How to Train your dog to thrive in Denver’s Dog-Friendly Patio Culture

By Dion Studinski, Canine Behavioral Consultant and Lead Training at Ancillary K9

One of the best parts of living in Denver is that you can bring your dog almost anywhere. Most breweries, cafés, and patios boast being dog-friendly. But for your pup to thrive at these spots, they need the right patio manners. It’s important not only for keeping the experience enjoyable for you and your dog, but also for preserving Denver’s dog-friendly culture by maintaining a standard of etiquette. Here’s how to prep your dog for Denver’s famously dog-friendly scene.

1. Build the foundation at home

Before you wander onto a busy patio, your dog should be exhibiting good behavior in everyday social settings. That means greeting visitors at home, walking by other dogs without reacting, and calmly lounging at your feet while you eat or work. If they can’t chill at home, they’ll struggle to do it in a busier setting.

Practice:

• Calm greetings when visitors arrive

• The cue “sit/down” - and practice it in different contexts

• Neutral behavior when you walk past other dogs or people

• Calm behavior when people or dogs pass by your door or yard

2. Teach patio-specific skills

A Denver patio can be a sensory overload: other dogs, clinking glasses, food, smells, and sudden noises. You’ll need to master a few key behaviors before your first outing:

• Down-stay: Teach your dog to settle calmly in a designated spot beside you, using a cue like “down” so they learn to relax wherever you are.

• Loose-leash walking: Your dog should walk beside you without pulling, even in tight spaces or narrow walkways.

• “Leave it”: Critical for ignoring dropped food, other dogs, or curious kids.

• Neutral socialization: Teach your dog to exist near other dogs without needing to greet or play.

Practice these in low-distraction environments first, then start practicing them in busier surroundings.

3. Ease into busier settings

Don’t go straight to a packed brewery. Start small and slowly build up to busier settings. 

• Choose a quiet patio during off-hours.

• Keep the visit short. Start with 15 to 30 minutes for the first few tries.

• Be sure to reward calm behavior.

• Set your dog up beside you, not in walkways or under other tables.

Watch their body language: yawning, lip-licking, or restlessness can mean they’re overstimulated. That doesn't mean you shouldn't work to build their tolerance, but sometimes ending early on a positive note can help build their confidence for next time.

4. Practice saying “no”

On patios, strangers often want to pet your dog or other dogs may try to approach. It’s okay to politely decline. If your dog is still learning to stay calm, even a friendly greeting can set back your progress. Say something like, “He’s in training right now,” or a simple “No. Thank you for asking though.” Protecting your dog’s focus helps them succeed. Remember: every outing is a training opportunity, not a meet-and-greet. Your dog doesn’t need to interact with everyone to enjoy being out with you.

Colorado has some of the most dog-friendly laws in the country, but that only works when everyone does their part. A few bad experiences, like a fight, bite, or an unruly dog, can lead to stricter regulations or bans at local venues.

With a bit of training and patience, your dog can become the perfect patio companion: relaxed, polite, and welcome anywhere. As a dog owner, your job is to make sure your dog is comfortable and under control. If they’re having an off day, it’s okay to skip the patio. Your awareness and training effort help protect the reputation of dog-friendly spaces across Denver.

Looking for trusted dog training in Denver? Ancillary K9 are your top choice!