Planning a party isn't always easy when you have a dog to worry about, especially when that dog is a timid, allergy ridden bulldog like Teddybux! But we take extra precautions pre-party to make sure both our guests and our puppy are happy and entertained.
Firstly, we make sure Teddybux is relaxed and well fed before the party. This requires making sure that we finish all the last minute party prep well before party start time so that we aren't running around making him nervous all day. We use his favorite food filled toy to make sure he gets lots to eat and take him on a long walk shortly before the guests start to arrive. This keeps his energy calm when guests arrive and the full stomach means he won't be on the hunt for falling food. We also leave out a couple of his favorite treats for guests so that they can reward Teddybux for tricks well done.
Secondly, we prepare the guests. This is now a pretty easy thing because most of our party guests have met Teddy before and know the drill. But for any new guests we introduce them to Teddybux and let them know that the only food he is to eat are his dog treats and that he can be very shy so for petting and play time the should let him come to them. We don't have to worry about Teddybux running outside when guests arrive but if you have a more ambitious dog it would be helpful to put a sign on the door so guests know to be careful not to let the dog out.
Once the party starts it is important for us to keep an eye on Teddybux. As the night goes on I watch for any signs of uneasiness or stress. Usually about halfway through the party I take him outside for a bathroom break and a chance to relax which is always much appreciated. We also make sure his water bowl has clean water that is easily accessible and set up a place for him to retreat to if the party becomes too overwhelming. It is important to keep an eye on the floors, while guests in general do their best to keep crumbs and things from falling to the floor it happens every now and then so I am sure to casually pick it up so that Teddybux isn't tempted. This goes for spilled drinks as well. Not only does it prevent future stomach aches it makes the next days clean up a little easier.
Teddybux does surprisingly well at parties. He quickly becomes the party entertainment as he walks around playing fetch and giving high fives. He is more social then he normally is one on one and partygoers get pretty excited when he stops to let them pet him. The only time he seems to stress out is when he can't seem to find one of us in a crowd, so I try to make sure i'm easy to find when he needs some reassurance.
For the most part parties at the house are fun for all and we are glad that Teddybux seems to enjoy it as much as we do. The final step on the plan of course is to make sure Teddybux can just lay around all day the next day in order to recover from being the life of the party!
