Simple common sense points to help you determine the pros and cons of using your dog as ring bearer in your wedding.
Don't rush to abandon the idea of using your dog on the basis of that image.If your dog meets all of the below criteria, you'll probably be fine, and his training will still take less effort than getting your flowers, makeup, or food to come together properly.
They're cute, but unpredictable, and a large confusing ceremony is apt to turn into a traumatic event for them when you demand they walk down an aisle.The ideal ring bearing dog is at least 3 years old.
Calm Temperament
If your dog ever growls at strangers, it won't work. In the stress of transport and ceremony, your dog will be confused and prone to over-protectiveness and defensive anger, and will be surrounded by strangers.The occasional growl at a pizza man he doesn't might not make him a bad dog, but if done in a wedding environment, you'll hear about it for years.
Over-friendliness
A dog which views every human they meet as a belly rub waiting to happen might seem like an ideal ring bearer in a crowded ceremony, but will he be able to sit still during the ceremony?A dog which flops over at the feet of every guest on the way is going to be nearly as disruptive as growling.
Trainability
A dog that already responds to simple "come" and "stay" commands is best.It can take weeks to introduce commands to a dog that has never learned in a structured way before (weeks which you might not have before the wedding).If your dog already knows how to walk on a leash and stay, though, he's halfway to ready to be the ring bearer (and anything else you have to teach him should come easier).
If you're one of the lucky couples with a stately calm dog who would be proud to deliver your ring, half the work is now done for you by virtue of their personality.If you were just forced to admit your beloved dog wasn't going to work out well as ring bearer, consider some other options.The best man or maid of honor could keep a boisterous puppy on a leash through the ceremony (bring a toy to occupy the pup and a bribe to thank the human).A dog which loves people could attend as a guest""a close friend can keep the dog with them at their chair.You could hold a private ceremony later, with just the newly married couple and their dog, explaining that you're now a family and giving your dog a small sliver of the wedding cake in his bowl.The program and invitations could list your dog as a member of the wedding party in absentee, letting your guests know that your dog still holds a place in your heart and your wedding (even if he's not around at the moment).
