As a certified dog trainer, Brian Merrill doesn’t just walk dogs—he walks them down the aisle. And for a growing number of couples, that detail makes all the difference.
“A dog is an extension of a family, and clients want their dog to be part of their special day,” Merrill said.
With more than 78 million dogs across U.S. households, it’s no surprise that a growing number of couples are choosing to include their four-legged family members in their wedding day.
It’s not about taking attention away from the bride or the flower girl, but about enhancing the moment. When paws are involved, weddings become even more personal.
Merrill knows this firsthand. Yess Dog, based in Morris County, focuses on dog training while also offering walking, wedding handling, and additional services.
He combines hands-on experience with formal training, holding American Kennel Club certification and credentials in behavior, body language, and pet CPR/First Aid, while continuing his education through CATCH Canine Trainers Academy’s Master’s program.
He has prepared countless canine companions to be just as wedding-ready as the couples themselves. From photo shoots to escorting them down the aisle, no scenario is off the table—even ring-bearing, though that request hasn’t come yet.
Weddings tend to unearth a host of emotions, and sometimes Merrill finds himself just as caught up in the moment as the next guest.
“The emotional part is actually walking the dog down the aisle and understanding the significance of that moment for the client," he explained.
A niche within his niche, the wedding aspect found him first. What started as a request by one client quickly evolved into a dedicated service within his growing business.
“I’m always taken aback by all the promoting of Yess Dog online,” he added. “It’s like I have a militia of clients supporting my business," joked Merrill. "The best advertisement to me is word of mouth from satisfied clients."
It’s a career he fell into almost accidentally after leaving the nine-to-five grind.
A simple stop at Petco for his own dog’s needs changed everything, shifting him from corporate to canine almost overnight. With a dog trainer opening available, he was offered the role and stepped into it with ease.
With guidance from his manager—who helped channel his inner dog whisperer—and a background in theater, he quickly found his footing. “There’s a lot of demonstrating and articulation involved in training,” he said.
That hands-on experience uncovered a dormant calling, and his manager took notice.
“She said, ‘you’re not going to be here long. You’re bigger than what you’re doing here.’”
Then came the pandemic. While much of the world slowed to a halt, he accelerated.
“It was the best thing for me,” he said. “I found my passion and I feel very fortunate to get to do what I do. Most people look for work, but in this case, work found me."
With his new leash on life, he sees his business less as a job and more as a lifestyle—one that keeps him constantly in motion.
"My business keeps me very busy, but when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work."
At its core is training and the foundational work required to create lasting behavioral change.
“It’s about bonding and respecting, plus meeting the dog where they are.”
That same principle applies to human behavior; the client must also intend to put in the work.
"Dogs need guidance, structure, and a set of protocols with a clear line of communication from their owners for them to be the best dog they can be," he explained. "My slogan is: Training Dogs, Teaching Humans."
Dog training goes far beyond basic cues and treats. It’s a process that requires repetition, communication, and patience, along with rewarding the dog.
To date, he has trained dogs across the full life spectrum, from puppies to seniors. His oldest student, Koda, was twelve—so yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Then there are what he calls “miracle moments,” like a pit bull rescue named Lincoln and his comeback story.
"He'd been through a lot, but now he's the sweetest and kindest boy,” he said. “It just goes to show the power of love and the resilience dogs have to push beyond their trauma to flourish and love again.”
The success stories extend well beyond training. "The relationship is not limited to in-person time,” he said. “I’ll get texts like, ‘Cooper is doing great—he’s flourishing!' Or I’ll see a puppy a year or two later, and we recognize each other and there’s still this connection. That’s priceless."
Over the years, that connection has extended to every dog he works with, and in many ways, he is the true embodiment of a dog whisperer.
“They taught me more about myself than I knew was possible,” he said. “I’m very connected to them. I get to see into the soul of a dog. I have the coolest job in the world.”
It’s a career built not just on commands, but on trust—one that continues long after the leash comes off.
Yess Dog is located in Lake Hiawatha, serving Morris County and surrounding areas.
For more information, visit yessdog.com.
"My business keeps me very busy, but when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work."