Weddings are a great opportunity to include your loved ones in the joining of your lives. Your dog is no exception! If man’s best friend can’t be the best man at the wedding, follow these steps to make him your ring bearer.

Step 1: Be realistic about your dog’s abilities. Is this a responsibility he can handle? Has your dog been socialized and does he typically behave appropriately? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Dress him for success! Most ring bearers wear tuxedos and your pup should be no exception. It could take awhile to have a tuxedo custom made for your dog so be sure to start your search early.

Step 3: Make sure you’ve trained your dog to respond to the “sit”, “stay”, and “walk” commands. A successful journey down the aisle depends upon him knowing these commands and being able to respond to them when under the watchful eye of hundreds of wedding guests. 

Step 4: Tie a mock ring to the pillow and tie the pillow to your dog’s collar. When you are just practicing with your pup, you do not want to use the real ring. (Try explaining a digested diamond to your fiancée!) Allow your pup to walk around with the pillow and ring attached to his collar so that he can get used to the feel of it.

Step 5: With the pillow and ring attached, but with no other distractions, practice the sit and stay command. Ideally, you should practice the sit and stay using the same distance as his trek down the aisle.  Someone should stand with your dog during the sit and stay and should deliver the “walk” command. If your dog is excited and runs towards you, the person escorting him should practice with a leash until the dog meets your expectation.

Step 6: After several at home practice sessions, your dog should practice at rehearsal. The aisle should be set up so that the dog experiences the chairs and flowers, etc. Have your friends fill as many seats as possible so your dog can feel what it will be like on the big day. Ask your friends to be patient while your dog practices until it’s perfect!

Step 7: Don’t forget to make a plan for your pup once he reaches the end of the aisle. Will he sit throughout the service or should someone be put in charge of him until the “I Do’s” are over? If your dog performs his duties correctly, he might just steal the show! This article is sponsored by pet super store which is an online pet supplies shop that features orthopedic dog beds and personalized dog bowls.