Searches for dog ring bearer increases

two large great danes at wedding Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we've certainly seen many a trend come and go; but one we're thrilled looks set to stick around is.... pets at weddings!
With over 7,854 posts on Instagram, the hashtag #dogringbearer is becoming increasingly popular, whilst Google data shows a 71% search increase for the term 'dog ring bearer' since lockdown began.

Celebrities including Carrie Underwood, Ellen DeGeneres, and Joe Jonas have previously involved their pets on the big day, whilst UK bride-to-be, Stacey Solomon, also announced her dogs will wear suits at her upcoming wedding.

But how do you train your dog to be a wedding ring bearer? Engagement ring specialists at Steven Stone teamed with Certified Animal Behaviourist, Caroline Wilkinson, from digital pet coaching service, Barketplace, to reveal everything you need to know.

Alsatian with flower collar touching noses with a man in suit Which basic commands does your dog need to know?
If your dog doesn't respond to basic commands or they're known to pull on a lead, you're probably going to need to spend some time on training before you brave the aisle. Caroline reveals what commands to consider practicing a couple of months before the wedding:

Expert advice: "If you're planning to keep your dog off the lead, teaching them to respond to "wait" will allow them to stay calmly at the end of the aisle away from you, until it's time for them to perform. They will also need a good recall - so you can call them to you - or a "send away" cue - so that the person in charge of them for the day can ask them to go to you at the right time.
"A sit or a down might also be useful so that your dog can hold a static position while you unhook a pillow or box from their back. And finally, if you would like your dog to hold the ring box or basket, then you would also need a "hold", "bring" and "drop" cue."

If know your dog gets nervous with people staring at them, start practicing recall in busier locations where there are lots of people. This will help acclimate your dog and will give you a sense of their readiness.
 

Should you keep your dog on a lead?
If you know your pooch is too stubborn to learn new commands, then the alternative option is to keep them on their lead and have a bridesmaid or groomsman walk them down the aisle.

Expert advice: “Having your dog on a lead will be useful if they are unlikely to follow instruction and will get easily distracted. You might also want one of the wedding party to be responsible for walking the dog down the aisle, and a lead means that your dog will hopefully follow that person instead of stopping to say hello to each guest.”


How can you keep your dog calm if they get over-excited?
Your wedding is exciting for you, so imagine how exciting it must be for your pet. With extra guests comes extra attention, meaning if they’re not used to fuss and they’ve only been spending time with the people living in your household lately, there’s a chance they’ll jump up and run wild.

couple in formal wear with pet dog in their arms The last thing you want is paw prints on your wedding dress, so how can you keep them calm?
Caroline says: "Remember that this event will be just as exciting for your dog as it will be for you, so ensuring that your dog is used to being around more people and feels comfortable ahead of the wedding will help them remain calm.

You can also prep some long-lasting chews for them to enjoy during any "waiting around" time - chewing is great for creating calm feelings for our dogs.

Having someone they trust on hand to be their carer for the day means they can step in and take the dog for a walk or some quiet time if needed - you might want to use a professional here who isn't also a guest at the wedding, then they can be focused solely on your dog's wellbeing."

Read the full blog post here: stevenstone.co.uk

couple at wedding holding their dog
dog with bowtie in front of sign about wedding
Tweet
Share on Facebook
 

Wedding day aesthetic according to your star sign

Jewellery brand Diamonds Factory, has spoken exclusively to celebrity psychic and astrologer Inbaal...

 

Hobbycraft opens at Lakeside

Hobbycraft, the UK's largest arts and crafts retailer, celebrated the opening of its new store at Lakeside Retail Park...

 

Calling all newlyweds and nearlyweds - County Wedding Magazines need you!

Here at County Wedding Magazines HQ, there's nothing we love more than our...

 

Suited and booted with Wembley Signature Wedding Show exhibitor

Operating out of Bristol, London and Exeter, made-to-measure and retail suitors,...

Plan your big day with An Essex Wedding magazine!

Unlike a national magazine, An Essex Wedding is packed with regional features, venues in your area, inspirational real weddings and regular features on bridal fashion, beauty trends, photography, cars, stationery, flowers, cakes, music, entertainment, catering, hair & beauty, etc.

So when you decide to look for local suppliers, wedding retailers and service providers for your special day, our magazines can really help you plan your wedding.

We also have regular exciting wedding competitions and free giveaways, expert question & answer pages and lots more. Quite simply, all the information you will ever need to get married in your area.

We have 19 wedding titles covering counties and regions throughout most of England and Wales. An Essex Wedding is available to download for free as a high quality eMagazine. Regional wedding magazines covering other areas are available here.