Guide To A Dog Ring Bearer

Including your dog in your wedding ceremony can be fun and meaningful, but there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you should determine whether your dog is up to the task. If your dog is young, anxious, aggressive, or easily excitable, they may not be suited to the role, even with extensive training. Asking them to complete a task in a strange environment with lots of people is unfair to the dog. If your dog is happy, comfortable around people, and calm, there are several strategies you can employ to have them successfully bring your wedding rings down the aisle.

You can teach your dog to walk down the aisle solo, or accompanied by a handler or another member of the wedding party, such as a flower girl or groomsman. If your dog is walking with another person, they will need to have good manners on a lead and walk quietly next to their handler. You will also need to determine how your dog will carry the rings. Some dogs can be trained to hold a basket in their mouth, while others can be fitted with a special pillow on a harness or a pouch attached to their collar.

It's important to ensure your dog is comfortable with crowds and has practiced walking in a simulated wedding environment. They should also be included in the wedding rehearsal, and you should consider having a handler available to step in if things go wrong.

Ensure your dog is well-trained and comfortable in crowds

If you want your dog to be a ring bearer at your wedding, it's important to ensure they are well-trained and comfortable in crowds. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Start with basic training and socialization: Teach your dog fundamental cues such as name recognition, recall, house-training, "wait," and "stay." Socialization involves exposing your dog to new people, animals, and places, which helps prevent behaviour problems and makes them more well-behaved in public.

Train your dog to be comfortable with being handled and touched: This includes being picked up and touched on all body parts, including paws and nails, by both familiar and unfamiliar people. This is important as your dog might need to be handled by strangers in certain situations, such as emergencies or visits to the groomer or vet.

Train your dog to be comfortable in crowds: Expose your dog to crowded places and simulate the experience of being in a crowd. You can do this by setting up an aisle with chairs in a large room and having people simulate the crowd. Practice having your dog walk down the aisle calmly and slowly, rewarding them with treats when they listen to your commands.

Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog for good behaviour and ignore unwanted behaviour. Positive reinforcement can include treats, praise, playing with a toy, or anything your dog enjoys. This helps to encourage your dog to repeat the desired behaviour.

Keep training sessions fun and short: Training should be enjoyable for both you and your dog. Keep a light tone, be fair, and avoid long sessions to prevent frustration for you and your dog.

Be consistent: Consistency is key when training your dog. Establish protocols and stick to them to make it easier for both you and your dog.

Assign a designated handler: Have a trusted friend or helper who can take care of your dog before and during the ceremony. This person can walk your dog down the aisle, handle them during the ceremony, and take them where they need to go afterward.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your dog is well-trained, comfortable in crowds, and ready to be a ring bearer at your wedding.

Dress your dog in formal attire, but only if they're comfortable

If you want your dog to be a ring bearer at your wedding, you'll want them to look the part. While it's important that your dog feels comfortable, you can still have fun dressing them up in formal attire.

A classic bow tie is a great option, and you can even get one that matches the groomsmen's outfits. If you want to go the extra mile, you could get your dog a doggie tuxedo. If you're looking for something a little more subtle, a floral or greenery collar or wreath is a cute way to dress up your dog without going overboard. You can also find special bow tie collars with clips on them to secure and hold the rings.

Whatever you choose, make sure your dog tries on their outfit before the big day. Have them wear it around the house for a while to make sure it fits well and is comfortable. You don't want your dog to be fidgeting or uncomfortable during the ceremony.

There are plenty of options available to buy online, and you can even find custom and personalised outfits to make your dog's attire extra special.

Don't give your dog the real rings

Dogs are a huge part of our lives, so it's only natural to want to include them in one of the biggest days of your life. However, there are a few things to consider when it comes to having your dog as a ring bearer. One of the most important things to remember is to not give your dog the real rings. Here are some reasons why:

The Risk of Loss or Damage

First and foremost, there is always the risk that your dog might not make it to the front of the aisle. Dogs can be easily excited or distracted, especially in a new environment with lots of people. If your dog runs off with your rings, it could cause delays or even result in the loss of your rings. You've likely spent a lot of money on your wedding rings, and you don't want to risk them getting damaged or lost due to your dog's playful nature.

Alternative Options

Instead of giving your dog the real rings, consider purchasing inexpensive, fake rings for them to carry. This way, you can still include your dog in the ring-bearing tradition without the stress and worry of losing or damaging your actual wedding bands. Fake rings can be tied to their collar or attached to a wreath around their neck. If you're concerned about your dog carrying anything at all, you can simply dress them up in a cute bowtie or floral collar to match the wedding theme. This way, they can still be part of the wedding party without the responsibility of carrying the rings.

Training Considerations

If you decide to have your dog carry the fake rings, it's important to ensure they are well-trained. This includes teaching them to walk down the aisle, either solo or accompanied by a handler, and being comfortable carrying an object in their mouth or attached to their collar. Training your dog to carry the rings can take time and consistent practice. Start training several weeks or months before the wedding to ensure your dog is comfortable and confident with the task. Remember, even the most well-trained dogs can get overexcited, so it's always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to your valuable wedding rings.

The Role of a Handler

Assigning a 'dog handler' is crucial when including your dog as a ring bearer. This person will be responsible for your dog's care throughout the wedding, including ensuring they get down the aisle and holding on to them during the ceremony. Choose someone you trust, and don't forget to provide them with plenty of puppy treats to help with the job! The handler can also be in charge of taking your dog home or to a local doggie daycare after the ceremony, ensuring they are comfortable and well-cared for.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to trust your dog with the real rings, it's best to opt for fake rings or an alternative option. This will allow you to include your furry friend in your special day without the worry and stress of losing or damaging your valuable wedding bands. With proper planning, training, and the help of a dedicated handler, your dog can be a cherished part of your wedding memories.

Assign a 'dog handler' to take care of your dog before and after the ceremony

It is important to assign a dog handler to take care of your dog before and after the ceremony. This person will be responsible for your dog's needs throughout the day, so choose someone you trust. They should be comfortable handling dogs and be able to commit to the task for the duration of the wedding. This person can be a hired helper or a friend.

The handler should arrive at least an hour before the ceremony to walk your dog and help them get comfortable with the venue. They can also assist with any last-minute training or rehearsals. During the ceremony, the handler should be responsible for ensuring your dog gets down the aisle safely, either by walking them on a leash or handing them over to another member of the wedding party.

After the ceremony, the handler can take your dog home or to a designated location, such as a pet-friendly hotel or boarding facility. If your dog is staying for the reception, the handler can ensure they are comfortable and well-behaved, taking them out for breaks or walks as needed.

It is a good idea to provide your dog handler with treats and any other items that may be needed throughout the day, such as waste bags, a water bowl, or a familiar toy. Communicate with your handler beforehand so they are aware of your dog's needs and your expectations for their care.

Include your dog in wedding photos

Including your dog in your wedding photos is a great way to commemorate the occasion and celebrate your dog as part of the family. Here are some tips to ensure your dog shines in your wedding photos:

• Incorporate your dog into formal portraits: After the ceremony, when you have more time and fewer distractions, bring your dog into the mix for formal portraits with you, your spouse, and the wedding party. This is a great opportunity to capture the importance of your dog within the family.
• Capture fun and candid moments: In addition to formal portraits, encourage your photographer to snap some fun, candid photos of your dog. These could include your dog playing with the wedding party, interacting with guests, or simply exploring the venue. These spontaneous moments will add a touch of whimsy and personality to your wedding album.
• Assign a 'dog handler': To ensure your dog's needs are met throughout the day, assign a trusted friend or family member as the 'dog handler'. This person can ensure your dog stays safe, calm, and on schedule for photos. They can also provide treats and comfort for your dog, especially if they need a break from all the excitement.
• Prepare your dog in advance: Before the big day, familiarize your dog with the venue and the people who will be present. This can help reduce their anxiety and improve their comfort level, resulting in more relaxed and natural photos. Additionally, consider dressing your dog in a cute outfit or accessories that complement your wedding theme. Practice beforehand to ensure your dog feels comfortable in their wedding attire.
• Involve your dog in creative ways: There are numerous ways to include your dog in your photos beyond just posing. For example, you could incorporate your dog into the background of detail shots, such as ring or shoe photos. You could also have your dog hold a sign or wear a bandana with a special message or your wedding date.
• Be flexible and patient: Remember that your dog's comfort and safety are the top priorities. If your dog is feeling overwhelmed or restless, adjust your photo plans accordingly. It may be necessary to shorten the photo session or schedule breaks for your dog to relax and recharge.

By following these tips, you'll be able to capture beautiful and memorable photos that include your furry family member, resulting in a wedding album that truly reflects the love and joy of your special day.

Frequently asked questions