We are hoping to have a first birthday party for our puppies who will be one in June. We have kept in touch with all of them and they all seem to be growing into well adjusted young doglets.
There were 12 of them but sadly one died just before Xmas and we kept one.
They are a largish breed but we have space (5 acres, well fenced) for them to play.
Would this be total madness? I am sure they won't all come but have already had interest from the 2 furthest away.
Will the problems outweigh the good parts? I am wondering if they will fight or if any of the girlies might be getting towards their first seasons (our bitch was 15 months before she had hers)
Any thoughts on this welcome please.

i think it sounds lovely. obviously introduce them calmly and watch them all and if an owner says no for some reason trust their judgement.

My boy will be going to meet his family for his 3rd Birthday on the 30th, as he did on his 1st and 2nd. They have great fun!!
He is one of 9, first year 4 of them, 2nd year 3.. plus Mum and Dad ...

I think it is a fab idea, and know several breeders who hold regular parties for litters they have bred :)

Good Luck with the party.

Edit to add with regards to the fighting, I do not know the breed and could't make it out on Avitar, are they gundogs?

its a great idea :):) ..breehant her breed are  pointers :):) if you do it let me know how it goes xx

GWP?

I should really put me specks on ;)

I think these get togethers are a great idea.  A bit like puppy training classes though you need to be careful about a 'free for all'.  As long as owners are given places where they can have their youngsters on leads for some time out, that you take care not to allow bullying, that 'in season' girls aren't present then there's no reason why it shouldn't be a huge success.

A few groundrules and perhaps some specific activities (intro to clicker training, recall, retrieves etc) might help things a long a bit but other than that - have fun!! :)

Perhaps you could invite a photographer, an obedience trainer, a gundog trainer, or a judge.  Or do something to raise some money for your breed rescue?

Have a lovely time

It's a brilliant idea...they will have great fun...not to mention the fun you will have :)

thats a GREAT idea  dogs a babe ..you could even get your local paper involved :) !!!!! xx

Thanks everyone, I had wondered about getting a photographer and we are already planning some games and things.
The fund raising for the breed rescue is a brilliant idea, I might have a little show and get the puppy trainer to come and judge them! That would be fun.
Ooooh, I am getting excited about it all now.

> I had wondered about getting a photographer

Hm I think we all know quite a decent photographer on here ! ;-) They might be hounded into doing it :-D

ooooohh, please tell me more!!

LOLOL I'm sure sam will be able to help re photographers her photographs are lovely ;-)

I would love to do this, but because mine is a numerically small breed the pups tend to disperse very widely.

what a really lovely idea. hope you can post the pics

Yes sounds like great fun! Hope you have good weather! :)

I am praying for good weather too.....
Barbara, do you mean they don't have many in a litter or there are few born? There are not many GWPs born either, we sold several over 300 miles from here and they are the ones that are most keen to come back for a party!