A Dog As Best Man: Wedding Trends And Pet Love

Dogs are often referred to as man's best friend, and it's not hard to see why. They are playful, active, loyal, and comforting, all of which help to lower stress levels and improve our mental health and well-being. It's no surprise, then, that many people want to include their dogs in important life events, such as weddings. But can a dog really take on the role of best man? Well, it's certainly possible to include your dog in your wedding party, and there are many ways to do so, from having them walk down the aisle with you to making them the ring bearer. So, while your dog might not be able to give a speech or organise your stag do, they can still be an important part of your big day and, with a little creativity, can take on the role of best dog.

Dogs can be included in weddings as best man, maid of honour, or ring bearer

Dogs have long been known as "man's best friend", a phrase first recorded by Frederick the Great of Prussia in the 18th century. Today, many dog owners are taking this to a new level by including their canine companions in their wedding celebrations. Dogs can be included in weddings as best man, maid of honour, or ring bearer, and their involvement in these special days is becoming increasingly common.

Emma-Leigh and Shane Matthews, for example, knew immediately that they wanted their two malamutes, Niko and Phil, to be a part of their wedding. The dogs joined the human bridesmaids and groomsmen, walking down the aisle, with Phil even filming the ceremony via a GoPro attached to his collar.

Jake, a groom-to-be from Canada, also plans to include his dog, Bodhi, in his wedding. Although his chosen venue doesn't allow dogs, Jake and his fiancé decided to organise a small, intimate ceremony where Bodhi can be the "best boy". Jake said: "He will probably just stand beside me. Maybe hold the rings if we figure out a good way to do it."

According to a survey by Yappy.com, 58% of respondents included their dogs as ring bearers in their weddings, 34% had their dogs walk the bride down the aisle, and 17% even included their dogs in their first dance.

Including dogs in wedding celebrations can be a fun and meaningful way to involve much-loved pets in a special day.

Dogs are great company

Dogs are great motivators for exercise and will get you moving more. They are relentless in their enthusiasm for a trip to the park or a walk, which makes them excellent running buddies. They can also help you meet people; it's easy to strike up a conversation with fellow dog owners.

Dogs can also benefit your health. According to a survey published in the journal Nature, dog owners are more likely to be healthier due to their increased level of activity. Dogs can also help reduce stress levels and boost productivity at work.

Dogs provide comfort and emotional support in times of distress. They can sense when you are upset and will react with empathy and sadness. They are always there for you, no matter what you are going through.

Dogs are always excited to see us

While it is unconventional, some people have chosen dogs to be their best man at their wedding. For example, a couple named Emma-Leigh and Shane Matthews had their two malamutes, Niko and Phil, as their best man and maid of honour. Similarly, a man named Jake from Canada had his dog Bodhi as his "best boy" at his wedding.

Secondly, dogs are descendants of wolves and have a natural pack mentality. They view their owners as part of their pack and their leader, so when the leader returns home, it is a joyful reunion for the dog. This is also related to their perception of time; dogs sense the passage of time and short separations can feel long to them, especially if they are experiencing separation anxiety.

Additionally, dogs have keen senses of smell and hearing, which play a role in triggering their excitement. They can recognize the sound of your car or the jingle of your keys, building up their anticipation and excitement.

Dogs also associate their owners with positive experiences such as treats, playtime, cuddles, and shelter. They mirror our emotions and reciprocate our happiness, creating a never-ending cycle of joy.

Finally, positive reinforcement plays a role in a dog's excitement. If a dog's enthusiastic greeting is met with equal excitement from the owner, it reinforces the behaviour, and they will continue to be excited when greeting you.

Dogs will do anything for us

It's no secret that dogs are a human's best friend, and it's not hard to see why. Dogs provide companionship, excitement, and unconditional love. They are always eager to see us, jumping for joy each time we walk through the door. This enthusiasm is infectious, and it's one of the reasons why we love them so much.

But it's not just their joyful greetings that make dogs so special. Dogs are also incredibly loyal and protective of their family or pack. They will go to great lengths to rescue their owners from dangerous situations, even if it means putting themselves at risk. This unwavering devotion is a key reason why our bond with them is so strong.

Their loyalty is not just a result of their domestication but also a product of the deep emotional bond we form with them. Dogs can feel emotions and experience emotional contagion, meaning they can sense and share our feelings. This ability to connect with us on an emotional level further strengthens our relationship and their dedication to us.

In addition to their loyalty and emotional intelligence, dogs are also willing to go the extra mile to lend a helping paw. They have been known to take on various roles at weddings, from ring bearers to flower girls, and even the coveted role of best man or maid of honour! For example, a couple in the UK chose their two malamutes, Niko and Phil, to be part of their wedding party. The dogs walked down the aisle, with Phil filming the ceremony via a Go-Pro attached to his collar.

Dogs truly are incredible companions, and their unwavering devotion, enthusiasm, and willingness to help make them truly special members of our families.

Dogs are loyal

While the idea of choosing a human best man for your wedding can be tricky, some people have chosen their dogs for this role.

Dogs are often considered loyal companions to humans. This loyalty is often attributed to the fact that humans provide them with food and shelter. However, there is more to it than that. Dogs are pack animals, and they are social creatures who prefer the company of other animals. In a pack, members depend on each other to survive, and this dynamic can be seen in the relationship between dogs and their owners. Dogs view humans as part of their pack and are loyal to them. This loyalty is also driven by the emotional bond that forms between dogs and their owners, with dogs being able to pick up on human moods and emotions.

Some people believe that dogs are only loyal to those who feed them, and their loyalty can be easily swayed. However, this is not always the case, as dogs have been known to remain loyal to their owners even when they are not present or providing food. For example, Hachito, the loyal dog, continued to wait for his owner at the train station for nine years after he died.

Dogs have evolved from wolves, and while it is believed that humans tamed wolves with food and shelter, recent studies suggest that dogs evolved from wolves before cohabiting with humans. This shared history and the emotional bond formed between dogs and humans contribute to the loyalty that dogs display towards their owners.

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