Brewery Dog Pro Tip: Speak Up!

When you are out in a brewery, with or without your dog, and you see a dog showing signs of discomfort about a greeting with an adult, a child, or another dog - say something if you can! Even if it is just an interruption: go up and ask the adult or child a question that distracts their attention away from the dog for a moment.

This little interruption can go a long way to avoiding an incident. By giving the dog the space that it is asking, we are avoiding any need for it to use communication tools that aren't as understood or accepted by humans out in public.

If you do see a dog using communication tools like growling or snapping, give that dog space immediately. He is trying to communicate in the only way he knows how in that moment.

Brewery Dog Pro Tip: Clean Up!

It makes us sad when we hear of places that were once dog friendly no longer being able to open their doors to dogs. Unfortunately, one of the biggest reasons that these places shut dogs out is that dog owners like us weren't taking responsibility to clean up after our dogs. This puts too much strain on brewery staff and on their space.

This is completely understandable from the perspective of a brewery or other establishment. It is also very, very avoidable if we all do our part to clean up after our own dogs - and call on others to step up their game as well.

This clean up doesn't just mean poop scooping. Excessive dog hair, paw dirt, peanut butter smears, drool puddles, and water bowl spills should also be part of this #leavenotrace clean up routine. We can do it!

Brewery Dog Pro Tip: Gear Up!

When we head to a brewery with just ourselves, usually all we need for a good time is our ID and some cash. But, when we bring our best brewery buddies along, there are a few other supplies that will help them have a good time too!

* Leash: Even though your dog may be very well trained, breweries are public places and thus leashes are always required.

* Blanket: Brewery floors are often cold and hard!

* Toy or Bone: Toys stuffed with peanut butter make great licking games while you enjoy your beer. Freeze the peanut butter in the toy to make the enrichment last longer!

* Treats: Just like you reward yourself with a beer, reward your dog's good behavior with something he will enjoy as well!

* Water + Bowl: Many dog-friendly breweries will provide dog water on request, but it's always good to be over-prepared for your thirsty brewery buddy who can't have beer. Fort Collins’s Funkwerks has an awesome doggy station, but you can’t count on every brewery you visit to provide your essentials. You should be prepared to be your dog’s hydration station no matter where you go with them!