of the park (one
that’s completely fenced-in) that you could reserve
for a party.
If
your location requires a fee, the most gracious thing
to do is to pay the fee yourself. If you wish to split
the cost with other guests, be sure they agree to this
before the party. Discuss whether you will collect
fees before the party or afterward.
An
on-leash picnic opens up some options for you in terms
of location. Most parks allow pets on leashes. Be
aware, however, that dogs on leashes are more
territorial and protective of their people (in other
words, not as friendly to each other) as they would be
off-leash in a neutral location. An on-leash party
provides more control, but is not as much fun for the
dogs.
Also,
if you have the party in your own yard, be sure your
dog does not become territorial when other dogs enter
the yard. Have a couple of them over to play in the
back yard before the picnic to make sure.
Next |
