What do you do if you’re having a party and you have dogs? Your dog shouldn’t dictate your social life. But most people don’t really consider one of the most sensible options – just don’t invite the dog.
Life with dogs is more complicated than without. You have to plan more carefully, and figure out what’s best for everyone. Depending on the dog, the people invited, and the stress of the event, it may be easier to make other arrangements for your dog.
For instance
A couple we know in the neighborhood recently added a second dog to their family. Both of their dogs are big, strong, boys. Their Rottweiler has been to our classes and is already a Cenine Good Citizen. The new guy is nowhere near ready for prime time. These two dogs are still getting to know each other – the family dynamic has drastically changed.
Our advice? Un-invite your friend’s dog they were planning to bring. Too much, too soon. And crate your dogs out of the way until everybody’s arrived. That way you can bring the dogs out to meet everyone on collar and leash, with treats on hand, and maintain control of the situation. If the dogs show off their party manners – great. If not, they can go back to their “room” and chill with a new chewie toy.
Get ‘em out of there
Another training student of our this summer was stressing months before she needed to. Her home has been the family gathering spot over the holidays for many years. But now she has a reactive dog. She was trying to “fix” her dog’s reactive behavior on a too-short time line.
At the end of the class session. She lamented that she’ll just have to cancel the holiday festivities at her house. She couldn’t risk the safety of her family and didn’t want her dog to be anxious, stressed, and regress.
She apparently never even considered the obvious answer – don’t invite the dog. Instead, give her an all-expenses paid, inclusive vacation at a nearby dog boarding/resort facility. The dog would be safe and well cared for. And she wouldn’t have to worry about anything but enjoying the holiday traditions she’s established.
You have options
Years ago a dogless friend of ours said something about us always taking our dogs on vacation with us. She couched it as if getting away from them was a good thing.
For us, it’s not. We actually like having our dogs with us. It’s sort of why we have them.
But there are times, even for us, when their absence is welcome. As long as we know they’re okay, cared for, and safe, it’s less to worry about. That can be anything from not letting them outside when we’re mowing, to crating them in another room when we need a plumber. It also holds true if there’s a lot of people invading their space – either for an evening meeting or a weekend visit.
There are times when it’s okay to say “no dogs allowed.” When you need to, don’t invite the dog.
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