A Few Questions to Consider

Should the new dog attend the Puppy Shower?

Don’t feel like the dog has to attend the Puppy Shower. A room full of people might be overwhelming for a dog just getting to know its new family. Plus, the shower can take place before the dog arrives. While the Puppy Shower environment might provide great fun and socialization for the dog, take your cues from the dog, If the dog seems friendly and willing you might still make certain that the dog has a place to be safely left alone for a time if they need to rest from the excitement. A dog crate in a quiet room would make a great oasis for a dog who just can’t handle the crowd. When in doubt the new owner can ask the breeder, foster parent or rescue facility for their input as to the dog’s potential behavior at their party. The last thing you want is to trigger aggression or fear in a new dog, so use your common sense.

Can the guests bring their dog to the Puppy Shower?

There are no rules, remember, but you may want to rethink bringing other dogs to this particular event if the new dog is present. First of all, if the new dog is a puppy he will not have had all of his shots and bringing other dogs could expose his little body to germs he is not able to handle yet. Even if the dog is older and fully vaccinated, the excitement of a new family and a room full of people may be overwhelming enough without adding the stress and excitement of other dogs. Of course the new dog owner can and should schedule play dates with other dogs later, after the new dog is more settled.

Do people play shower games at Puppy Showers?

Sure they do! For some, the shower games are the best part.

Here are a few ideas:

Guess the number of treats: Put dog treats in a big doggy treat jar. Make sure to count the treats! Have your guests make their best guess as to the number of dog treats in the jar. The guest who guesses closest to the actual number of treats without going over wins! The prize can be the jar of treats or they can win another prize suitable for a human and then the new dog gets the treat jar filled with treats.

Name the dog: If the dog hasn’t been named yet, guests can make suggestions and then vote for their favorite. The name with the most votes wins! If the dog has been given a first name, you can still play the game – just have the guests suggest a middle name! The owner is in no way obligated to accept the name for their dog, but wouldn’t it be funny if that is how the dog got their name?

Match the Dog: Guest bring pictures of their own dogs and the host numbers each picture and pins the pictures to a board. Guests then try to match the picture to the owner. The guest with the most matches wins!

Of course if the new dog is present at the party, the best party game ever might be just playing and cuddling the new delightful dog. What could be better then doggy kisses from a new friend?

Are guests expected to bring gifts?

Most showers of any kind include gifts from the guests. The idea of any shower is to support the family in their new life with the things that they need. Dogs do require a lot of stuff and most Puppy Showers are held in hopes of helping the family with obtaining what they need for their new little blessing. You might put together a list of items that the family wants for their dog including dog food, dog treats, clothing, bedding, car seats, toys and even gift certificates for grooming or their local vet.

There are certain occasions, however, where the adoptive family has all of the essentials but they still want to celebrate the new furbaby. In this case, guests could bring “gifts” to donate to their local animal shelter in honor of the new dog or they could forgo the gifts altogether and just have a great party.

Whatever you do, be very clear on the invitation by either letting guests know that there is a gift registry, suggesting “no gifts” or encouraging donations for a local animal charity in lieu of gifts.