Tips for Having my Dog in my Wedding
Dogs are great, aren’t they??
Including your beloved dog on your wedding day can be a wonderful way to make your day even more special. Here are a few tips to help make it a successful and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
Plan ahead: Make sure to plan out your pup's role in the wedding well in advance. Even if they are just attending, you'll want to make sure they are comfortable with their surroundings and have their own space if they get overwhelmed.
Can you and your dog visit the venue before your wedding? This will add the location to its sniff bank.Select a responsible handler: Choose someone who is familiar with your dog and can handle him/her with ease. Make sure they have the right attire and are comfortable with the task.
If your dog needs to leave early (for whatever reason) this will be the person who agrees to take on that responsibility.
Practice: Have the handler practice with your pup ahead of time to ensure a smooth transition on the day of the wedding. If you want your dog to be your ‘dog of honor’ or ‘flower dog,’ practice this. If you want them to wear a special shirt, bowtie, ring pillow, etc… whatever it is, just have them practice wearing it.
Keep them comfortable: Make sure to provide a comfortable area for your pup to rest and stay cool. Of course, have a couple water dishes, and maybe even a dog bed for them to rest in. The smell of home will comfort the dog.
Provide treats: Be sure to bring plenty of treats for your pup's reward system. I can’t stress this enough. Lots of treats!
Consider a dog-sitter: If you are worried that your pup may be overwhelmed or too active during your wedding, you may want to consider hiring a dog-sitter to take care of them while you enjoy your special day.
Dogs can be a bit unpredictable, but that’s all part of the fun!
Here are some candid photos of dogs at weddings.
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