Set limits when a party guest wants to bring along a pet

Your friend asks to bring his or her dog to a party. How can you set boundaries for the dog without offending your friend?

If possible, set the boundaries before the friend arrives with the dog.

Ask your friend to keep the dog on a leash at all times.

Take the blame off the animal, and put it on your space or young children by saying, “My yard is not secured for dogs, and they could potentially escape.” Or “I would hate for a child to act inappropriately to your dog and pull his or her ears or something.”

Recommend that your friend bring toys and treats to keep the dog from being tempted by other things at the party.

If the animal needs reprimanding, pull your friend aside and ask him or her to correct the behavior, rather than commanding the dog yourself.

— Rendy Schuchat, owner of Anything Is Pawsible

Identify guests who are scared or allergic to dogs, and give your friend a heads-up.

Toys are great ways for the host to be proactive about pet guests, as long as the provided objects are approved by the owner.

Bring positivity to the situation by reminding your friend to treat the dog for good behavior.

Simply rewarding the dog for doing nothing — such as not jumping or not stealing food — is an opportunity for the host to keep both the dog and the owner on a track to success.

Find the nicest way possible to remind your friend to be respectful of other people.