How to include your dog on your wedding day

As much as you want your loving pet to be there, not all dogs will be able to cope with a big noisy wedding day. Consider carefully whether your dog will be comfortable and happy at your ceremony or reception. Also consider your guest too, not all will enjoy the presence of your dog as much as you will do. Some dogs may be better at home with a minder and their favourite toy. Smaller dogs may cope better at a wedding than larger dogs who may need more attention and room to move around in. But if your dog loves lots attention from strangers and is well trained, then go for it!

Let all involved know of your plans to include your dog on your wedding day. From the vicar to the caterers, they should all be aware that a pooch will be present. Most companies and officials will do their best to accommodate you, but don’t surprise them on the day when little Lulu turns up unannounced.

First of all you must make sure that your wedding venue is going to be dog friendly. Your dog will also need a place to stretch their legs and an outdoor space do their toilet business through out the day. Many venues may not allow pets, especially if they have to follow health and safety regulations. So if you are looking to include your dog, choose somewhere that will be happy to allow them inside.

Ensuring that your wedding guests are dog friendly is something that you will have to consider too. Not all humans are dog lovers and if Great Aunt Mildred has a fear of dogs, then it may ruin her day! Some may have a pet allergy too, so make sure you consult your guests about the possibility of including your pooch on the big day.

Keep in mind your pet’s temperament and abilities before deciding their role on the day. If you feel confident that your dog will make an excellent ring bearer then go ahead and let them do it. If they are better at being just a guest and look pretty, then that is what they should do. Keep their role short and sweet.

Like any new behaviour, you dog’s wedding duties will have to be practiced beforehand. Take it slowly and keep this wedding training positive. Reinforcing this training with treats and praise will help on the big day, especially when your dog is surrounded by lots of distracting wedding guests. You can also do this training in a new strange place, to see how well they do in an unfamiliar environment.

A wedding will last all day! So if you have a small breed or elderly dog then a dog stroller will be invaluable to them on your wedding day. Not only will it help them get to the church in style but it will prevent them from getting exhausted from lots of walking, especially if there is a great deal of travel involved.

The dog stroller will also give your dog a private place to rest in throughout the day. Weddings and parties can be pretty noisy affairs and a little rest, relaxation, peace and quiet will be what your dog will need several times during the happy day! A dog stroller can also be wheeled in a quiet room, with your dog securely placed inside. If you are planning to use a dog stroller then add some wedding decoration to it! There are some great pink dog strollers available. Go on…why not?

This is the most important tip of all. It’s a good idea to designate someone who can look after your dog before, during and after the wedding ceremony. Even if your dog doesn’t have a role to play in the ceremony itself, someone will have to watch over them. You and your fiancé/fiancée will be far too busy on your wedding day to take care of your dog. You will be in the spotlight from start to finish, not to mention all those wedding guests you will have to interact with.

But make sure you don’t just give this job to just anybody. Make sure the person allocated with this important task has met your dog before and knows how best to look after them. It’s essential that your dog feels comfortable, safe and trusts their temporary wedding day handler. A dog lover is usually the best choice, as they will know how to handle the behaviour of a dog, if they should become agitated. Dog owners are also not squeamish about picking up poop!

Weddings are not weddings without little girls dressed as bridesmaids and little boys having fun on the dance floor. So be cautious of young children with your dog. Most kids love dogs, but make sure your dog is kid friendly. Remember your dog is in a strange environment and too many children can overwhelm your dog, especially if their are not used to them. Make sure that your designated dog handler supervises any contact that your pet and children might have. By all means allow the wedding guest children to spend time with your dog, but just make sure they are always supervised.

Your wedding day is the day when you want your dog to be as obedient as possible. And to be on their best behaviour. If you have done an exceptional job at training them, then their favourite toys and treats are going to come in very handy on your big day. Make sure to include the obvious, like meals, toilet essentials, toys, treats, water and food bowls. If you use a dog stroller, all this can be stored in the handy storage compartment underneath.

Your dog will have to dress up for the day! And it should coordinate with the wedding colours. But make sure that your dog is comfortable with wearing something elaborate. Only put them in ‘clothes’ if they are used to it. Not all dogs like being dressed up, but a pretty bow, bow tie or some sparkly collar bling will make them look a million dollars. If your dog is wearing a specialist item like a bow tie (or outfit) then get them accustomed to wearing it. Put it on them several times before the event.

We are referring to your dog, rather than the future husband! Make sure your dog has been cleaned, combed and groomed prior to the big day. Not only will they look nice, but it will also help prevent their hair getting everywhere when they are socialising. Everyone will be in their best outfit and won’t appreciate paw prints and dog hairs all over them.

We all know that dogs can be unpredictable, so always be flexible on the day. Your dog, although being trained, may not do their duty on the day. It may get stage fright or run in the other direction. Also be prepared for toilet accidents, some dogs poop and wee when they are anxious about being in a strange place. If the do happen to make a mess, make sure your dog minder cleans it up, you won’t look very glamorous in your wedding dress if you are stooped over picking up poop. Also, make sure your dog minder has the option of taking your pet outside or even back home if your dog begins to act up or seems too uncomfortable to be there.

If your dog cannot be at your wedding, you can still show your guests how much you love your pooch by placing a photograph of you, your partner with your dog on a reception table. It’s a nice touch and they are still being a part of your day if not actually there themselves.