-
Have a rain plan.
-
Bring pickup bags
(enough for everyone).
-
Keep picnic to an hour
in hot weather, especially if you're inviting less
active dogs. Be sure there's adequate shade and
water for everyone.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
If you have a beach or
sandbox for the dogs to dig in, hide non-melting
treats such as rawhide in the sand for them to dig
up.
-
Freeze water in a
plastic bowl, then place the ice in the water supply
so dogs can have cool water (some may even play with
the ice).
-
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
picnic in your own yard, don't put food down on the
ground, or your own dog may get territorial.
-
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).
