Updated on: Apr 10, 2023
If your kid loves dogs, why not celebrate with a dog theme party? If you have decided you would like to host a dog themed party, but don’t know where to start, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Below are some ideas for not only decorations, but also games, party favors, menu items, and more!
Dog Theme Party Decorations
1. Fire Hydrant Centerpieces
Whether you use paper cutouts or plastic novelty hydrants, the pop of red will certainly add a festive look to the room. Surround the bases of the hydrants with decorative shredded Easter grass or even decorative picket fences for added drama.
2. Dog House Stations
Place dog houses along the room with stuffed animals inside of each. Write goofy, made-up names on the houses or name them after your guests. Encourage guests to (size-permitting) crawl inside and take pictures.
3. Squeaky Toys
Find squeaky toys that best match the color scheme of the party. Strategically place them on top of tables or tie string around several and hang them along the edge of the table or in doorways.
4. Dog Theme Balloon Garland
Balloon garlands are a simple, affordable way to add drama to your party space! You can DIY with balloons and a garland strip kit. If you’d prefer to buy a coordinating set, there are plenty of options for those, too!
5. Dog Theme Wall Decals
Images such as paw prints or bones, as well as large images of dogs are ideal to hang on the walls. Dog decals are typically inexpensive and easy to apply and peel off.
6. Dog Theme Party Banner
Dog theme banners come in several varieties and colors, so you’re sure to find the right one for your dog theme party! Like this one, that says, “Pawty Time!”
7. Dog-shaped Foil Balloons
These dog-shaped foil balloons are a fun way to bring the dog theme to life! Use them as table centerpieces, hang them from the ceiling, or put them on the gift table!
8. Mini Dog Figurines
These figurines are adorable for scattering along a table or hiding in the snack area!
9. Dog Theme Table Runner
A table runner can elevate your tables! Choose a bright solid color to go over a patterned tablecloth! Or choose a fake grass runner as a nod to a dog park.
10. Dog Theme Cake Topper
A cake topper is an easy way to bring the dog theme into your decorations!
11. Paw Prints
You can cut out paw print shapes with construction paper and place them on the floor, guiding your guests to the party area! It might be a good idea to laminate them, if you’re able. If you’d prefer to not do-it-yourself, you can purchase a set of paw prints ready to go!
12. Photo Booth Backdrop
Photo booths are lots of fun! Guests love to take pictures and share them on Facebook or Instagram. Come up with a hashtag for them to use when they post online! Perhaps something like #letspawtywithjohn (with your kid’s name).
13. Photo Booth Props
A photo booth isn’t complete without props! Find a printable set to download, or make them yourself with construction paper and popsicle sticks!
Dog Theme Party Menu
14. Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are an obvious choice for a dog theme party, and for a good reason! Hot dogs are easy to make, people can top them to their liking, and they are fairly inexpensive! You can offer lots of fun toppings like, chili, cheese, coleslaw, ketchup, mustard, onions, or tomatoes!
15. Puppy Chow
Puppy chow is also a fun choice for a dog theme party! Make it according to your favorite recipe, or purchase a bag already made! You can even serve it in a festive container, like a brand new dog bowl!
16. Pup-corn
Pup-corn is just popcorn. It’s another easy and delicious snack for a dog theme party! Serve it in some cute pawprint treat bags or boxes. If you’re expecting lots of little kids at your party, consider serving a puffed corn snack to avoid a choking hazard.
17. Bone-shaped Snacks
With bone-shaped cookie cutters, you can make almost anything fit the dog theme party! Bigger cookie cutters can be used for sandwiches or krispy treats, while mini cookie cutters can be used for cheese, cucumbers, or apples!
18. Custom Dog Theme Cookies
Hire a local baker to make cookies shaped like bones and paws! Or order a custom set online!
19. Fetching Sticks
Fetching sticks are just pretzel rods! It’s a simple enough snack, but you can serve it with different dips. For sweet, use Nutella or peanut butter. For savory, use ranch dip or cheese!
20. Dog Theme Cupcakes
Cupcakes are an easy party dessert, and they can be customized however you want! Top them with sprinkles or dog themed toppers. Consider placing them on a cupcake tower, like this fire hydrant one!
21. Bone-shaped Cake
To make a bone-shaped cake, you need a bone-shaped pan. You can decorate it however you want: sprinkles, candies, or plain delicious icing!
Dog Theme Party Games and Activities
22. Puppy Petting Zoo
Bring in real puppies! Set up a playpen with your own dogs and your guests dogs. Have food, water, toys, and some shade available to all of the animals. Make sure that all dogs are healthy and friendly before you put them into the playpen together. This activity works best outdoors, so plan ahead according to the weather. Don’t forget to clean up after the activities.
23. Doggy Relay Race
Two separate teams will each fill a basket with ten dog biscuits. Guests on either team must crawl on all fours and guide their baskets to the other end and back and then tag the next team member. The basket can either be suspended on hanging rope tracks, or carried in the participants mouth. If you choose to have them carry it in their mouth, provide each player with their own basket. The main rule of the game is that participants must crawl like dogs and no bones can fall out of the basket.
24. Dress-up Contest
Have your guests arrive dressed up in dog themed costumes or provide several dog costumes and accessories for them to wear. Host a contest near the end of the party, awarding “Cutest Dog,” “Fluffiest Dog,” “Most Realistic,” “Best Bark,” etc.
25. Canine Course
Create your own backyard obstacle course for your party, complete with tunnels, mini trampolines and much more! Award first, second and third places to the respective puppy winners. For a funny twist, have participants complete the obstacle course while crawling on all fours.
26. Frisbee
This is a classic game for people and dogs alike. You can use one Frisbee or several at a time. You can also set up different minigames with Frisbees and use traffic cones for zoning.
27. Tug of War
Tug of war is another classic game, and one that dogs like to play, too! Divide the guests into teams and let the fun begin!
28. Puppy Bingo
This type of bingo is great for even young kids! You match the pictures rather than numbers.
29. Pin the Tail on the Dog
This is another classic party game, and it goes great with a dog theme party! You can DIY with a printed picture of a dog and construction paper cut into tail shapes. Or you can download and print a whole set. If you don’t have a printer, there are options completely ready to go, too!
30. Playful Piñata
Hang up a bone, paw print, or dog-shaped piñata outside for guests to crack open! Fill it up with Smarties Candies, bubbles, party blowers, and Hershey’s Kisses.
Dog Theme Party Favors (for People and Pooches!)
Make sure your two, and four, legged guests leave with a gift to serve as a reminder of the fantastic time they had at your party.
31. Stuffed Animal Surprise
Stuffed animal dogs are sure to be a crowd pleaser for younger guests. They will love to care for their very own furry friend. Personalize each one by adding name tags inscribed with each guest’s name.
32. Puppy Stickers
These are super easy to find, and are sure to please your guests! Puppy stickers come in a variety of breeds and sticker types. Give each guest one sheet of each so that no one will be disappointed with his or her assortment.
33. Wonderful Whistles
Metallic whistles look like dog whistles, can be useful at home and are just fun to blow. Tie small, colorful ribbons around each whistle and write “Your Name’s Party” on them as well.
34. Tennis Balls
A tennis ball is a basic prize but will bring hours upon hours of joy and excitement to a pooch! Instead of the traditional yellow color, try to find balls in other bright and appealing colors as well.
35. Treats in a Jar
Buy doggy biscuits or cookies from a specialty pet bakery and arrange them in a nice mason jar. Decorate the jar with ribbons or bows, and paint the pooch’s name or “Your Name’s Party” on it. This makes a great favor because jars can be used continually in the future.
36. Custom Collars
These are the perfect party favors for your four-legged guests. Personalize each guest a custom collar, of course, and make sure each one is the right size for every dog.
37. Squeaky Sensation
Dog-friendly squeaky toys that match your theme or color scheme are a wonderful party favor. As long as you don’t mind the noise, give them out during the party for guests to play with, and then let them take the toys home.
38. Bow Wow Bowls
Personalize dog bowls for each canine as a party favor! Include pup’s name on one side and “Your Name’s Party” on the other.
39. Dog Ear Headbands
These are a fun favor that guests can wear all throughout the party!
40. Books About Dogs
Let the guests pick out their own book to take home. Maybe each book can be about different breeds!
Dog Theme Party Supplies
41. Dog Theme Table Cloths
Table cloths are a party staple. They add to the overall look of the party and make cleaning up easy!
42. Dog Theme Napkins
Napkins are a must-have, so why not make them fun and festive?
43. Dog Theme Plates
Whether you want plates with dogs on them or dog-shaped plates, you can find what you need for your dog theme party!
44. Dog Theme Cups
Paper or plastic? Either way, there are lots of cute dog theme options!
45. Disposable Cutlery
Disposable cutlery is another must-have!
Dog Theme Party Invitations
46. Digital Dog Theme Party Invitations
Digital invitations are completely customizable and ready to go! No need to print, just send in a text or post in a Facebook event created specially for your party!
47. Printable Dog Theme Party Invitations
Printable invitations are also customizable, and there are so many options for your dog theme party.
48. Hand-written Dog Theme Party Invitations
Invitations that you can fill out yourself are perfect if you don’t have access to a printer!
49. Dog House Invitations
These dog house invitations are an adorable option for your dog theme party!
50. Bone-shaped Invitations
These are also very appropriate for a dog theme party!
Conclusion
Hopefully all of these ideas help you feel ready to host an amazing dog theme party for the dog lover in your life!
Written by Natalie Smallwood and Becky Smith; Contributors: Anna Wertman, Avery Patterson, Ben Kennaley, and Heather Hayes