So, you’ve finally decided to put a ring on it and live your happily ever after with your person? Are you now thinking of romantic ideas and planning dreamy proposals so you can finally show them the ring?
Of course, before the two of you say your “I do’s,” one of you has to ask the question and the other has to respond with a BIG yes!
So, everything has to be special. And we mean EVERYTHING!
And for that, you want to have your beloved and most loyal friend by your side! After all, he has been there every step of the way, from the silly arguments to the apologies—and everything in between. He’s an important part of your story, so it makes sense to have him involved in the start of this exciting new chapter!
Including your dog in the proposal not only adds a special touch but also makes the occasion much more sentimental and intimate. But how can you sort through the plethora of dog proposal ideas available?
Well, we’ve got you!
We’ve found some of the most charming and risk-free ways to include your dog on your big day.
So, keep up that enthusiasm and gear up to delve into 17 ways to propose with a dog. We guarantee that each one of these ideas will leave you teary-eyed, and those little tail wags will lead to an ultimate and happy “YES!”
1. Follow the doggy treat trail to pop the question
Have your little buddy lead your beloved to you by laying out his favourite treats along with a trinket for your partner to find. Each treat/trinket can represent a sweet memory or milestone in your relationship.
You can do this at home by starting from the hall and leading the way to the backyard, or make it special by doing it at your favourite spot in a park or even your weekend hike.
Remember all these dog engagement ideas can be modified to suit you and your fur baby.
Let the two of them follow the trail, cherishing every milestone and slowly find their way to you, only to find you down on one knee, ready to propose with a ring in hand.
Make it magical and elevate the mood by adding some candles and even hiring a live musician.
2. Take your partner to a dog-friendly restaurant to propose
Is your buddy great at following instructions?
Then opt for ways to propose with a dog and let him share the spotlight. Take your partner to a cosy pet-friendly restaurant, but be sure to view the menu beforehand. (bad food or service can ruin the night, so choose wisely!)
Once you and your partner have enjoyed your meal, have a server bring over the desert. But have him bring your dog too, who will then serve your partner with the ring.
That’s your cue to declare your love and propose!
If you want this moment to be more memorable, hire a pet sitter. Many pet sitters also offer photography services as well as engagement packages that include grooming, clothing and accessories for the pup.
3. Your mission, should you choose to accept
Handwritten proposals are sweet and romantic, and sure beat the constant pings of text messages.
Add a little twist by getting your four-legged friend to be the messenger. (If he’s up for it, dress him in a little tux to add a little class.) Find a dog groomer to have your pup looking neat and well-groomed agent – many of them also hire out adorable dog tuxedos and other pet outfits!
Pen down your feelings, add the ring, seal the envelope, set the stage, and then let your little wingman trot over to your beloved with their mission— should they to choose to accept.
4. Beach proposal bliss
The sun, sand and a serenade of waves provide the ideal setting for romance. However, if you throw in a playful pup, you get a proposal story for all ages.
Choose a tranquil spot near the shore and write out your heartfelt question in the sand, maybe even next to a paw print for that added personal touch. Then, go for a casual stroll on the beach with your canine companion. As you ‘stumble upon’ the pre-arranged spot, get down on one knee and watch your partner’s face light up with surprise and delight.
Make sure you hire a pet sitter and a photographer to capture this moment perfectly.
5. Let’s wag our way down the aisle
Music has always been a bridge to memories and emotions. Take your favourite couples song, one that echoes your journey and love story, and add a canine twist to it.
Train your dog to nudge that play button to get the evening in motion.
As the familiar tunes begin, take your partner’s hand for an intimate dance and get ready to propose. With your dog barking happily and wagging his tail, get down on one knee and ask your partner if they’ll ‘wag their way down the aisle with you!’
6. Set up a movie night
Set up a movie night in the park or in your backyard; pick a romantic one she loves for some extra points. At the end, train your pup to bring you the remote or a DVD to play another movie you have pre-prepared: a movie of the two of you with your song, ending with you asking your partner if they will marry you.
Have your pup bring you the ring, and be ready to ask her if she’ll go Mrs!
Make sure you record the proposal and their reaction so you can complete your “romantic” movie and play it at your wedding. Consider your pup fetching the ring as a prep session to be the dog ring bearer on your big day!
7. Let’s fetch the future
Turn your backyard into the stage for your proposal by burying the ring box and training your trusty sidekick to fetch the concealed gem (you may have to stash a doggy treat alongside it as an incentive).
Ask your partner to play fetch with your dog and watch as they dig up the buried treasure and trot back, their furry tails wagging with excitement. The surprise in their mouth will leave your partner speechless.
8. Fly in with a frisbee
Swoop them off their feet with a frisbee proposal. If your canine is more of a park pup, and if you’ve had some special memories there, then head over for a special picnic.
Train your dog to bring the frisbee—or ball—to your partner beforehand.
Now play—and watch their faces light up with joy when they see your question on the frisbee.
Bonus: You can modify this one based on your partner’s interest. Softball, soccer, even fishing—personalise it to turn into a dream proposal.
9. ‘Ring In’ with a puppy wakeup call
There’s no better wake-up call than a furry nuzzle, especially when it comes with a proposal. If your significant other loves their beauty sleep, let your pup carry in the morning surprise. As they gently wake them up with excited barks and a gleaming ring, it’s bound to be a morning they’ll never forget.
Make it special by taking your partner to the beach hut or a pet-friendly Airbnb.
10. Attach the marriage proposal to your dog
This is one of the most adorable yet simple dog proposal ideas on our list.
When you are out of words or don’t know how to express your emotions, your fur baby can come to the rescue. Simply adorn your pup with a bow-tie or a dog bandana and hang a sign on him saying, “Will you marry my human?”
Or if you prefer a pun, “Marry me, and we’ll have a ‘howling’ good time together!”
The absolute simplicity of this idea, combined with those adorable puppy-dog eyes, will make your partner go mad in love.
11. Collar tag confession
Add a custom-made tag to your dog’s collar and have him ask the question. Take your fur-ever plus one by surprise by getting their favourite lyrics or line engraved on your pup’s collar.
Ask your better half to take him for a regular stroll or walk in the park. Be ready with the ring, and watch them tear up as they reach down to clip on the leash and spot the collar and the words, “Will you marry me?”
Met at a park or a café? Why not pop the question in that same spot? This intimate and clever approach can be staged at your favourite park or where you first met. If you want to up the surprise, you could get a friend or family member to attach the collar and surprise you at the spot.
12. Melt her heart with a dog sweater proposal
For those who pride themselves on dressing their furry friend in the latest doggie trends, a custom sweater with a declaration of love is bound to be a showstopper. It gets even better if you can plan it on a rainy day as you cuddle in front of a warm cozy fire.
13. Please marry my human
Reliving and cherishing on-screen moments have a special quality, but you can make it even better.
Record all the memorable moments, have your dog “do” a voiceover to make a video proposal, and have your dog ask the question. If you can plan ahead and record them from your dog’s eye level or perspective, it’ll only make it better.
Then add a voice-over to add that nice personal touch to this dog proposal idea:
“Hey, I’m sure by now you know my human as much as I do. But here’s what you don’t know: The day he met you, he just wouldn’t stop talking about you. I thought it would change after a year of dating, but man, NOW he talks about you even more. I think he’s in love with you.”
14. “Sniff” out the happiness
If you are a couple that loves puzzles and games, you can arrange a scavenger hunt or a riddle night. All you have to do is create some intriguing clues and attach them to your dog’s collar—hinting towards the proposal.
You can also keep this short, or have an elaborate one planned around her day.
15. Show commitment with another fur baby
Few can match the joy of welcoming a new furry family member, especially if it comes with a surprise proposal. Start by hinting at a grand surprise—and your willingness to commit to bigger things.
Propose with a new pup and a beautiful engagement ring.
16. Have your doggy drop proposal hints
If you want dog proposal ideas that help ease your partner into the question, have your dog drop hints.
Train them to bring your partner things like a bow tie, an empty ring box, and one flower from the bouquet.
Notice if they smile and look suspicious, then finally drop down on one knee and ask them to be fur-ever yours.
17. That gentle nudge down the aisle
If your partner has a specific wedding location in mind, like a dreamy church that you pass on your way to work, plan a proposal in that spot.
Train your pup to nudge you and your partner towards that location. (Hide lots of treats in that space.) Pretend to be surprised and confused as your dog drags you towards it.
Throw in a few: “Oh, but what is it, boy?” “Where are you taking us?” while you pretend to pull on his leash and hold him back.
Then pass him a quick snack for his excellent acting skills while you get down to propose to the love of your life. Promise to fulfil every one of their dreams, starting with their ideal wedding location!
Tips on Planning the Pawfect Dog Proposal
As you start your new journey with the love of your life, your loyal friend will bring a magical touch of warmth and enthusiasm to the occasion.
However, amidst all the chaos, do not forget to care for their well-being and comfort. Hire a wedding pet sitter and find a dog groomer near you to make sure you both look handsome.
If your dog isn’t able to follow the plan, find another one from the list of dog proposal ideas that might suit him better.
After all, it’s not just about your happiness but about cherishing their loyalty as well. Here’s to your paw-fect proposal!
An avid animal lover and vet nurse-in-training. In my downtime you'll usually find me at my favourite pet-friendly hangouts with my precious dog Jasper sipping puppacinos by my side!
