New Jersey is among the top dog-friendly states, with roughly 400 lodgings, approximately 2000 establishments, and around 1500 restaurants that cater to pups.  

Pet parents prefer to bring their canine with them as much as possible, and local pharmacies, department stores, cafes and pubs, and public transportation are accommodating their wishes. 

During the pandemic, when many restaurants could only seat customers outdoors, many business owners started allowing pets to join their parents for dining.  

That trend has only grown in favor since that time. Visit Did you know you can bring your dog out to dinner in NJ? – to read details on bringing your pup out to dinner in NJ. 

Tips On Training Your Dog for Dining in Restaurants 

Many people living in Ocean County love to have their dogs accompany them when they dine out. Restaurants defined as “pet-friendly” allow canines to join their parents in the outdoor seating area, but they’re normally not permitted inside unless they’re service pups. 

Each establishment has its own criteria and restrictions that must be followed, but as a rule, leashes are required across the board. You can also have the dog in a cage or in some other way restrained. A few other commonly followed guidelines: 

• You must recognize when the dog should be removed, such as misbehaving or other patrons complaining 
• Bring dishware for your pup, a plate or bowl for their food 
• Restaurants prefer dogs to visit at off-peak times 
• The puppies should stay under the table, or some restaurants allow them to sit on a chair 
• It’s preferred that the pup be fed before coming so he’s not hungry; it’s discouraged to feed him from your plate 

The trend is catching on rapidly, with many people bringing their dogs when having lunch, dinner, or a coffee at the cafe. Many favored spots are capitalizing on the trend by inviting customers to bring their pups. This is in an effort to attract more business. 

While it can be a pleasant experience, dining with your dog comes with responsibilities. In order to ensure everyone enjoys their dinner, dogs who join the fun must be trained to behave. If you haven’t pursued dog training, it would be wise to enroll your pup in a few basic sessions to grasp obedience cues. 

You may not know where to start, but this source has answers to all your questions and can address your specific training concerns. Qualified and reputable trainers like this aim to not only teach the pup essential skills but also work with you to become a confident pet parent when handling your pup. 

Here are a few tips on what a canine should know before taking him out on the town for the evening. 

Essential obedience skills 

When taking a dog out in public, you must manage his behavior. If this is your first pup and you don’t know where to begin, it’s wise to research a quality and reputable dog trainer who can work with you and the canine to establish a foundation that you can build on. 

Most establishments expect your dog to respond to quiet, stay, sit, leave it, or heel on cue to prevent complaints and the potential for unwanted altercations. 

Once these skills are learned, you should practice with your pup during mealtime at home. You can then introduce him into public situations with many distractions to make sure you can manage his behavior around crowds of people and other pets. 

Then, you can gradually build up to a restaurant by starting with an outdoor cafe for a quick brew. Go here for a list of some of the top pet-friendly restaurants along the Jersey Shore. 

Socialization 

Social skills should be taught from an early age. It helps acclimate puppies to unfamiliar people and other animals as well as different environments. In a group dog training program, pups can readily learn to socialize, and the trainers will instruct on how to practice those skills outside of the sessions. 

Typically, you would introduce the dog to varied settings, maybe taking a new path every week as you do your daily walks. This will help him adapt to various situations and around unique sounds, smells, and sights with unfamiliar crowds of people. 

The same is true when you go to the dog park. If a few parks are available in your community, visit a different one periodically to allow new interactions. Consistent training will give your dog confidence and allow comfortability in a busy restaurant with less stress and anxiety. 

Leash behavior 

Restaurants will require that your dog be leashed and on a short leash as opposed to a retractable for better management. Many prefer that pups stay under the table, but some will allow them to sit on a chair; it differs from one establishment to another. 

Practicing leash training at the direction of a dog trainer will involve making sure the canine doesn’t tug on the leash as you walk. When he begins to jump, tries to run, or pulls on the leash, you should stop moving until his behavior calms. Once he settles, you would reinforce the good behavior with praise and a treat. 

A dog that’s well managed on his leash will present less of a safety risk in restaurants and will be appreciated by the other patrons. 

A patient puppy 

Unless you have a reservation when dining out, you could have a wait for a table, especially when coming with a dog. This means your canine will need to display patience and manners until the table is ready. 

If your canine gets excited when it’s time to go for a walk or playtime, even meals, it’s important to make him wait until he becomes calm and then proceed with the activity. Eventually, he will become patient as you prepare his food or for exercise and play.  

Positive reinforcement with praise and treats is essential when a dog follows through with the desired behavior. This is true in the restaurant as well. As your pup waits and uses his manners, he should be praised for the awesome dog he is.