I LOVE my dogs. A LOT. I can only imagine that those of you with your own furry friends feel the same way, and you may have thought about how you could include your pooch in your wedding. After all, your dog is a huge part of your life, right?
Here are some tips to make on doing it right!
-Think about whether or not your dog has the right temperament to handle a wedding. There will be loud clapping and noises, large crowds and a lot of commotion. Some dogs handle this better than others, so give your dog an honest assessment and make sure he or she will do well on the big day. Also as yourself, will the dog mark on everything in this new setting? Take into consideration your dog’s level of training. An older dog with a training certificate will do much better than a puppy who is still learning how to sit.
-Check with your ceremony location to make sure they even allow pets. It would be a shame to make some great plans for your dog, only to find out on the wedding day that they are not allowed on the property.
-Is anyone who will be in close proximity allergic to dogs? This may not matter for your guests in an open, outdoor location, but if your dog will be next to your bridal party, please give them the courtesy of checking for allergies before deciding to include your dog in the ceremony.
-Hire a pet sitter for the day to take the dog when his or her role is over. If your dog will be carrying the rings down the aisle, or accompanying the flower girl, make sure someone is standing by to take them to the back of the location while the ceremony concludes. A wandering dog can be very distracting to your guests, not to mention, your dog might try to jump up on you, and no one wants muddy paws on their dress!
-Practice, practice, practice! Your dogs may be very well trained, but if you are asking your pooch to learn a new behavior for the day, you must remember to practice it well in advance, in new locations and with people around. Don’t forget to offer treats and praise as your dog learns!
-Decide what your dog will be wearing during the wedding. You’ve spent so much on your own attire, make sure your dog looks like it belongs too! There are some great independent pet boutiques in San Diego that have everything from tutus to bow ties for your dog. Check out the Bow Wow Beauty Shoppe and Muttropolis to see their selection.
Enjoy including your furry friend in your wedding day!
