Ten tips for bringing your dog to your wedding

Are you getting married and want to bring your dog? Ten tips for bringing your dog to your wedding

• Your pet must come first and foremost, some dogs can find events like weddings overwhelming, make sure your pet will be happy in these types of environments.
•  When planning, check first to see if any of your guests are allergic to dogs, especially those who will be in close contact, as many people are allergic.
•  Decide what part of the ceremony you would like your dog to attend, reception, ceremony or both? Receptions generally tend to be overwhelming, with loud music and extensive guest lists.
•  Check the venues you have booked allow dogs to attend, many have a strict no pet policy.
•  What role is your dog going to play at the wedding, will they be the dog of honour, just attend the reception, be a ring bearer? Start preparing early and training your dog appropriately!
•  Possibly the most important, you want your dog to be in safe hands, designate a handler, that will be with your dog throughout the wedding, relieving any pressure for yourself to constantly look after the dog and worry.
•  Once you have planned the above, rehearse as much as possible with the dog before the wedding day, so that the handler (and the dog!) knows what to do during the day!
•  Looking fashionable may not be at the top of your list, but given it is your wedding, you may want to invest into a fancy looking collar, lead, or even book a photo shoot to have your pictures taken with your dog! After all, they are family! Having them wear something special during the day will fit in perfectly!
•  A trip to the groomer, or washing them before the big day so they are clean and look and smell neat (or not full of mud if you prefer, which is also perfectly okay if that’s what you want too!)
• Ensure your dog is controlled adequately around guests, a dog jumping up at everyone’s best clothing won’t settle well! If your dog has a tendency to jump up, excessively bark, then it might be worth teaching them alternative behaviour, such as sitting and giving a paw to greet rather than jump up! If they are an excitable dog, keeping them on a leash at all times is probably a great recommendation!