Pooch Friendly Proposals? Three Tips to Make It Happen Without a Disaster!

First, let me give y’all a disclaimer.  I love dogs.  No, wait – I FREAKING LOVE DOGS.  So anytime a would-be proposer wants to include Fido in the proposal, I say, “Heck to the yeah!”

But this moment is one that has been planned to be special and memorable – so let’s have three tips to keep that happening while bringing Princess into the picture:

Dog’s gonna dog - after all, they don’t know the significance of the moment

1.      Keep it simple!

I notice that there are a number of articles that provide suggestions on how to make a marriage proposal cuter or more fun by including your pet.  You could tie the ring to the dog’s collar, you could hang a sign with “Will You Marry Me?” around the dog’s neck, you could leave a trail of treats for the dog to “bring” you both to the proposal spot – you get the picture.  All very darling, no?

Here’s my question: how much faith do you put in your dog to carry this out? 

I have two very high drive dogs (Weimaraners, to be precise) and I know that even despite their training, bringing them into an unfamiliar environment is going to set their noses a-twitch to SMELL ALL THE SMELLS and ignore what I am asking them to do, or require some training and preparation ahead of time to wear or carry a sign.

Chances are, you are going to be nervous as is and having to coordinate a dog while getting ready to ask that oh so very important question is adding to your worrying about making it special.  If the dog in question is a small dog, say, that can be carried easily, that is one thing – no one wants to be down on one knee while a larger dog is pulling you, intent on getting that squirrel 20 feet away. 

Keep your pup’s involvement from being something too elaborate or one that may be beyond their training.

2.      Make sure the spot for the proposal is okay for Puppers.

Is your dog even allowed to be at the spot?  Most of my proposals take place in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  There are only two trails in the park where dogs are allowed – otherwise, you have a potential $500 fine at the end of the leash.  They can be on the sides of roads, such as those in Cades Cove, but keep in mind a dog’s presence is not welcome everywhere.

But let’s say you choose to propose at a spot where dogs can be on a leash, like Max Patch in the Pisgah National Forest.  With warmer weather comes issues with things like ticks.  Is it safe for your dog to be exposed to tall grass or an area that might have triggering allergans?  Keep Puppy’s health in mind, please! Bring water, even in winter!

Is your dog reactive?  I am often asked by clients to find as private a spot as possible.  However, as it is most often public land, I cannot exclude people from being nearby.  If you about the pop the question, and a stranger sees what is going on and comes even a little closer because who doesn’t love a love story - is your dog going ballistic (and see above the advice on when your dog happens to also be a 200-lb Cane Corso or something similar).

3.      Think about bringing a friend or “handler” if there is a photoshoot afterwards – or can Snookums wait in the car for a while?

After a proposal (and a successful one where “Yes!” was the answer, we do a photoshoot. You may want your dog to be in every picture . . . or not. It would be nice to have some variety and so if you are planning to bring Babykins to the proposal, talk to me about it. I may suggest spots where we can have a nice setting and still have your dog within sight, whether in the car or tethered.

If you are proposing with friends/family there to witness it, specifically ask someone ahead of time to be ready to step in and keep doggy occupied while you are engaged elsewhere. Make sure they can, too - a larger breed and a small person, such as a child, may not be the best fit.

Mom and Sis lend a hand!

What do they say, a dog is a man’s best friend? And nothing is more special when you can include that friend in a marriage proposal. Just keep in mind that what really matters is that it is a moment meaningful for you both.

Although, may I say with complete bias that if “meaningful” to your beloved can only be complete WITH the pup’s presence . . . they’re a keeper! Good choice for life partner!