We are happy to host Brandi Elliott, author of Death by Chocolate Lab, with her reasons to celebrate with a dog party.

We all love a good party, and this includes our pups.  While we may be happy just throwing a birthday party for our best friends, the fun doesn’t have to stop there.  Here is a list of 5 more reasons to celebrate with our favorite four-legged friends.

 1.  Any Human Holiday

Having a 4th of July party for friends–why not invite their dogs too?  Wouldn’t it be great fun to throw a Valentine’s Day party for your single friends and their furry Valentines? My favorite human holiday to celebrate with my Coco is Easter.  After we celebrate with the human family, we get some of the pooches together to hunt goodies.  While the dogs are safely in the house, I hide a hard-boiled egg or two (depending on the number of dogs present), a stuffed Kong toy, a few treats, a handful of kibble, and a couple of new toys in the yard.

Dogs love to hunt for things as it stimulates their brains and expends some of their mental and physical energy.  Also, it is the perfect excuse for you to throw a party for your closest fur-family.  Don’t forget the decorations!

2.  Graduation Party

It is always a good idea to take your doggy to a training or obedience class, and when you’re finished, why not celebrate those accomplishments with a graduation party?  Our dogs learn so much in these types of trainings, from basic commands such as sit and stay, to fun tricks.  A party is just the place to show off your dog’s new skills.  Not to mention, with so many humans around to reinforce these new skills, your dog will get all the practice she needs.  Maybe it a party will encourage others to sign their dogs up for classes too!

3.  Doggy Sleepovers

Have a friend who is going out of town?  Offer to dog sit and have a doggy sleepover!  Your dog will love the company and your friend will appreciate the help.  There are so many fun activities to do at doggy sleepovers. Try things like going for a hike or playing tug-of-war in the yard.  You can also make lots of yummy treats for your companions like doggy granola and pupsicles.  Some great indoor games to play include hide and seek, treat hunt or you can teach the dogs a new trick (that will really impress your friend when they return).  With just a little planning, a doggy sleepover can mean tons of fun for you and a weekend–or so–of non stop learning and stimulation for your dog, and her friends.

4. Gotcha Day

Lots of us have thrown a birthday party for our pups (if not, you should–so much fun), but with so many of us adopting our dogs, it is hard to pinpoint an actual birth-date.  This is why many people celebrate a gotcha day–the day you got/adopted them.  This day is a little more than a birthday; it is a time to be thankful for your dog, your journey together, and maybe most importantly can be used as a time to advocate for adoption.  Remember, you are celebrating the fact that you saved a life.  Why not throw a big party with pups, humans, and invite a local rescue to bring some up-for-adoption dogs and try to find some forever homes?

5.  Pool Party

Here in Florida the summers are brutal, and luckily my Coco loves her kiddie pool. Often we will have a pool party with a number of pools set up and a few of Coco’s furry friends.  If you are new to the neighborhood, you can invite some of the dogs on the block and their companions over for a dip.  It is a good way to beat the heat and get to know new people.  Also, it gives your dog a way to socialize with the pooches he will be coming into contact with more.  There is nothing like a pool party to get the summer started!

New to throwing puppy parties?  Here is a handy checklist to help you out!

About Brandi Elliott

I am the mommy of one rambunctious yet loveable mutt, Coco, and an old cranky kitty, Spooky.  I love cooking and baking treats and have a passion for learning new things.  I love Westerns, reading, and giving quality belly rubs. I can usually be found relaxing with my husband, watching sporting events–mostly against my will.  You can read more about my crazy life with Coco and Co. at http://deathbychocolatelab.blogspot.com/