My adorable great granddaughter recently had a third birthday party. While I wasn't there, this reminded me of a posting I wrote a few years ago about the growing popularity of doggie birthday parties.
After researching the article, I kept thinking about how the suggestions would work for both toddlers and puppies. Here are a few.
- Have the party in a fenced yard - with the emphasis on the word "fenced." Imagine having a doggie birthday party in the house. Now imagine having the same party for 1 to 3 year olds. It's the same image, right? But don't try the yard party without a fence because herding dogs and toddlers is like, well, herding dogs and toddlers.
- Have a responsible adult accompany each dog or toddler - no drop offs! The article suggests the dogs should be leashed upon arriving until they get to know each other. While this is might be a good idea for some toddlers as well, I'm not recommending it.
- Crates available for dogs who might need "alone time." OK this is not going to work for the kids for the same reason as the leash idea. My daughter tells me they used to have a big comfy chair, blanket and cuddly stuffed toy available for a weepy or unhappy children. Her husband, greeting kids at the door, would text her "potential cryer in foyer."
- Costumes - The dog party experts suggest having plenty of props for photo ops like bow ties or tiaras and party hats. The toddlers might like these as well. But nothing scary for either group. That can cause all kinds of repercussions.
- Doggie Bags: The dog experts suggest tennis balls and dog-friendly baked treats. This could work for both groups. Of course you should give the wee children appropriate treats. Just because they like doggie treats is not a good reason to provide them.
- Games: The recommendation for dogs is "bobbing for hot dogs." Don't do this with toddlers! They are notorious for choking on hot dogs. Besides, many moms today think of hot dogs as the next thing to poison.
The other game suggestion is non toxic, big bubbles. "Dogs try to chomp them in the air, it's hysterical ." This would work for both groups.
The article ends by saying "Luckily, dogs don't know or care how much you spend." This is true for toddlers as well.
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- Have a responsible adult accompany each dog or toddler - no drop offs! The article suggests the dogs should be leashed upon arriving until they get to know each other. While this is might be a good idea for some toddlers as well, I'm not recommending it.
- Crates available for dogs who might need "alone time." OK this is not going to work for the kids for the same reason as the leash idea. My daughter tells me they used to have a big comfy chair, blanket and cuddly stuffed toy available for a weepy or unhappy children. Her husband, greeting kids at the door, would text her "potential cryer in foyer."
- Costumes - The dog party experts suggest having plenty of props for photo ops like bow ties or tiaras and party hats. The toddlers might like these as well. But nothing scary for either group. That can cause all kinds of repercussions.
- Doggie Bags: The dog experts suggest tennis balls and dog-friendly baked treats. This could work for both groups. Of course you should give the wee children appropriate treats. Just because they like doggie treats is not a good reason to provide them.
- Games: The recommendation for dogs is "bobbing for hot dogs." Don't do this with toddlers! They are notorious for choking on hot dogs. Besides, many moms today think of hot dogs as the next thing to poison.
The other game suggestion is non toxic, big bubbles. "Dogs try to chomp them in the air, it's hysterical ." This would work for both groups.
The article ends by saying "Luckily, dogs don't know or care how much you spend." This is true for toddlers as well.
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