what to do with puppy during ds's birthday party

[sophy]

We have a 7-month-old pointer/springer cross. She's lovely but a bit boisterous. In 2 weeks time I have 18 4/5 year-olds coming for ds's party, some of whom are scared of dogs. I would like to shut the pup up in her "room" during the party - utility room where her cage is - problem is although she goes in there happily at nightime, if we put her there in the day time when we are around the house she whines and howls unbearably. Only other option would be to leave her with my mother, but that is a 1 1/2 hour round trip. Do you think I can train her to be in there without whining in 2 weeks? Or anyone got any other advice for me? thanks.

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Definitely put her in her room. When the children are here she'll either get unbearably exicted or scared and at least she'll know she's safe in her room. It will be a different atmosphere to when it's just you in the house.
I would try leaving her in there for increasing intervals over the next couple of weeks so she can hopefully get used to it. Can you get her a nice chew toy or stuffed bone that she only gets when she's in her room?

Agree with the other advice - however if you find it isn't working is there someone else who could take her for a few hours on the day? A neighbour? Someone you know from walking her? We have arrangements with a few friends to take our dogs whenever we need to go out without them for any length of time. They get a bottle of wine for their trouble.

definitely get someone to take her away from the house. It will be too much for the puppy and the kids. you might be able to get a dog 'sitter' via the local vet's notice board it's where we got ours who is worth her weight in gold!

definitely get someone to take her away from the house. It will be too much for the puppy and the kids. you might be able to get a dog 'sitter' via the local vet's notice board it's where we got ours who is worth her weight in gold!

No, I've got a better suggestion altogether - put the kids in the cage!! Kids parties are a nightmare and more power to you with 18 4/5 yr olds running around your house! The very thought makes me want to crawl into the cage and pull said blanket over me. Take pup too. Try it! You'll both be better off out of it!

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Cupcakes, will give the training with a bone a try over the next few weeks, she can be quite indifferent to her chew toys.

I find that the stuffed bones work really, really well - I get ones stuffed with a 'fresh breath' meat filler. He prefers them far more to the empty ones.