TWENTY-EIGHT puppies walked single file to their tables at Bubba Gump restaurant in Times Square recently – but they didn’t sample any of the popular po’boys.

Instead, they were there to be good boys – and girls – and resist any temptations.

The puppies, all aspiring students in the Eyes of Hope guide dog training program, visited the heart of Manhattan as part of a unique socialization experience.

The goal was to expose them to one of the city’s most bustling times of year – when everyday congestion is compounded by glittering decorations, blinking lights, chiming bells and blaring holiday music.

“This is my first time seeing this,” whispered Bubba Gump server Lindsey Wayne as the puppies passed in their vests and bandanas. “It’s so cute I might cry.”

The tiny tail-waggers took their seats at the feet of the trainers and did their best to remain professional.

“Training the puppies how to behave in indoor settings like restaurants, retail spaces or business offices is crucial,” said Sioban Leahy, who fosters and trains 9-month-old German Shepherd Deacon.

Her hope is that Deacon will eventually pass his test and become certified by The Seeing Eye in New Jersey, a world-famous school that opened its doors in 1931.

Leahy has a daughter and son-in-law who use seeing-eye dogs and knows first-hand how crucial this type of real-life experience is for young puppies.

While the 28 happy hounds in this year’s class were selected for their breeding and potential, fewer than 18 are expected to graduate, said Peggy Gibbon, the director of canine development for Seeing Eye.

Volunteer trainer Linda Bocchino knows how demanding the final test can be.

Her first foster dog passed with flying colors and went on to be a paired with a blind person. Her second failed by a whisker, or more, and is now a therapy dog at Drew University.

Eyes of Hope’s club leader Janet Keeler, who’s raised 57 dogs for Seeing Eye, wrangled the pups and humans for a group photo.

The final exam for dogs at The Seeing Eye entails guiding a legally blind person through the streets of the city.  (SD-Agencies)