Puppy's Life

Pup Pup Hooray

Celebrate your new arrival with a puppy shower

Throwing a puppy shower is a great way to introduce friends and family to your new little bundle, to share the joy your fuzzy friend brings, and to mark the beginning of your friendship. After giving your precious pooch some time to get settled (and the appropriate vaccinations), after his 12th week or so, you'll both be ready to socialize—an important step for your new pup. “Puppy socialization is critical,” says Christine Shedron, certified professional dog trainer at Animal Behavior Associates in Denver, Colorado. “It's a time where they are accepting things more readily without fear.” Here's a step-by-step guide on how to throw a warm, bonding get-together that both you and your puppy will love.

Paw-fect place

First determine your party's location: Does your puppy prefer a low-key, intimate setting, or a sprawling space with plenty of room to play? If the weather forecast is good, consider hosting your bash outdoors in your backyard, or at a public place such as a dog park. When opting for outdoor fun, prepare a backup plan: Is there a safe space that owners and pups can easily move to in the event of rain or a storm?

If you'd rather host indoors, and want to find a unique space away from home, scope out your options at local puppy “spaws,” grooming salons, pup-friendly pools, or puppy daycare centers.

Bonafide invite

Once your location is reserved, whip out the address book and compile the guest list. Keep in mind the size and personality of friends' pups—you don't want the new little guy to get too intimidated by guests. Remember that it's ideal if the puppies know each other or host it outdoors so they have an area to mark their territory. Also consider the owners you're inviting, says Shedron. “It's good for puppies to be exposed to all kinds of people, [for instance] kids, older people, younger people—in a positive way.”

Once your list is finalized, mail invitations (it's smart to send them out at least a month before the shower). Many online pet boutiques sell paper products; scope out the shower-themed invites at Bark Talk (www.barktalk.com) and the stylish stationery at The Pet Set (www.the-petset.com). And don't forget to request that all invitees are updated on vaccinations. You don't want your pup to accidentally catch a cold—or something worse—from a pal.

Paw-fect presents

Determine whether to register for gifts. If you've brought home your first puppy, you're both bound to need several items. From collars to beds, pet and online stores offer customized registries. If you'd rather not request presents, here's another idea: ask guests to bring items to donate to a local shelter. Call ahead to determine what donations are most needed.

Also consider purchasing party favors from a local pet shop—as long as the toys are puppy-appropriate, items such as balls, stuffed pacifiers, embroidered blankets, or even unique toys are always warmly received. Or, consider handing out disposable cameras—puppies grow quickly, and guests will love snapping pictures they can take home.

Diggin' Decor

You'll want decorations to match your theme—scope out sites such as www.funstufffordogs.com, which sells paw-print balloons and accessories along with an array of shower decorations and goods from bassinets to bathrobes. Whether you color-coordinate every detail from plates to flowers, or simply string some crepe paper, guests will appreciate your effort.

Tasty Treats

Now for the most exciting part: Your guests will love the party treats. Two-legged friends will enjoy tea sandwiches or cookies made with a bone-shaped cookie cutter, or cupcakes and petit fours decorated with pup-themed candies (bone-shaped cake trays are readily available in pet stores). No matter what you decide to serve, be sure to clearly separate the owners' options from those special treats just for pups so that puppies do not receive any human food or vice-versa: Some puppy treats look good enough to eat, after all. And remember to keep plenty of extra goodies readily available, such as bones and training treats, for especially well-behaved pups.

Paw-rty, Please

Your entertainment options are only limited by the imagination: Games might include completing a series of outdoor relays (which pup can retrieve the ball fastest or find the hidden bones?), or indoor activities like guessing the number of biscuits in a jar and swapping funny stories. You can also buy an autograph book for guests to write down a veterinarian they like, groomer they love, tips, or bits of advice for a neat keepsake at the end of the shower.

Since the first months of a pup's life are the most formative, consider bringing in experts to fill new owners in on important issues. Invite a local trainer to discuss leash and obedience training, a veterinarian to discuss special needs for growing puppies, or a local parks department staffer to present local park options and rules. Your guests might also enjoy a tunnel or two for exploring and toys to keep them entertained. While they get to know one another, add a calm and festive atmosphere with music arranged for both pups and guests alike. CDs such as A Day in the Life of Lucky: Classical Music for You and Your Dog, and Relaxation Music for My Pet and Me, Vol. 2.