Puppy Parties: Socialization and Birthday Parties

A puppy party can mean two things. One is a small gathering where young puppies meet other puppies and new people. The other is a birthday party where a business or a rescue brings puppies as the guests. VCA Animal Hospitals describes the first kind as “a small gathering of young puppies for the sole purpose of having fun.” The American Kennel Club (AKC) says dogs attending a six-week course, instead of no class or a one-off puppy party, “were more likely to respond positively to strangers.” Below is a plan for a safe gathering at home, and what the three businesses listed here say about cost and insurance.

What a Puppy Party Is

VCA says “A puppy party gives puppies a chance to learn about the body language of different dogs.” It adds “Typically, there are no more than six puppies per group” and “Many training clubs and even veterinary offices offer puppy parties in addition to more educational classes such as puppy kindergarten.”

VCA also describes the class that comes after: “A more structured socialization method involves enrolling your puppy in a ‘kindergarten class’ where your puppy learns that there are other dogs in the world, but does not interact with or play with those dogs.” It says “Be sure that the trainers use only reward-based methods: there should be no scolding or leash corrections happening in a puppy kindergarten.”

The AKC article on safe play sessions calls a one-off puppy party “often chaotic,” and it says “It’s also best to complete the course, rather than dropping in and out for a couple of sessions.” Read more about dog training facts.

What the AVSAB Says About Early Socialization

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) says the first three months of life are the primary and most important time for puppy socialization. Its position statement says puppies “should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely and without causing overstimulation manifested as excessive fear, withdrawal or avoidance behavior.”

On vaccines, the statement says the AVSAB “believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated.”

The AVSAB also says “Classes and at-home training should be based on positive reinforcement with frequent rewards praise, petting, play and/or treats.”

How to Host a Puppy Party at Home

Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian and animal behaviorist, wrote a guide to puppy parties at home that Dogtime published. It describes a puppy party as a way to introduce a puppy to people of all kinds at home. The steps it gives:

• Give each visitor a bag of kibble mixed with treats. Work on come, sit, down, and roll over with kibble as the lure and reward, then have the guests take over.
• Mix up the guest list so the puppy is not meeting the same people over and over. The guide says to invite plenty of men, strangers, and kids.
• Start with one or two well-behaved kids, then add friends’ and relatives’ children, then the neighborhood children.
• Play party games. The guide names Puppy Push-ups, Biscuit Balance, and Drop Dead Dog.

Related reading: Social enrichment.

Who to invite

UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine says to “Go out of your way to encounter different types of people, places, animals, walking surfaces, noises, and other situations.” It also says “Always have small treats handy and be ready to reward them for good behavior.”

How many puppies to invite

VCA defines a play date as “a one-on-one play session with two compatible adult dogs or two to three age- and size-matched puppies.” The AKC says “It’s best to start with one-on-one sessions in a neutral and safe environment” and “Meet up with puppies that are well-matched in terms of style of play and size.” For smaller dogs, the AKC’s supervising tips say “Find a group for smaller dogs if you have a small dog.”

VCA says “The puppies should always be supervised when they are together.” The AKC says “Carefully watch your puppy and other dogs; this isn’t a time for you to zone out and read a book.”

What to check first

For puppy classes, the AVSAB says “In general, puppies can start puppy socialization classes as early as 7-8 weeks of age. Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first deworming. They should be kept up-to-date on vaccines throughout the class.” It adds “Each puppy should have up-to-date vaccinations and be disease and parasite free before entering the class. Where possible, classes should be held on surfaces that are easily cleaned and disinfected (e.g. indoor environments).”

The AVSAB also says “Visits to dog parks or other areas that are not sanitized and/or are highly trafficked by dogs of unknown vaccination or disease status should be avoided.”

Check the food table too. ASPCA Poison Control says “exposure to grapes/raisins can lead to kidney damage” and “Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste.” For chocolate, it says “The darker (higher cacao percentage) the chocolate, or the higher the caffeine content, the greater the risk for toxicity.” Its page says “if you suspect your pet has eaten any of the following foods, please note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian or poison control at (888) 426-4435.”

The AVSAB says “Interactive toys and games, a variety of surfaces, tunnels, steps, chutes, and other stimuli can enrich the puppy’s environment.” Read more about interactive toys and teething toys for German Shepherd puppies.

Signs a puppy needs a break

UC Davis lists tucked tail, licking lips, yawning, shaking, and ears back as signs of stress. It says to remove a puppy that shows them, so the puppy does not link the experience with fear, and to keep encounters “brief, especially in the beginning.”

The AKC says fear in a puppy’s eyes, trembling, and trying to hide mean the activity is not right for that dog. It also says not to push a shy puppy to play.

The AKC’s body language guide says dogs yawn when they feel “stressed or uncomfortable.” It says a quick tongue flick can mean a dog feels anxious or uncomfortable, and that whale eye shows when a dog feels “anxious, worried, or pressured.”

VCA says to remove a puppy that is trying to escape, especially if other puppies keep pursuing it. It says a worried puppy may do better with one-on-one play with a single gentle puppy.

The AKC passes on a test from trainer Casey McGee. Gently hold back the puppy that is coming on too strong and let the other puppy “vote with their feet.” A puppy that comes back for more play is game. A puppy that gets a drink of water, escapes, or wanders off needs a break.

For rest, the AVSAB says to schedule time for puppies to play alone with favorite toys or nap in safe places such as “crates or puppy pens.” The AKC says to plan a calm down activity such as “a short walk.”

Hiring Puppies for a Birthday Party

Some businesses and rescues bring puppies to birthday parties and other events. Puppy Party NYC and Pups Without Borders each answer the same three questions on their own pages: what a party costs, how many puppies come, and whether they provide insurance paperwork.

Puppy Party NYC’s page says “Up to 25 puppies can be brought to your event if available.” Pups Without Borders’ page says “Most puppy parties include 3-6 friendly, socialized rescue puppies.” The FAQ at the end of this page gives each business’s words on cost and insurance.

Offering Businesses (With Certificates)

Planning your own party may be too much too handle. Here are a list of some businesses or organizations offering this service. Be reminded that availability and fee may vary depending on some factors.

Puppy Party NYC

Located in New York, this business strictly adheres to policies by the USDA as well as the Animal Welfare Act. They also offer a cheap in-store party option that's available at their website.

Pups Without Borders

This wholesome animal rescue is composed of volunteers who ensure that the adorable creatures they save are given all their needs. Fortunately, they now allow booking for these precious furry pals.

Parties Fantastic

The location of this business is at Los Angeles, CA. Unlike the previous two however, they also offer some other options such as reptile parties or a bunny zoo for kids.

What's stopping you from planning one? Wear your favorite dog lover shirts with pride and join in on the fun now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are puppy parties a good idea?

It depends on the kind. For a gathering of puppies, VCA says “Remember, for puppies in their sensitive period, frightening events will have a large impact.” For a party where a business brings puppies, ask the business the questions in the next two answers before you book.

How much does a puppy party cost?

It depends on the business. Puppy Party NYC’s page says “The base price for a Puppy Party is location dependent” and lists “$100 for an hour with 3 puppies at our in-store location” in Roselle, NJ. Pups Without Borders’ page says “Each puppy party is customized based on the number of puppies, event duration, staffing, and travel requirements.” and that you submit a questionnaire for a personalized quote. Ask each business for a quote in writing.

Is insurance provided for puppy parties?

It depends on the business. Puppy Party NYC’s page says “We can provide proof of general liability insurance if your building or school requires it.” Pups Without Borders’ page says “We can provide Certificates of Insurance (COIs) when required by venues or organizations.” Puppy Party NYC’s booking page also says “If a puppy is injured at your party, you are responsible for any vet service bills or puppy replacement.” Ask each business for its waiver before you book.

Where can I find a puppy party near me?

VCA says “Ask your veterinary hospital about local classes.” Pups Without Borders’ page says “We provide puppy parties throughout Los Angeles and surrounding Southern California communities.” Puppy Party NYC’s page says “We adhere to New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut guidelines regarding social gatherings.”

Can I adopt a puppy from a puppy party?

It depends on the business. Pups Without Borders’ page says “Many of our puppy party puppies are adoptable rescue dogs and puppies looking for forever homes.”

Sources

• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, AVSAB Position Statement on Puppy Socialization
• VCA Animal Hospitals, Social Groups for Dogs
• UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Puppy Socialization (Internet Archive copy)
• American Kennel Club, Supervising Puppy Play Sessions
• American Kennel Club, Getting Puppy Play Right With Safe Play Sessions
• American Kennel Club, How to Read Dog Body Language
• ASPCA, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets
• Puppy Party NYC, Book a Puppy Party Now
• Pups Without Borders, Puppy Parties in Los Angeles
• Dogtime, Ian Dunbar, Puppy parties: The fun way to raise a people-friendly dog (Internet Archive copy)