Dog Birthday Party Tips

Throwing a dog birthday party (or barkday party as tends to be the craze) for your pooch is something more dog owners seem to be doing these days.

As I had never thrown a dog birthday party for Darcy and also missing celebrating Vindi’s first birthday party when he first came to me (it took a while to find out his real birth date when I adopted him), I figured it was time to make it up to them both by throwing a little soirée with some of their closest fur friends at our local PETstock doggy daycare.

Here’s my top tips on what to put on your list when preparing your dog birthday party, to make sure you keep your dog and their guests entertained during the celebrations.

Must have toys!

While hanging out with their buddies is where the fun is at, it always helps to have some fun toys guests can play with in the mix to help keep everyone entertained.

Both Darcy and Vindy love a good game of tug-of-war, I took along a few of the Lexi & Me Tough Tugs along. So that there were plenty of toys to share around I also took the Rubber Oval Dog Toy that I filled with treats so they could have their own doggy version of the doughnut eating competition!

Feel good pheromones

Some dogs might get a little bit anxious in group settings, so if you are holding the event indoors it could be a good idea to plug in and Adaptil Diffuser to add some pheromones the party atmosphere may help those that are a little nervous.

Birthday Cake & treats

If you are up for making your own healthy and dog-friendly treats and birthday cake then there are some great recipes in my book Eat, Play, Love (your dog).   You’ll need a table to keep them away from eager taste-testers too!

Goody bags

Goody bags are a must to thank the fur friends for coming along, so some tasty treats in the bags are a must, as is a toy, ball, bandanas and other fun little doggy items.  If you would like to thank the pawrents for coming along to the celebrations as well, then my new book ‘‘World of Dogs’ is the perfect little gift and will fit perfectly into a goody bag.

Choose a dog-friendly location

I held my boys’ party at my local PETstock doggy daycare. Not all stores have a doggy daycare that can cater for this, but they can certainly help you with your dog birthday party plans.  Of course there are an increasing number of dog-friendly cafes or even cafes just for dogs that will be more than happy to host your party.  There’s your favourite off-leash dog park as well of course, just be mindful that pawty crashers are guaranteed!

Water bowls & poo bags

Make sure there is plenty of water for the guests, poo bags and a place to deposit them on hand, as well as plenty of shade for the doggos to take a break in amongst all of the fun.

Don’t forget the humans

It can be very easy to get caught up in making sure the dogs are well catered for, so don’t forget the pawrents as well.  Chairs or blankets, drinks and food for humans, plates and cutlery, and some music too of course.

The pawfect birthday gift

It can be hard to know what to buy the birthday boy or girl, so don’t forget we now have pawsome Pooches at Play Giftboxes for puppies/small dogs, adult dogs, plus a boredom buster pack starting from just $49.  These make the pawfect gift for your own dog, or when you are wondering what gift to get someone who has it all, and has a dog!  Check them out in our shop HERE.

Of course, the most important thing is to ensure everyone has a pawsome time on the day!

About the Author: Lara Shannon is a NDTF certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love Your Dog