Surprise Your Reception Guests with a Doggie Dance!
Including Pets in Weddings
Yes, it’s true. You can dance the night away with your new spouse and your dog. What fun it would be to include your dog in your reception by adding a doggie dance to the DJs list of announcements! Of course, if you haven’t done so already, you must first train your dog to dance. There are now freestyle trainers available to teach your dog to dance with you. But, you don’t have to hire a trainer, or be an expert freestyler yourself. Now, you can teach your dog some basic dance steps right in your own living room. Ask us Vermont Pet Friendly Weddings or share your comments. To feature your Vermont wedding or pet friendly lodging, contact us.
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Of course it wouldn’t hurt, and it may simplify the process, to observe a freestyle demonstration before beginning your doggie dance lessons. To start dancing, your dog needs to know the ‘heel’ command (walk on your left side), and the ‘right’ command (walk on your right side). Teach these basic commands first and then start adding spins, leaps, and more complex moves to your routine. Freestyle trainer information is available at the end of this article.
Music Selection Is Very Important
The first step is to make sure your dance music is enjoyable for both you and your dog. While you may enjoy pop music, your dog might prefer classical or country and western. If your dog doesn’t like the music, he will demonstrate disobedience by laying down or walking away. You will be able to tell your dog’s preference by his reaction to the different types of music you select. The one he responds to most eagerly is the best type to use while dancing at your reception.
Learn Basic Dance Steps First
Assuming your dog has been through basic training and understands the ‘heel’ command, it will be easier for both of you to start your dance steps with him on your left. Start by holding his favorite soft treat in your left hand, allowing him to get just a whiff of it. When his interest is peaked, begin to slowly walk and turn, keeping the treat just slightly ahead of him at nose level. Once he has the idea, reward him with the treat and begin again with another, this time increasing your turn until it becomes a spin… now you and your dog have started four-legged dancing!
Add Advanced Steps To Your Routine
Once you have the turn and four-legged-spin routine down pat, try to add a four-legged hop or leap, or a two-legged spin. These steps are more difficult and may require a trainer’s input. It is important to teach a command word to coincide with each dance step your dog learns. For example, if you want him to stand on his hind legs, you could use the command ‘up-tall’. If you want him to turn on his hind legs, you could use the command ‘up-turn’. You will most likely have to help your dog balance at first by gently holding his front paws, or with a larger dog, by placing his front paws on your shoulders. This practice aid could lead to a new dance step called ‘up-waltz’…
Make Lessons Fun
Remember to keep lessons enjoyable and brief. This will entice him to want to dance more often – to the point that he even starts begging for a lesson. Doggie dancing is great fun and a good form exercise for both you and your dog. And, when you get really good at it, you could enter a freestyle competition to show off your talent.
Above all, remember that this is a fun activity for you and your dog. If he doesn’t want to dance you won’t be able to make him do so. Some dogs just don’t have a talent for dancing, and would be happier watching from the sidelines.
Online Freestyle Organizations Are Available
The Vermont Inn, 69 Rt. 4, Mendon, VT 05701
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Tucked in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Castle Hill Resort and Spa is the perfect destination wedding venue for capturing dreams and creating memories. An elegant full service resort awaits your most precious day with wedding packages available for 2-250 people. Experience the magic, wonder and romance of a wedding at the Castle Hill Resort and Spa.
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Green Mountain Inn, 18 Main Street, Stowe, VT 05672
Classic… timeless… exquisitely orchestrated - your wedding celebration at the historic Green Mountain Inn in the heart of Stowe village – a short walk from the Stowe Community Church (popular for ceremonies). The beautiful Main Street Dining Room sets the stage for a remarkable event, and guests may choose from 105 rooms, luxury suites & townhouses.
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Waybury Inn, 457 East Main St., Rte. 125, E. Middlebury, VT 05740 | 800-348-1810
Packages offered at the Waybury Inn include a unique "Best Cellars" which includes a special wine from the reserve cellar as well as two books of your choice from the NY Times best seller list and Vermont made chocolates. Or try our "falling in love again" package, if you and your partner are the "outdoors" type, how about "taking a hike" with your own Vermont made walking stick. All in one of our 14 unique guest suites that present the most modern amenities to today's guests yet are filled with elegant and charming details. Amenities include deep, claw foot tubs, Jacuzzi suite, free wireless internet, full service bar, elegant cooked to order breakfast that includes eggs benedict. Reservations are required.
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Middlebury Inn, 14 Courthouse Square, Middlebury, VT 05753 | 802-388-4961
With 71 guest rooms, the Middlebury Inn offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and classic historic charm. Welcoming travelers since 1827, the inn now has all of the amenities of a full service hotel, including fine dining, a pub, and meeting and banquet space to accommodate your Vermont wedding. Located between Burlington and Rutland and convenient to many Vermont attractions, this inn is perfect for that pampered fresh-air getaway, family reunion or professional retreat.
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Best Western Inn & Suites, 5 Best Western Place, Rutland, VT 05701 | 800-780-7234
For spacious comfort in the heart of Vermont's picturesque Green Mountains, visit the Best Western Inn & Suites located in the Rutland / Killington area. Situated near charming antique shops, famous covered bridges, historic museums, and Killington - Pico skiing and golfing. Daily complimentary continental breakfast of hot waffles, fresh fruits, sweet pastries and a selection of yogurt and cereal finished with bottomless Green Mountain Coffee®. Free wifi and an outdoor heated pool.
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Odyssey Events VT, 276 Laber Road, Bridgewater Corners, VT 05035 | 802-342-1513
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Strong House Inn, 94 West Main Street, Vergennes, VT 05491 | 802-877-3337
The Strong House Inn is located in the heart of the Champlain Valley. This historical Inn has 14 individually decorated guestrooms, on five acres of gardens and trees with classic New England architecture and the comfort and luxury of a modern day Inn. The Inn is a perfect location for weddings, receptions, and rehearsal dinners and meetings for up to 50 people. Join us for Quilting in Vermont, the ultimate setting for quilters to reignite their creative passion and be spoiled in the process. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a foodie experience, or a once in a lifetime event…we have an adventure waiting for you!
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The Barn at Boyden Barn Farm, VT Route 44, Cambridge, Vermont 05444 | 802-598-5509
Experience the true authentic Vermont beauty of Boyden Farm. Our 1900’s historic hayloft barn, open farmland and mountain views are the perfect setting for your wedding or corporate event. Reservations include onsite amenities; pricing based on hourly, midweek or weekend rates and availability. .
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The Arlington Inn, Historic Route 7A, Arlington, Vermont 05250 | 802-375-6532
A unique and special place that brings you back to a time of Elegance and Style. This Victorian Inn is decorated with beautiful antiques and exudes warmth and friendliness. Close to activities yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle to have a quiet, relaxing, and romantic Vermont visit. This stately Greek Revival mansion was built in 1848, it is among America's landmark historic inns. You will enjoy the Romance and Elegance of the Victorian Era in this faithfully restored estate.
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You and your dog might enjoy freestyle more if you can participate with other dancers to gain input and exchange ideas. Call a local obedience trainer and ask if they offer freestyle training. National freestyle organizations exist and are available on line – they are the Canine Freestyle Federation (www.canine-freestyle.org), and the World Canine Freestyle Organization at (www.woofs.org/wcfo).
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