Food, play, and conversation may be all that’s needed to keep the party going. But if not, you can fall back on these time-honored bark mitzvah traditions.
Give a blessing
If you want your party to have some spiritual element, you can bless your pooch and show thanks for his companionship with a prayer that’s traditionally said on seeing a beautiful animal: “Blessed is the One who has such in His world.” Then guests can toss dog treats to the pooch; the traditional pelting with candies could lead to a freaked out dog, or, at the very least, an upset stomach.
Dance the horah
This simple dance is common at bar/bat mitzvahs and weddings. Dogs may be included or not, depending on your tolerance for chaos. Here’s how it’s done: stand in a circle, holding hands (or not, if you’re holding your dog or his leash). When the music starts, the circle will start to rotate. Place your right foot in front of the left, then to the side of your left foot, then behind it as you travel in a circle. That’s it!
Make a Bark Mitzvah certificate
Have the dog guests put their paw print (with non staining ink) on the host dog’s Bark Mitzvah Certificate, suggests Heidi Borgia, owner of Carmel Dog Parties. At her bark mitzvahs, Borgia has photos taken of each dog/owner guest standing by the certificate, and puts the photos into bone-shaped frames as a parting gift. “No one will leave your party farlkempt,” she promises.
Bark mitzvah party: The basics – when to throw the party, entertainment, and more.
Bark mitzvah invitations: How to create dog-themed invitations for the event.
Bark mitzvah decorations: Colors, wrappings, and other aesthetic touches.
Bark mitzvah favors: Fun toys to distribute to the canine guests.
Bark mitzvah food: What edibles to serve the four-legged guests…and two-legged humans.
What to wear for a bark mitzvah: Formal or casual? Should the guest dog wear anything?
See all dog party themes.
