Puppy's Life

Perfect Puppy Parties

Here's how to throw a terrific bash for your best friend.

Whoever said every dog has its day knew a thing or two about throwing puppy parties. No matter what the occasion, dogs deserve the best-but on birthdays and special occasions, it's fun to turn the celebration up a notch.

To learn about party themes and ideas, we turned to Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, author of Dog Parties. The author hosted numerous parties for her Chihuahua, Lola, when creating her book.

"It's like a social hour or play date for them, and they are spoiled rotten at these parties. There are games, massages, treats galore, and it's fun for them and gives them social interaction," says Schlegel Whitman.

And don't worry about a big budget. One of the best things about puppy parties is that you don't have to spend extravagantly. "All [they] really need is to be outside and have other [puppies] around," Schlegel Whitman says.

Whether you're going to go crazy with decor or want to create a simple gathering, just remember the founding principle of puppy parties is to shower your best friend with love and attention.

Birthday Blowout

• Atmosphere: Throw this bash in a local park (one that has plenty of trees to shade guests from the sun). Bring along a CD player: In her book, Schlegel Whitman suggests playing themed songs such as "Who Let the Dogs Out" and "Hound Dog." For decor, tie bunches of balloons to tables and nearby trees (high enough so no one's tempted to get them). Set up tall folding tables for presents, training treats, and themed munchies for owners, such as hot dogs and chocolate-covered Chex mix. Don't forget to bring plenty of clean bowls and coolers filled with water to keep guests hydrated.
• Activities: Bring loads of squeaky toys and tennis balls. Pups will also bond while searching for sticks and fetching Frisbees.
• Favors: Send each guest off with a soft hand towel-perfect for wiping messy paws before they hop in cars to leave. Schlegel Whitman's dog, Lola, handed out tennis balls at her birthday bash.
• Petiquette: If gifts are received, be sure your pup allows friends to help unwrap.
• Fashions: It's your pup's biggest debut: She'll want a pink tutu or a dress. He'll prefer a simple costume-perhaps a t-shirt or sweater.

Spa-w Party

• Atmosphere: This relaxing puppy getaway is perfect for a spacious back lawn. Pups will love lounging on covered throw pillows or their own beds brought from home. Human friends will enjoy lemonade, cookies, tea sandwiches, or petit fours while puppies munch on snacks such as bone-shaped crackers, fresh-breath bites, and teeth-cleaning bones. Have enough goodies on hand so each pup is fully pampered.
• Activities: Puppies will feel extra special when human friends groom them using brushes, combs, bath wipes, clippers, nail files, ribbons, and bows placed in baskets around the yard. (For more information, visit www.beneful.com/smartspa.)
• Favors: Empty goodie bags will allow human friends to select their pups' treats from an assortment of snacks placed on a tall table near the exit.
• Fashions: Craft robes for puppies from terry cloth (or purchase robes made for newborn babies-they're the perfect size and style for most puppies).

Swim Soiree

• Atmosphere: Hold this event at a local pond, lake, beach, or pool-or even set up sprinklers in your back yard. For human friends, keep soft drinks iced in coolers along with sandwiches, crackers, watermelon, and other fruits. Pups will also want you to pack light training treats-nothing filling-as they'll be actively playing. Fill plastic crates or baskets with plenty of pool toys, balls, and Frisbees, and allow puppies to play and frolic in the water as much as they please. Don't forget that sunscreen is typically recommended for noses and ear tips if dogs are out in the sun a lot, and have beach towels available so puppies don't soak human friends (or car seats) as they leave.
• Favors: Puppies will love fetching Frisbees while partying-let them each take one home to commemorate the day.
• Petiquette: Ask a friend or owner to join the swimming puppies in the water to ensure their safety.
• Fashions: No costumes are necessary for this event, but be sure to have enough bandanas on hand for both puppies and human friends-they are great for shielding heads and ears from the sun.

Fundraiser Ball

• Atmosphere: To create a cozy evening affair, string twinkle lights around your back yard. Place spill-proof candles on small tables out of paws' reach. Hang electric lanterns around the yard from trees, fence posts, or stands-they'll create a soft glow. Classical music, along with trays of appetizers for human friends, will set the scene. Puppy snacks should include bones and pup-friendly desserts made with your puppy's regular servings of food. (Recipes can be found online.)
• Activities: When not hanging out with you, puppies love to spend time flirting and getting to know one another. For added fun, hide stuffed treats in yard corners and under boxes-your best friends will have a grand time sniffing out their favorites.
• Favors: Provide empty envelopes in which guests can put a donation (in their puppy's name) to a charitable organization such as the Animal Rescue Foundation (also known as ARF) or a local shelter.
• Petiquette: Be sure to help pups out of their attire if they scratch or tug at the outfit.
• Fashions: If you're in the mood to go a little overboard when it comes to fashion, bring out the faux furs and plastic sunglasses for your favorite female puppy's high-profile event. And for the boy pups, dress for success in miniature top hats and suit jackets. Pet stores have plenty of fun outfits to fit any occasion.