The brilliant Pikes Peak nestles Colorado Springs at its base. The area is a vibrant, stunning area for people and their faithful pup companions. The city is known for its rich history, magnificent natural countryside, and its approach to dog-friendly living.
The trails are perfect for hikes with your pup, cozy resorts allow you to rest up, and inviting restaurants encourage people and pets to come in for a visit. These establishments provide pleasant outdoor seating where you can teach your dog to lay your feet or stay close to you to avoid disturbing other guests.
The pet experience in restaurants needs to be positive for everyone, including non parents who prefer to appreciate dogs from afar. This means as a pet parent, you need to make sure your canine is fully prepared to take on the crowd. We’ll review some guidelines on getting your dog ready for his night on the town.
Preparing Your Canine for Dining Out at a Restaurant
Some prep work with your pup is essential before you can enjoy time out at a restaurant with your dog. This will not only give you and your pup a pleasant evening but also show courtesy to the other guests.
A good rule of thumb is to practice a few times before trying to get through an entire dinner. Then when you believe your dog has the experience down, you can search for the friendliest restaurant to start. Visit https://www.wellpets.com/blog/190-dog-friendly-restaurants-in-colorado-springs/ to discover dog-friendly restaurants in Colorado Springs.
Preparation for dining out
Before taking the canine anywhere, basic training skills must be learned. Whether you intend to have your pup as a dinner date or not, being a responsible pet parent will involve enlisting in dog training. And this should start at an early age.
The earlier your puppy begins behavioral training, socialization, and basic commands, the sooner he will develop good manners. If you slacked on the training, it’s never too late to introduce your pup to beginning sessions. A priority is learning to respond to commands so he can be a pleasant dinner companion.
These need to be practiced in varied settings, such as during meals at home and when out in different public situations.
Practice will make perfect
Take your puppy to different dog-friendly public settings like the par where you can practice commands with other people and dogs distracting him. Since it’s not a restaurant, it will be less stressful for you.
Once your canine is able to respond to commands despite the excitement around him, move the activity to a more structured environment like a pet-friendly shop or market. It’s still a place where people expect to see dogs but exposes him to a different type of atmosphere.
It is not only about visiting the location but also training the canine on responding to your commands while out among the public. He should know what you expect regardless of where you are and act on that behavior.
Search for the friendliest dog-friendly restaurant
A restaurant is an entirely different experience than any you’ve had thus far despite his following your commands consistently. In a restaurant, the pup is exposed to delicious-smelling food that tempts his taste buds.
When trying the experience for the first time, look for a restaurant that goes above and beyond for their pet patrons. The patio seating will be adequately spread out; the staff will cater to your dog by offering delicious treats and a fresh bowl of water.
In this setting It’s more likely other guests will either have a dog or expect there to be dogs in the restaurant allowing for a tolerant audience so you can remain calm. If you were the only one with a pet in the place, it can be anxiety-inducing, particularly if you’re still unsure how your dog will react.
With you being stressed, the dog will sense this and become anxious as well. If you’re relaxed, the puppy will relax. Read here for details on how the FDA approves your dog joining you for outdoor dining.
Create a list of pet-friendly establishments
Review online sites to find as many dog-friendly restaurants as possible and list those that are highly friendly and the ones that are least so. This way you can begin your journey at the friendliest of the choices, where your pup will be most welcome.
Many restaurants offering outdoor seating allow canines, but that isn’t necessarily a sign that the staff wants them to come. And some establishments with outdoor seating have stringent no-pet policies despite their patio area. It takes due diligence to find genuinely friendly restaurants.
Further, once you find those that do allow dogs, you’ll need to learn their specific protocol. This can include keeping the pup leashed and ensuring they stay under the table during the meal.
While some provide treats and water, the recommendation is to take the dog’s own water bowl to prevent spreading germs and disease by using a communal water bowl from the restaurant. Also, bring his favorite treats from home so he’s occupied and content.
Review the social network site for pictures to see what you can expect from the experience. In these posts people will comment on their satisfaction or lack thereof and you’ll see photos of diners with their pups.
These pictures will be very revealing. If everyone including the dog looks relaxed and like they’re enjoying themselves, it’s a place you’ll want to visit.
Final Thought
Colorado Springs is among the most dog-friendly locations with plenty of activities for your pet to enjoy with you. Still, that means preparing your canine to be on his best behavior in any situation in a public setting.
The idea is to involve your puppy in behavioral training, socialization, and learning basic commands in their earliest years. These commands are something your dog should respond to whether at home or when distracted among other people or dogs.
With practice and time, your pup can be the consummate dinner companion at any dog-friendly restaurant relieving any stress or anxiety you may have felt.