Most people enjoy dining out, but going to a nice restaurant in Littleton with your furry pet companion is especially nice. An evening out is not only the best way to bond with your pup but also to spend quality time with him. 

While having a meal out at a Colorado eatery sounds fun, it’s not something you can do spur of the moment. Instead, it would be best to get your canine ready ahead of time to avoid potential acting out.  

There are particular etiquette and certain policies that dog-friendly restaurants expect customers and their pups to observe. Here’s an overview of these tips and helpful hints to allow a positive restaurant experience for you and your fur baby. 

Etiquette Tips for Your Pup at Dog-Friendly Restaurants 

In Littleton, Colorado, and surrounding areas, incredible dog-friendly restaurants can be found for pet parents and their favorite fur babies. The policies vary from one state to the next and for each individual establishment. Visit for tips on the best dog-friendly restaurants in Colorado. 

A standard rule, however, for most venues is that service dogs are the only pets permitted inside, while other canines must remain on the patio and in other outside areas.  

Each pup must be leashed, and the understanding is that aggressive behavior or excessive barking is unacceptable, nor will it be tolerated to leave the canine unattended. 

As a pet parent, you want to do due diligence in research to ensure the restaurant is indeed pet-friendly. This means having special menu items for pups, treats to make their dining experience positive, and water bowls.  

In the same vein, you and your dog must have proper manners. The benefit of dining with a pup shouldn’t be taken for granted, so common courtesy is expected to avoid ruining the experience for others in the future. Here are some tips to remember 

Ask for a quiet, out-of-the-way table 

Restaurants can be highly stimulating, with many distractions creating overwhelming and exciting experiences for your pup. When seated, ask for a quiet, out-of-the-way table to minimize interactions and reduce triggers. 

Keep him leashed 

Regardless of your pup’s training, the leash should always remain on to ensure his safety and that of others in the restaurant. This is also a policy for most venues. The recommendation is to avoid slipping the leash around furnishings in case the dog is urged to run after something. 

Keep them on the patio floor 

It would be best to teach your dog to lay your feet either under the table or on the patio floor close to you. The pup is not permitted to sit on a chair or get up on the table. This is a policy in most restaurants; if the dog is on the table, he can grab food off the plates. 

Be considerate and courteous 

Common courtesy is expected in social situations like dining out with your pup. The canine should not be allowed to become a nuisance to the other patrons.  

If you see that it’s not a good day for your dog, he’s not on his best behavior on that particular day; it’s wise to leave to ensure you’ll be invited back in the future.  Don’t try to force a situation that could possibly cause the restaurant to eliminate its dog-friendly policy.  

Training Tips for Proper Pup Behavior at Restaurants 

Dogs won’t automatically understand how to be on their best behavior in a public establishment. It’s actually asking a lot to expect him to relax and keep his calm when overly stimulated and excited. Training proper “table manners” can be gradual and slow. Here are a few helpful hints to guide the process. 

Training commands 

Your pup must be responsive to basic commands before you can consider taking him to dine out. These phrases include priorities such as stay, sit, leave it, and lie down. Not only will the canine need to perform these actions at home but in a distracting environment. 

Feed him 

Before heading to the restaurant, make sure you feed your dog. Once there, he will smell incredible dishes that tempt him. Fill his tummy to minimize the risk of the canine jumping on the table. 

Playtime 

In that same vein, enjoy playtime, making sure to tire your puppy out so he behaves while away. You can either take a long walk throughout the neighborhood, go for an intensive training session, or play at the dog park.  

Any of these activities will more than likely lead to a relaxing dining experience with the dog lying quietly by your feet. 

Treats and distractions 

Boredom causes dogs to lash out. If your pup becomes bored while out, he will be prone to causing a disturbance. It’s important to bring a favorite treat or chew toy to distract him or a toy to occupy him throughout the meal. 

Pay attention 

While the puppy can appear to be quietly resting and content, you want to be on guard in case something happens to cause an immediate reaction.  

This can include another dog barking, jumping, or getting excited, making your pup excitedly lashing out. Also, your canine can quickly jump to his feet and try to run if kids race by on their way out of the restaurant. 

Polite but stern rejection 

When a stranger approaches your dog with a bite of food, it’s essential to jump into action explaining why it’s not okay to offer food to another pet parent’s dog. The food could have been prepared with ingredients that are not safe for the animal.  

Plus, this will encourage the dog to misbehave in restaurants by looking for food on your table and others. If the person with the food is also a pet parent, your stern rejection will hopefully register with them.   

If not, they’ll need to understand you’re a responsible parent who wants to continue enjoying the restaurant experience with your dog. Go here for details on pet-friendly dining.