But, I just had to say he is GORGEOUS. And, as a dog lover and someone who loved naming my own dogs how did you come up with his? It is wonderful! (And I am often thinking of names that reflect on parts of my life–and being an attorney I am always thinking of “legalish” names–I have never heard one as perfect as Chambers!)

Here is what I would recommend in addition to that.
1 – Get him used to large gathering groups. If you live in a city find a theater or concert hall that people wait outside of before a shoe – ballparks work well for this too. Bring him out and walk him around the through the crowds to get him used to the idea of large excited groups of people. Then the excitement of the day is a little more common place and you avoid the potential for him to get scared or overly stimulated by a new situation.

2 – As much as you may want to – try to keep your distance before the ceremony. Dogs pick up on our mental and emotional states very easily – and the excitement, nervousness, and anticipation you may feel right before you walk down the aisle may confuse and upset your dog. Granted this is different for every owner-dog relationship – but its something to keep in mind.

3 – How about some specialized training before hand. Find a stand-in dress that is reminiscent of your wedding gown. Even just a large piece of similar fabric wrapped around you will do. If you are going to wear a specific/different perfume on your wedding day spray some of that on the fabric too. Then practice with your dog. If he usually jumps when he sees you walking towards him then practice walking towards him in your get-up. When he jumps say “To Bad!” and immediately turn around and walk away. Then try again. The first time that you are able to approach him without him jumping up – give him a treat and praise him. Then repeat repeat repeat. He will get the idea that when Mom is dressed up like that I can’t jump no matter what. If you do decide to try the training route make sure you do this at least 3 times/days – in other words 3 different sessions to make sure that he understands.

4 – For the ceremony to keep him quiet you may want to consider a frozen stuffed Kong type toy to keep him occupied. There are some great recipes for Kongs here and this will keep him busy and in one spot for quite some time. http://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/2006/02/dog_recipes_for_kong_chew_toys.php

5 – Another trick for the ceremony if your worried about keeping him in one place is to either bring his pet bed or a blanket. Dog’s are so intelligent and he will understand that his bed is a place to relax and chill out. Throw the Kong in with him and he is going to be the happiest dog in town.

6 – Lastly, I would caution against the medicine/tranquilizer route. I know for my dog, medications tend to make him nervous, whiny, and disoriented. Yes, he will stay in one place but it all probability he will feel out of sorts somehow. Spending the time to prepare him before hand will work so much better than drugging him the day of the ceremony and hoping for the best.

Hopefully at least one of these ideas helps. Good luck and Congrats – I hope you both (and Chambers) really enjoy your day!

If all else fails (try this method before the weding to see how he reacts) you can go to the vet to get some travel-Eze or talk to them about Benadryl…drug him up! I dont recommend that, but as a last resort it could work. Be careful with Benadryl though…my Brutus is one of the VERY FEW dogs (happens with kids to) who happen to have an oppoiste effect with Benadryl…it makes him BOUNCE off the walls uncontrollably. Made that mistake on a car ride once, it was a really unpleasant 4 hours. =o)

he he, Princess, our lab, weights over 100 and will sit on your head during a thunderstorm, lol. She thinks she’s itty bitty.

As much as I love my puppies, and even though they’ve calmed down considerably in their old age, I wouldn’t have them in the wedding. If it were 10 people I think they’d be OK. 200? Not so much. I think he could be the most tired dog in the world and still freak out walking down the aisle. On the other hand, he’s about half the size of my dogs and as long as he’s on a leash, I don’t see how he could cause too much trouble.