The do’s and don’ts of taking dogs to a brewery or bar

By Kristen Richard

In many Colorado cities and towns it seems the places you can’t bring your dog are the anomaly. Which is wonderful, as nothing quite beats relaxing on a restaurant patio, beer in-hand while enjoying quality time with your dog on a warm summer afternoon.

Pup-friendly patios
Click here for our companion piece listing five breweries and taprooms across Colorado that welcome dogs.

“Colorado is a very dog-friendly state,” says Dion Studinski, owner and trainer of Ancillary K9 Dog Training in Denver. “But the challenge with that is the laws surrounding dogs in public are very relaxed. What that translates to is a lot of dogs in public settings that have no business being there and owners who don’t think their dog needs any training.”

Amber Quann, CEO and head trainer of Summit Dog Training in Fort Collins, echoes this sentiment. “I think it’s great there are so many dog-friendly spaces. But a big part of ensuring Colorado is dog-friendly well into the future is making sure that we’re making the best decisions for our individual dog now.”

Of course, dogs, like humans, are sentient beings with minds of their own. However, there are steps you can take to ensure your pup is patio-ready this summer. Here’s what to keep in mind so that you, your dog, and the general public can all enjoy dog-friendly spaces.

What to Know Before You Go

Before the brewery, “they should be succeeding in pretty much all other social situations,” says Scott Ross, behavior trainer and founder of Chill Out Dog Training in Denver. For instance, he notes, they should do well with people coming to your home and walking by other dogs in the neighborhood.

Ted Terroux, owner, founder, instructor, trainer and advisor at Terroux Dog Training, based in Lakewood, echoes this sentiment.

“The biggest mistake people make when it comes to dogs in public is not proactively teaching them how to behave,” Terroux says. “This begins in your home and yard. For instance, if your dog is allowed to react to others through fence lines or windows, that behavior is likely going to replicate itself everywhere.”

To many, it may seem easy to write off certain behaviors as simply annoying or endearing quirks of your otherwise lovable canine. But as Studinski emphasizes, when it comes to dog bites, it can turn into a very serious matter. He’s had clients who have almost lost their dogs, been sued, embroiled in lengthy legal battles, ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages, and suffered immense emotional distress. Not to mention, the injuries sustained can be quite serious.

In other words, Fido’s silly little quirks could upend your whole life in a matter of seconds.

Key Behaviors, Commands, and Where to Practice

According to Studinski, one of the most important traits your dog should exhibit is being neutral towards fellow canines and other passersby.

“When I ask my clients if their dogs are neutral to others they often say something like ‘oh yes, they are very friendly and run up to them wanting to play.’ That’s not neutral. That’s overbearing and invasive. You would never run up to a random stranger and hug them. Not all dogs want to play.”

Quann agrees. “They also need to be able to relax in public spaces. Barking and even loud whining can be disruptive in breweries. A goal for dogs is that they’re able to sit or lie down quietly by the table and spend time with their humans rather than seeking to engage with everyone in the brewery. I also want them to have a level of confidence that allows them to enjoy the environment rather than be afraid.”

Along with some general behaviors, there are some skills your dog should possess.

“Your dog should be able to hold a ‘sit’ or ‘down’ so they can be out of the way and not tripping anyone,” Ross says. Additionally, Terroux and Quann note it’s good to teach a dog “place” so they are safely out of the way. You can practice at home with a mat or blanket.

“Dogs should be calm and be under control even on a loose leash,” says Terroux. Indeed, you might find yourself with a beer or two in hand while walking your dog back to the table. And “you never know what you’re going to encounter,” says Quann. “The dog that’s already dragging their human is going to be set up to jump on a stranger or steal a hamburger off someone’s plate.” Furthermore, Terroux suggests practicing food control at home, so if the perfect moment to steal a Bavarian pretzel arises, your dog won’t take it.

Timing is also key. That means working on these behaviors and commands on a crowded brewery patio is not the best way to start.

“When I am introducing a new dog to breweries, I am going to go at a quiet time,” says Quann, like 4 p.m. on a Wednesday. “I choose my duration carefully as well. I might just get a taster and sit there for 15 or 30 minutes rather than a pint. That way the dog has a positive experience and doesn’t get overwhelmed.”

As far as where to practice, your backyard, public park, or quiet local coffee shop patio are excellent locations.

You Don’t Have To Go Home … But You Can’t Stay Here

Certainly, no one reading this has ever been the over-served person at the bar who thinks they are the life of the party. We know the telltale signs: loud talking, swaying, picking fights, getting sick and the list goes on. Like your inebriated friend, dogs will also show signs it’s time to pack it up.

“If a dog’s hair is standing up or they are excessively whining or panting, I can tell they are stressed,” Studinski says .

Terroux notes that dogs might also avoid eye contact, hyper-fixate, attempt to use people or objects as shields, nudge, paw, growl, snarl and tremble, among other signs when they have had just about enough.

Additionally, it’s important to be in tune with and advocate for your dog so everyone can have a fun, safe experience.

“In the United States, we are very conditioned to say ‘yes’ when people ask to pet our dogs,” Quann says . “I often stumble over my words when I need to tell someone ‘No,’ but sometimes it’s the right answer. I often have folks say ‘no thank you. We’re working on training today.’”

While saying no and practicing commands can be tough, it’s vital to creating a positive environment for our canine counterparts and ensuring we have dog-friendly spaces for decades to come.

This story is in our March-April print issue. Click here to read the full magazine.

Kristen Richard is a drink and food freelance writer based in Denver. When she’s not traveling down the rabbit hole of random esoteric booze knowledge, you can usually find her camping, hiking, hanging with her dog, reading or rocking out to metal bands.