Cross Breeds

Suggestions for my puppies first birthday coming up?

My baby is going to be one next month and I wanted to do something a little special for him. My thoughts were: 1). Take him to the pet store and letting him pick out anything he wants. 2). Giving him a few toys that I already have, everytime I go to the store I seem to find things for him, so I store them for good days. 3). Taking him to the mall to the pet store to get a special treat, such as the cookies they sell.... My biggest question is if these treats are actualy safe for dogs or if they should be avoided. It isn't something we would do often, but just as a treat for his birthday, we use natural treats for everyday things. Does anyone else have any cute ideas for him? Normally he doesn't get to go along during the summer because of the heat. But we just got a strollar for him so he can come in now to the mall and things. Thanks Thanks for all the answers, they are great. We can't really do a party as we are still working on him getting a long with other dogs, he is a little moody. He has lots of bones already, mostly Nylabones and the like because of food agression. I'm not looking to get a puppy, I have the puppy, it is his birthday. I really appreciate all the sites, can't wait to look them over. My dog has a huge backyard, but he can only play when I'm around because of eating rocks. I definitely would never feed him Mrs. Fields cookies. I'm just trying to make sure that he gets something a little more special than normal. The pet store in the mall has cookies, brownies etc that are for dogs, but I don't know if they are safe for him, they just say wait till he is at least 6 months old. I only buy him the best treats for the pet food store and then he gets innova evo for his regular food. Thanks again for all the great ideas, he is going to love it! Thanks for the idea Steve, but he has already been "fixed" We were at the vet as soon as he was old enough to have it done hoping it would help. It did a little, but we still have lots of other problems to work on..... But, we are definitely making progress.

Public Comments

1. wrap a bone up for him and he may rip it open it is so cute when dogs do that. Also make him small cake or cupcake with bones meat and dog food and milk in it he will love that. :,-) sweet
2. Buy him an EAGLES jerzey, and let him pick something special.
3. pet stores buy there puppies from mills where the mothers are bred over and over and kept in rabbit hutch like cages, it is cruel. why not teach him early that adoption is a great option and there are plenty of wonderful dogs there. I am 47 and have always had pound puppies, my 2 sons have loved them. they learned to be compassionate and kind to animals through this process. pound puppies are almost always grateful to the people who save them. the other concern is that 1 year olds don't have any natural instincts in how to treat animals, you totally have to teach them so it is work. Good luck
4. invite some dog friends but make sure that they dont fight. buy a bunch of presents and help him open them. make some pupcakes and have a party! YAY!
5. What no birth day party? Seriously through him a birth day party. Invite your friends with dogs and have a dog themed party. You can bake a cake especially for dogs, plan activities and games and Give out party snacks. This web site has tons more ideas and links: http://www.dogbirthdaysandparties.com/dogpartyetiquette.htm
6. Throw him a party! Invite all of your friends over and have them bring their dogs. Serve little doggy cookies or cupcakes. Let them all play....I'm sure he'll really love it!!
7. dont get petstore treats!! Make them!! you can make dog cakes.. cookies ect.. Make him a big birthday cake. (the kind for dogs) Get a big bone and wrap it up for him, and LOTS of toys. When my dog turned a year old I got him a fence for the yard and he still loves it. I also made him a meaty birthday cake, and some dog buscuits. Check out this site.. its got some dog cake recipe's
8. get him a hooker
9. you spoil it too much, and in a bad way. dogs dont want to "go to the mall". the best present you can get it is access to your backyard
10. HAVE A PARTY! We've always baked "dog cupcakes" (make a recipe of your own in a paper cupcake liner - a layer of cooked chicken breast, a layer of whole wheat unsalted crackers, a layer of cooked carrots and peas - you get the idea!) to celebrate then we go for a nice long hike (or whatever your little one-year-old like to do best). Find a dog bakery recipe on-line or look in the phone book for a local dog bakery. I'd never think to feed my dog a Mrs. Fields cookie regardless of the event!
11. You can get lots of dog toys at the dollar stores (you can find pretty decent toys there.) and give him a whole bunch one after another. You can wrap them too so he has the fun of waiting, or trying to unwrap each toy. Did that for my dog for Christmas and she had a ball all day playing with all of these new toys. As far as the treats the only one that I hear aren't really good for dogs is rawhide which I don't understand because they sell it all over.. but, they say beefhide is better. Also, look for a dog park in your area. My dog loves being with the other dogs. And likes the attention of other owners too.;) For her Birthday I plan to make her a special scarf or t shirt to wear. so when she goes to the dog park everyone will now it' s her birthday and fawn over her..she loves attention , so for her it's a good present.;) She wore a frilly Halloween collar and everyone fawned over her and she loved it.
12. if he is having trouble getting along with other dogs and is moody why not have him fixed.....its like giving him the ability to get along with others....i cannot think of a better gift