Should I Have My Dog in My Wedding?

Will my dog poop on the aisle runner? Is he going to be calm? Will he bite a guest? These may be some of the questions you're asking yourself if you're planning your wedding and considering having your dog as part of it. Before rushing your dog down the aisle, there are a few things to consider to help you decide if it's best for your dog to participate in the wedding and some tips to help him get through it if he does.

Consider His Health

No matter how much you may want your dog to participate in the wedding, if he is or has recently been physically ill or if he has a specific condition, it may not be best for him to be there. Even if he has very recently been physically ill but doesn't still seem to be, being around so many people may excite him enough to affect his still sensitive stomach and cause him to get physically sick. If he has a specific condition, such as one that affects his bones, joints or muscles, the ceremony may be rough for him to endure for such a long time.

Designate a Handler

Ask someone to be in charge of your dog since you'll be busy throughout the day. The dog should already know the handler very well and feel comfortable with him or her. The handler can get the dog ready, take him out for bathroom breaks and make sure he's comfortable and not jittery.

Consider His Reaction

The wedding may cause your dog to get excitable if he isn't used to being around many people. Should you believe that your dog is going to be fine, but possibly a little jittery, expose him to crowds for at least two weeks before the wedding. It will will likely help him to be much calmer by the wedding.

Consider His Temperament

Your dog needs to already be extremely well-behaved in order to participate in the wedding. He should know not to jump on people and preferably should also not be slobbery in order to avoid dirtying the guests clothes. If your dog is teething or there is even the slightest chance that he might bite someone, incorporating him in the wedding may not be the best idea.

Test the Barking

Bring your dog with you when you do a run-through of the wedding. Have the song played that you and your bridesmaids will be walking to in order to gauge if your dog is going to bark or howl during it. Your dog may not react to many or any other songs, but could choose that one to exhibit his vocal skills. If he barks or howls, you can choose whether to still include him or change the song.

Multiple Bathroom Breaks

Feed your dog several hours before the ceremony and don't give him any treats. Have his caretaker take him out multiple times during the hours before he's walking down the aisle. It will severely reduce the chances that he goes to the bathroom during the wedding.

Try Out the Outfit

Buy your dog's outfit a week or two before the wedding so he can wear it a few times before the ceremony. You may be worried that he'll dirty or rip it, but trying it on beforehand will get him used to the outfit and you'll know if he's comfortable. It may prevent an instance where he stops during the ceremony to try to take his outfit off.

Choose His Role Carefully

Some may want their dog to walk with someone down the aisle, others will also have the dog be a ring bearer or flower dog. To avoid any problems, he should be comfortable with that person that is walking with him down the aisle; ideally the person is the same one that is his handler. If he is carrying a basket of flowers or a pouch with the rings, practice with him several times before the ceremony to ensure he is used to carrying that item in his mouth. Another option is to attach the flowers or ring pouch to the dog's collar.

Bring a Dog Supply Kit

Include the dog's favorite toys, a small bed or blanket, treats, toys, water for after the ceremony, a leash and any other items that will put him more at ease. Put it in a decorative bag and give it to the handler long before the wedding starts.

Although you may want your dog with you at the reception, it may be best to have someone take him home or to a pet sitters house after the wedding where he can relax after a long day. He may get underfoot of the revelers at the reception and someone is going to have to watch him at all times if you want to put him in another room, which means that person will not get to enjoy the reception. After all his hard work, make sure to give him an extra-special treat as a reward!