Hosting a party at home is fun — until your dog jumps on the snack table, barks at every new guest, or bolts out the door when it opens. Sound familiar? If you’re a pet parent in Knoxville, you’ve probably experienced the chaos that can come with mixing pups and parties. But don’t worry — having a dog doesn’t mean you have to give up entertaining. With a little prep and planning, you can throw a fantastic, stress-free get-together where both your human and furry guests are happy.
At DoodyCalls of East Tennessee, we know how important it is to have a clean, safe, and comfortable space for pets and people. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a birthday bash, or a casual weekend hangout, here are some real-life tips to help Knoxville pet owners host confidently with dogs in the mix.
Prepare your Knoxville dog for the big day
Start by thinking about your dog’s personality. Are they the social butterfly who wants to be in the middle of the action? Or the anxious type who hides when the doorbell rings?
If your pup gets overwhelmed by crowds or noise, it’s okay to set them up in a separate, cozy room with their favorite toys, bed, and maybe some calming music or a white noise machine. Let guests know that your dog needs a little space, and you’ll avoid any unexpected surprises — or accidents.
For the more social dogs, give them a pre-party walk around your Knoxville neighborhood to burn off energy. A tired dog is a calm dog, and that can make all the difference when guests start arriving.
Clean the yard (and keep it that way)
This is a big one — especially if your party is outside. No one wants to accidentally step in something unpleasant during a backyard gathering. Before the first guest arrives, do a full sweep of your lawn for any pet waste.
If you’re short on time (and let’s be real, who isn’t when hosting?), call in the pros. DoodyCalls of East Tennessee offers affordable, professional pet waste removal so your yard is party-ready without any of the hassle. You handle the guest list—we’ll handle the mess.
And don’t forget to check throughout the event if your dog is still going outside. A quick patrol mid-party can keep things fresh and clean for everyone.
Create a dog-safe space for downtime
Even the most outgoing dogs can get overstimulated with all the activity, new faces, and smells. Set up a quiet zone, inside or outside, where your dog can retreat when they need a break.
This space should include water, a soft bed, and a few favorite chew toys. If your dog is crate-trained, their crate can be the perfect party hideaway.
Let guests know this is your pup’s chill-out zone and not to disturb them when they’re in it. You’ll avoid stress for your dog and reduce the chances of a bite or bark from a frazzled pup.
Watch what’s on the menu
Party snacks are tempting — for humans and dogs. But a lot of human foods are dangerous for pets. Things like chocolate, grapes, onions, and alcohol can be harmful or even deadly if ingested.
Make sure snacks and drinks are kept out of reach, and brief your guests (especially the kids!) not to share their plates with your pup. Consider having some dog-safe treats on hand if you want to include your pet in the festivities — Knoxville has several pet-friendly bakeries and shops that offer fun goodies just for dogs.
Keep an eye on the exits
With people coming in and out, doors and gates can easily get left open. And the last thing any Knoxville dog owner wants is their pup dashing out into the street.
Use baby gates or exercise pens to block off doorways or set up a dog-friendly barrier if you’re hosting outside. If your dog is microchipped and wearing an ID tag, you’ll have peace of mind just in case they do slip past you.
Ask for help — it’s worth it
You don’t have to do it all on your own. Ask a friend to keep an eye on your dog for a bit while you play host. Or better yet, hire a local pet sitter or dog walker to come over and help during the busiest parts of the party.
And don’t forget, DoodyCalls of East Tennessee is here to help before and after the party with fast, reliable dog poop cleanup services — so you can focus on your guests, not the ground.
Enjoy your party (and your pup)
Parties are meant to be fun, and with a little planning, they still can be — even with dogs in the house. Knoxville pet owners know our pups are part of the family, so don’t be afraid to include them. Just make sure they, and your guests, have a safe, clean, and stress-free environment to enjoy.
At DoodyCalls of East Tennessee, we’ve got your back. Whether it’s pre-party yard cleanup or a post-party sweep, we make it easier to entertain without the extra mess. Because when the yard’s clean and your dog’s happy, *everyone* has a better time.
Want help getting your yard party-ready? Contact DoodyCalls of East Tennessee today for a free quote and let’s make your next event the cleanest one yet!