How To Prepare Your Dog for the BlogPaws Conference

In less than a week, Chuy and I are headed to our fifth BlogPaws conference together. What started out as a last minute“hey let’s check this pet blogger conference thing”  has completely changed my life for the better. Five years ago, I never thought I’d actually be a BlogPaws team member helping to put this conference together! I cannot stress how important networking and going to events like BlogPaws can be. One of the things that makes BlogPaws stand out from other blogger conferences is that we are pet friendly! Yes, you can bring your pet to all of the sessions and events including a red carpet award show!

As we pack to leave for Myrtle Beach, I thought I’d give your some of my tips on how to prepare your dog for the BlogPaws conference.

Vet Appointments

Make sure you take care of any vet appointments ahead of time. If you are flying, you’ll want to get a copy of their vaccine record. My advice is to always have this on hand no matter the policies or where you’re going.

Grooming

You want your dog to look irresistible, right? Take care of any grooming ahead of time. We don’t take Chuy to a groomer as he’s pretty low maintenance. Thank you short fur! That said, I always give him a detailed bath the night before we leave. I do however take him to the vet for a nail trim and a butt squeeze the week before.

Make a Packing List for Your Dog

You have your business cards and a fierce new outfit for the red carpet but what about your dog? Chuy has his own packing and to-do lists pre conference! I love using Trello to make my packing lists and basically to store my brain. That way I can move cards over on my Trello board once they are packed and ready to go!

• My Top Ten Conference Must Haves
• The Ultimate Guide to BlogPaws Phoenix (applies to all locations)
• 10 Irresistible Secrets about BlogPaws
• Networking Tips: Success Starts with One Conversation

Updated Dog Tags

Chuy is way over due for a new dog tag. He is missing quite a few pieces of bling from his. We’re heading to PetSmart this week to get a new one. The important thing is that our information is accurate. Never leave home without an updated dog tag. Bonus points for a microchip too! If your dog is micro chipped, is the information on file accurate? Now is a good time to update it!

Fresh Gear!

Chuy loves BlogPaws because he always gets some fresh new gear! He can’t show up wearing his raggedy old collar! Some people at BlogPaws go all out with the dog clothes and I love it! Chuy isn’t that fancy but he does have a tuxedo and a fancy leash for the red carpet.

Prepare for Travel with Your Dog

Are you flying with your dog or taking a road trip? Each are fun but also come with their set of challenges. We’ve flown and driven to BlogPaws. Check out my posts loaded with tons of helpful tips:

• Ten Air Travel Tips for Small Dogs
• Ten Secret Hacks for a Successful Dog Friendly Road Trip
• Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Beach

More Socializing and Walks!

BlogPaws is so exciting and but let’s be real…it’s also exhausting for humans and dogs alike. If your dog isn’t used to people or other animals, you need to do some work ahead of time. Start going on more walks. Go to crowded places. The more you can do this ahead of time, the better. You’ll want to make sure your dog is socialized so you can meet other irresistible pets like these!

Polly Pocket and Porky Pig and from ChiPets.com

Wynston  from Dog Mom Days and a PetSmart model!

Pet Parks at the Conference

BlogPaws has dedicated pet parks and quiet areas for your dog. I recommend taking a peak at the schedule so that you know the open/close times and the rules around both of these. Don’t be afraid to use them either!

Give Your Dog a Break!

The best part about staying at the conference host hotel is that you can easily give your dog a break. Head back to your room for some quiet time if you can tell your dog has had enough. This is SO important for everyone’s safety!

Practice Photographing Your Dog!

There are photographers and social media influencers everywhere at BlogPaws! There will be so many pics! There are also professional photographers walking around and sometimes they capture really great photos like this one of Chuy.

Now is a great time to start working on your posing skills! I recommend always having some of your dog’s favorite treats with you at all times! If you forget them, there’s sure to be something yummy in the swag bags!

Walk the Red Carpet & Have Fun!

Don’t be scurred! Have some fun, get dressed up, and walk the red carpet with your dog…or cat or rabbit or ferret or mini pig! You’ll also get some awesome photos that you can cherish forever!

More BlogPaws & Pet Blogging Posts

• How To Become a Professional Pet Blogger
• The Ultimate Guide to BlogPaws Nashville
• Five Reasons to Start a Pet Blog
• Pet Blogging Pet Peeves
• How I Became a BlogPaws Ambassador

Read all of our pet blogging posts here.

What questions do you have? Or do you have any tips to share with our readers? Leave em’ in the comments down below!