What’s better than having a cold one with your best friend? Well, if your best friend has four legs and barks, your options were limited. Now you can take your dog to a brewery and enjoy a cold beer or another adult beverage. Ann Walko began brewery dog etiquette classes in June at Boothbay Craft Brewery.

The first four-week program had two students who learned “polite ordering” skills. “Don’t jump on the bar. Don’t jump on the servers. And how to settle under the table are some of the basic lessons taught,” said Walko, of Heal Cove Dog Training. “Breweries are beginning to invite patrons with dogs into their businesses. This course is designed to train dogs and make them well-behaved once inside the brewery,” she said.

Walko provided the classes in Boothbay after discussing the trend of bringing dogs into a brewery with her friends, Win and Lori Mitchell. The Mitchells own Boothbay Craft Brewery and wanted to provide this service to their dog-loving clientele. Walko said Maine breweries can serve patrons with pets if no food is served. “Breweries welcome dogs with good manners. So this class is designed to teach dogs basic rules inside the brewery.” Walko said. 

On July 3, the class had its first two graduates, BB and Zissou. BB is a rescue dog Sarah Rhinelander owns. She likes the idea of bringing her dog into a brewery. “I like to bring my dog with me when I go out,” she said. “BB is now much calmer. She is able to lie down and socializes better now with people and other dogs.”

The next class begins on Wednesday, July 31. For more information, contact Walko on Facebook at Heal Cove Dog Training or email healcove207@gmail.com