How to Train Your Dog to Be a Ring Bearer

Teach your dog to heel or walk on a loose leash prior to training for the trip down the aisle.

Have the person who will be walking with your dog present for training--a flower girl, bridesmaid, groomsman, or a special handler for the big day--and simulate the wedding venue by creating an aisle with chairs in a large room or yard. Having people simulate the crowd is also ideal.

Start with your dog on a loose leash at the back of the “room” with your handler. You should be at the front, where you will be on your wedding day. Both you and the handler should have treats available.

Have your handler walk slowly but steadily down the aisle. If the dog tightens up on the leash or balks, stop, wait patiently until the dog is comfortable and calm, give a treat, and proceed. Do not pull or drag a balky dog, or let a dog pull your handler down the aisle.

When your dog reaches the front at an appropriate pace, give him a reward. Repeat, several times prior to the wedding day. Remember that an unfamiliar handler and aisle can be intimidating to your dog, so practice.

Establish the “come” command with your dog in a quiet, familiar environment. Have your dog sit/stay, or down/stay. Walk away from your dog, if your dog follows you, say “no” calmly and take them back to their starting position. When you have gone several feet from your dog, turn around and say “come”. When your dog comes to you, reward him with a treat.

Practice “come” in more distracting environments such as outside, out in public, around other people and dogs, until it is well established.

Simulate the wedding environment with chairs and an aisle. Have a handler practice walking with your dog slowly on a leash, so your dog gets the idea of walking or trotting slowly, not running, down the aisle.

Have the handler continue to walk beside your dog, but drop the leash and allow it to drag. Give the come command, have the handler walk beside your dog as he drags the leash, and give him treats as he walks at an appropriate pace. If your dog runs, say no, have the handler stop your dog with the leash and back him up a few steps, then, try again. Continue until your dog walks down the aisle slowly with the handler, with the lead dragging behind him, to come to you at the front of the room.

Gradually have the handler walk further from the dog and remove the leash. Practice lots, correcting your dog if he breaks into a run. Reward him when he gets to the front solo at the desired pace.

If your dog is carrying the ring in a basket or container in his mouth, he will need to learn to hold the basket. Hold the basket up to your dog's nose when he sniffs it, give him a treat, and continue to hold it near his mouth. If he licks or mouths the handle, reward him. Create a positive association and get your dog used to the basket.

Next, gently open your dog’s mouth, say “hold”, and put the handle in his mouth, close his mouth and hold it shut for a few seconds. Take it out and give him lots of praise and affection

Repeat training sessions, leaving the object in your dog’s mouth for longer and longer, until he can hold it for a minute or two, with your hand removed. Keep sessions short, only a few minutes at a time. Stop if your dog seems upset or resistant and try again later. Wait to give him a treat until the end of each session.

Once your dog will open his mouth to hold the basket on command, start having him walk forward carrying the basket on a leash. Repeat until he is comfortable with this task.

Now teach your dog to come independently, while carrying his basket. Start in an environment with no distractions, and gradually move to a situation with distractions. Do not punish your dog for mistakes. This should be a fun “game” for him with lots of positive reinforcement, praise, and a treat once he has completed his task.