05/29/2026
A new survey says nearly half of all diners want to bring their dogs to restaurants this summer. And honestly? As a dog trainer, I have some thoughts.
The trend toward dog-friendly patios, breweries, and brunch spots is genuinely exciting. More places welcoming dogs means more opportunities for our pups to be part of our lives, and that kind of real-world enrichment can be really good for the right dog.
But here's what I wish more people knew before they load their pup in the car and head to the patio: Not every dog is ready for that. And that's okay, it's fixable.
For some dogs, a busy outdoor restaurant is a dream come true. New smells, friendly strangers, interesting sounds... it's like a full sensory adventure. For those dogs, outings like that genuinely meet enrichment needs and strengthen the bond between dog and human.
For other dogs, that same environment is overwhelming. The noise, the unfamiliar dogs passing by, nowhere to retreat. What looks like a fun outing from the outside can feel like a lot to manage on the inside. And a stressed dog on a patio isn't having the experience you're imagining.
The difference between those two dogs often isn't personality. It's preparation.
The dogs who thrive on summer adventures, the ones who settle calmly at your feet while you enjoy a drink, who can meet a friendly stranger without jumping, who stay focused on you even when the world is busy. Those dogs didn't just arrive that way. Their people put in the work, usually early, to build exactly those skills.
That's what summer training is for. 🌿
The skills that make a patio dog possible:
✔️ Settle on a mat in distracting environments
✔️ Loose leash walking past other dogs and people
✔️ A reliable recall when something exciting happens
✔️ Reading your dog's body language so you know when they're thriving vs. when it's time to go
These are the exact things we work on in summer classes at Ready, Pup, Go! and summer is honestly one of the best times to build them, because the world itself becomes your classroom.
Summer classes are forming now. Whether you have a young puppy just starting out or a dog who needs a confidence refresh before all those warm-weather adventures, there's a spot for you.
👉 https://readypupgo.biz/Lynnwood to see current class offerings and grab your spot before they fill up.
Drop a 🐶 below if you're dreaming of patio season with your pup, and tell me: is your dog ready for it now, or is that the goal?
Ditch the kids, bring the dogs. That’s the message from diners who overwhelmingly want to eat at places where they do not have to worry about children interrupting their meals. MORE BELOW ⬇️
