Service Dogs are covered for public access Federally under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Miniature Horses are allowed to be used as Service Animals however they are not included in the original definition laid out in the ADA. Later Provisions were added to allow the use of Miniature Horses. Some states and cities also have individual laws regarding Service Animals; such as requiring rabies certificates or having optional city registries.

Certain few cities choose to allow animals not specified federally as Service Animals in public. It’s very important to know the local laws as well as federal when looking into a Service Animal.

Interestingly enough, there is no federal legal qualifier for what constitutes a "Service Dog in Training" (SDiT) or a "Service Dog Prospect" , the precursor to a fully trained Service Dog, aside from the handler having a disability. Protections for these dogs in Public Access exist only at the state and local levels, and they vary widely. Some states grant SDiTs the same access rights as fully trained service dogs, while others impose stricter limits. For instance, in some areas, protections are extended only if the training is being conducted by a professional trainer or organization, or if the purpose of the outing is explicitly training-related. It's imperative that the handler know all of their local laws when working with a SDiT. 

Because SDiTs lack consistent federal protections, these distinctions can make it challenging to judge when a dog qualifies as being "in training.". Many Handlers still consider their dogs SDiT even after they meet the federal requirements for a fully trained service dog, as they would like their dog to provide more advanced or refined behaviors before personally considering them a fully fledged Service Dog. Furthermore, there is no legal definition for when a dog transitions from being a regular pet to an SDiT. Once a service dog is fully trained, the only federal requirements are that it must be under the handler's control and perform a trained task that directly mitigates the handler's disability. Until then, legal protections may depend on location and the specific training status of the dog.

Attempts by the public to police the legitimacy of SDiTs or Service Dogs in general is strongly discouraged due to these legal complexities. Enforcement is best left to professionals or law enforcement, as misjudgments can lead to discrimination or unnecessary conflict. Importantly, any service dog—whether fully trained or in training—can be lawfully removed from an establishment if it is behaving in a disruptive or uncontrolled manner, regardless of its status.

ESA are NOT covered under the ADA; they are not granted any public rights federally, however some areas choose to allow ESA in public in their local codes and statutes. 
It is not illegal for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) to wear a vest or patch designating its role. However, it becomes problematic and unlawful when individuals use such labels to mislead others into believing the animal has the same public access rights as a service dog. Unfortunately, within the service dog community, there is sometimes a stigma against ESA handlers who choose to label their animals, with assumptions being made that this is always an attempt to deceive. In reality, Emotional Support Animals are valuable tools for individuals with disabilities, just like service dogs, though their legal protections differ. Policing someone’s choice to label their ESA or express their needs through identifiers like patches or vests is discriminatory and dismissive of the role ESAs play in mental health and well-being. Expecting ESA handlers to completely avoid visibility in public life reinforces stigma. The real issue lies not in labeling an ESA but in misrepresentation, which can undermine the credibility of legitimate service dog teams.

Service animals must also be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.  

When entering a public establishment, the business owner or an employee may legally ask only two questions of the Handler. The questions are: 

1.   Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?

2.   What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task. 

Similarly, Service Animals and their Handlers may not be restricted from food establishments including buffets and self service lines. 

They can, however, request that the Service Animal be removed or restricted for other reasons, which will be covered below. 

It is the Handler’s job to know the specific laws of their area, and to be well versed in the federal laws. 

The full text of the Americans With Disabilities Act can be found Here 

The text of the ADA specifically referencing Service Dogs and Mini Horses can be found Here. 

A Q&A Page produced by the Department of Justice in regards to the Americans with Disabilities Act can be found here. 

One common misconception among handlers and individuals, is that the ADA is a physical entity, capable of enforcing the laws itself. This is not the case. The ADA is enforced by the federal Department of Justice. Any suspected violations of the ADA should be reported to them via their reporting services, which can be found here. 

Click here to go to the DOJ ADA violation reporting page. 

One can also fill out and send the paper ADA Complaint Form (Regular Format | Large Format) or a letter containing the same information, to: U.S. Department of Justice

Civil Rights Division
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530  

Similarly, for questions regarding the ADA that may not be easily answered by online documents, individuals are asked to call the Department of Justice Hotline. 

ADA Information Line 
800-514-0301 (Voice) 
1-833-610-1264 (TTY)
M-W, F 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Th 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) to speak with an ADA Specialist. Calls are confidential.  

When engaging in Public Access, any Service Animal is legally required to be under control of the handler. They are not required to be perfectly obedient, however they may be legally removed from an establishment if they are disruptive, out of control, or behaving dangerously. Examples of  Out-of-control behavior could be wandering unattended, lack of housebreaking, interaction with merchandise or food without instruction from the Handler, or in extreme cases, attacking patrons or other Service Animals. Barking could also be grounds for removal if it is not being done for the purpose of mitigating a disability. Many Handlers and Trainers recommend not teaching any Barking-based-alerts to prevent confusion in this regard, however they are still legal.   

A Service Animal can also be denied Public Access if it could hurt or alter the state of the business. For example, a Service Animal may be denied from a sensitive Zoo exhibit if the presence of the Service Animal could harm or disturb the resident animals. Government Buildings, Churches, and Sterile Environments are also an exception to the rule under many circumstances.

  Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals. When a person who is allergic to dog dander and a person who uses a service animal must spend time in the same room or facility, for example, in a school classroom or at a homeless shelter, they both should be accommodated by assigning them, if possible, to different locations within the room or different rooms in the facility.  

If a public entity legally excludes a Service Animal, they must still give the Handler the opportunity to participate in the service, program, or activity without having the Service Animal on the premises. 

ESA and Service Animals are both covered for housing under the Fair Housing Act. This allows those with Disabilities to be able to access housing that is normally not available to them or their medically necessary companions due to no-pet restrictions, etc. The Fair Housing Act only covers housing. Some States and Cities also have their own Fair Housing Laws on top of the FHA. It is again up to the Handler to know what laws apply to their specific location. 

The Fair Housing Act provides provisions for some things the ADA does not, like At-Home Service Animals; dogs or other animals that may perform tasks for a Handler, but may not qualify legally or behaviorally to be in public under the protection of the ADA. The FHA does not require “Assistance Animals”, the category that *both* ESA and Service Animals fall into for housing, to have any formal training. They all fall under the same umbrella of Assistance Animals.

Contrary to popular belief, there are some exceptions to Assistance Animals being allowed in housing without question.

Landlords who have owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family houses sold or rented by the owner without the use of an agent, a home in which a single room or section of the home is rented, if the home owner does not own more than three homes, and housing operated by religious organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members are not bound by the FHA to allow Assistance Animals. 

Individual Landlords and companies that provide residential property management, including Condo Owner's Associations, are never exempt from the FHA, because these individuals and companies are viewed as “being in the business of housing.” 

Assistance Animals are also required to behave in a manner that is safe to their owner, the property owners, and those they may live around either at home or in the community. 

Assistance Animals can be denied if their species or breed would cause undue burden on the landlord or affect their insurance policy, ex. an ESA Alligator in a rental apartment. 

If the Disability is "not visible", as is the wording used in the FHA, the Landlord may request proof of the need for an Assistance Animal as a Reasonable Accommodation.

A "Reasonable Accommodation" is a provision or exception made for someone that fits the definition of disabled in order to make their experience more positive or possible. 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides a very helpful document that can be used for both landlords and Assistance Animal users in determining whether or not an individual qualifies for an Assistance Animal, and in what situations the landlord can request documentation. 

All of the following will open a PDF Document: 

The shortened, Q&A version of the HUD publication can be found Here. 

The Full HUD Publication can be found Here. 

The Fair Housing Act in its entirety can be found Here. 

Similarly to the ADA, the FHA is a law and not its own entity, and thus cannot enforce itself.  All violations of the FHA are handled by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO). 

You can Report Housing Discrimination with FHEO online in English (also available in Español, 中文, Tiếng Việt, 한국인, العربية, Русский, ខ្មែរ, and Soomaali)  Please click the language in which you wish to report in the sentence above to be taken to the correct form. 

Talk with an FHEO intake specialist by calling: 1-800-669-9777

Regional FHEO office phone numbers are listed on this list.

To report by mail, one can print out this form (also available in Español, 中文, Tiếng Việt, 한국인, العربية, Русский, ខ្មែរ, and Soomaali) and mail it to their regional FHEO office at the address on this list.  

Please click the language in which you wish to report in the sentence above to be taken to the correct form. 

The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) are the set of laws that apply to both Air Craft and Airports in regards to service animals. These laws have been recently updated. The new terms of the ACAA define a service animal as "a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.  Animal species other than dogs, emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and service animals in training are NOT service animals. " 

Some of the other updates include ESA losing legal protections on commercial flights, and Service Animal Handlers now being required to adhere to certain pre-flight requirements in order to be assured the ability to board. 

Airlines may require:
(1) a U.S. DOT form attesting to the animal’s health, behavior, and training; and
(2) a U.S. DOT form attesting that the animal can either not relieve itself or can relieve itself in a sanitary manner, if the animal will be on a flight that is 8 or more hours
Unlike regular public access, Airlines may deny transport to a service dog if the airline requires completed DOT service animal forms and the service animal user does not provide the airline these forms. 

Airlines are also permitted to deny transport to a service dog if it:

Violates safety requirements - e.g., too large or heavy to be accommodated in the cabin;

Poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others;

Causes a significant disruption in the cabin or at airport gate areas; or

Violates health requirements - e.g., prohibited from entering a U.S. territory or foreign country. 

Airlines and Airport workers are not bound by the two questions presented in the ADA, which are used in other public access situations. Airlines can determine whether an animal is a service animal or pet by asking an individual with a disability if the animal is required to accompany the passenger because of a disability and what work or task the animal has been trained to perform, ;looking for physical indicators such as the presence of a harness or vests, looking to see if the animal is harnessed, leashed, or otherwise tethered; and observing the behavior of the animal. 

Airlines are not permitted to require other documentation from service animal users except to comply with requirements on transport of animals by a Federal agency, a U.S. territory, or a foreign jurisdiction. The handler is responsible for researching what these requirements may be when traveling to a country outside of the USA. Other countries have different service dog laws, and some do not recognize service dogs at all. It's very important to speak to individuals that are knowledgeable in the laws of a country before attempting to travel there. Examples of these individuals could be lawyers practicing in those countries, or representatives of the consulate or embassy in that region. 

Once a pet or service animal leaves the United States, it must meet all entry requirements to reenter, even if the animal has lived in the United States previously. These requirements have recently been updated as well. For more information on this, please see the links below.

Guidelines for Bringing an Animal And Animal Products into the United States 
CDC's Bringing an Animal into the United States webpage

To learn more about the ACAA, check out the link below! 

For the Full Text of the ACAA, Click Here. 

To file a complaint regarding a possible violation of the ACAA, Click Here! 

One can also send a completed paper complaint form to the following address: 
Aviation Consumer Protection Division
Attn: C-75-D
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, D.C. 20590  

Interactions in the workplace are perhaps the most common Public Access interactions that occur. In this section we will cover both the laws protecting patrons of a business which the businessowners must abide by, as well as laws protecting and restricting employees in the workplace. We will also briefly delve into the laws that affect specific sectors of business, like hotels and food service industries. 

Employers: 

Employees: 

food related laws 

hotel and cleaning fee related laws 

-touch on air b&b 

Therapy Dogs are in an entirely different category.

They are allowed access only under certain circumstances.

They are not allowed the same public access, airline, workplace or housing rights as Service Animals or ESA.

We do not train Therapy Dogs so we will not be going into detail; however there are many wonderful nationwide organizations online with more in depth literature on the subject. 

Click Here to go to the "Therapy Dogs International" Website to learn more about Therapy Dogs.

One final thing that is very important to know when working with any kind of dog that interacts with the public or is kept as an Assistance Animal in housing, is that the Handler is the individual with the legal rights, not the Dog or Animal.

Even the best trained Service Dog or the most helpful ESA becomes a pet when not mitigating the Disabilities of their Handler, or being worked with by a Trainer or Self-Trainer in States that extend Public legal protection to Service Dogs in Training. It’s very important to make this distinction to avoid issues for both dog and owner in all kinds of daily life situations.

Finding a dog with the right Temperament, the dog’s Genetic Behavior/Personality, is the first step a new Handler can take towards success.

Assistance Dogs International (ADI), one of the most reputable Service Dog Training organizations in the world, defines a good Service Dog Temperament as “ not protective, [is] people orientated, not overly active, and confident but not dominant or submissive”

When looking for a prospect, knowing the difference between Well Bred and Purebred Dogs, and between Good Breeders VS Backyard Breeders or “Puppy Mills”, can make a huge difference. When a dog is set up for success from or even before birth, it makes it much easier for first time Handlers and Self Trainers.

The “Fabulous 4” for Service Dog breeds are, in no particular order, considered to be: Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles, and Rough/Smooth Collies (Not to be confused with Border Collies). This doesn’t mean that other breeds of dog are not capable of being Service Dogs! By law, any dog that displays the correct temperament to be safe in public, and is trained to mitigate a disability is a Service Dog. Even rescue dogs can be Service Dogs! However, it is recommended that first time Handlers go with a Well Bred dog from the “Fab 4”, in order to best set themselves up for success.

Any dog or breed can be a “Unicorn”, and be the perfect Service Dog even if their Breed Standard says otherwise, but knowing what to expect when training by using breed standards as a prediction of a dog's genetic temperament when choosing a dog for such an important task makes training much easier, safer, and more successful. 

Some breeders claim they are selectively breeding high-energy breeds like Mastiffs or Huskies, known for traits such as guarding, excessive vocals, or hyperactivity, to create dogs suitable for service work. While this may seem like an appealing option for those seeking a service dog from a specific breed, it can actually do a disservice to both the dogs and potential owners. Breed standards exist to ensure consistency in physical appearance, temperament, and health.
When dogs are bred outside of these standards—particularly when the promised temperament diverges from the expected traits—they can no longer be considered true representatives of that breed. This undermines the purpose of breed standards, which are designed to help guide families and professionals in selecting dogs with predictable, desirable traits.

Additionally, breeding dogs solely for what breeders define as "good pets" or " great workers" can lead to an excess of dogs that do not fit the needs or expectations of prospective owners. Everyone has a unique idea of what makes a great pet, and what one person finds delightful, another may find challenging or intolerable. For example, some individuals may appreciate an energetic, vocal dog with a high drive for activity, seeing this as a perfect companion for outdoor adventures or sports. However, the same behaviors—such as excessive barking or hyperactivity—might be overwhelming or disruptive for others, especially those seeking a calmer, more laid-back dog to use as a Service Animal. This is why it’s crucial to understand that each breed has a spectrum of characteristics, and what is considered an "ideal pet" varies widely between families. While one person may be thrilled by a dog's assertiveness or guarding instincts, these traits might make another person feel anxious or uncomfortable, or even prevent them from inviting friends and family over. By adhering to breed standards, breeders can better ensure that dogs maintain consistent temperaments, helping potential owners choose the dog that aligns with their lifestyle and expectations.

Moreover, traits that were supposedly intentionally bred out of a breed may resurface in future generations, leading to complications for families who expect a dog with predictable behaviors. This happens because most dog breeds have been developed over the course of decades, and sometimes even centuries, to emphasize certain physical and behavioral traits. These long-established breeds have complex genetic backgrounds that were carefully shaped over time to produce stable and consistent characteristics. When breeders attempt to make significant changes to these traits in just a decade or two—often for specific purposes like the desire for dogs of unusual breeds for service work or to make high intensity breeds into "better pets"—they may unintentionally disrupt the balance of those traits. The rapid changes breeders attempt often cannot be predicted, as the genetic shifts needed to achieve such behavioral adjustments take much longer to stabilize. As a result, undesirable traits that were previously bred out can reappear, causing confusion and difficulties for families who sought a dog that would conform to their expectations. This is especially problematic because those seeking these dogs are typically looking for a purebred dog with a consistent look and behavior, without wanting the dramatic personality traits that may accompany the original breed. They are often not equipped to handle these traits if or when they surface, which can lead to dogs ending up in rescues or worse. 

With so many dogs in shelters, it is irresponsible to breed solely based on personal preferences without adhering to any kind of established, written guidelines. However, this doesn’t mean that new breeds couldn’t be thoughtfully created for modern needs. As human lifestyles shift toward more urban environments, the demand for working and sporting breeds is decreasing, while the need for gentle, adaptable, and easily trainable family companions is increasing. Creating new breeds that cater to these specific requirements could prevent breeders from attempting to modify existing breeds, which may already carry extreme or outdated temperamental traits. If a new breed were to be developed in today's world, it must be done with careful attention to what we now know about canine genetics. Most existing breeds are constantly working to better their genetic diversity and health across the breed. A new breed could have the chance to establish a population of dogs from the get-go which was focused on health and diversity, especially if it did not conform to any previous written physical standard and could be created with health and temperament at the forefront. This is not to say that physical standards are completely irrelevant, however. It may seem superficial, but the appearance of a dog does also play a significant role in a potential owner's decision-making process and therefore must be considered as well. People are naturally drawn to certain physical traits, such as coat type, size, and color, and these characteristics are often a key factor for them when choosing a breed. Grooming is also an important component of a dog’s appearance, as some breeds require more maintenance than others. For example, long-haired or curly-coated dogs are often regarded as more "cute", but often demand more frequent grooming to maintain their looks and prevent matting. This can result in higher costs and more time spent on upkeep. When considering the existence of a new breed, it’s important to consider not only the health and temperament, but also visual appeal and the practical aspects of grooming, as this can affect the ease of ownership and potential added costs for families. Ensuring a balance between aesthetic preferences, manageable temperament, and thorough health screening could help create a breed for the needs of modern pet owners, who are seeking a dog that is both visually appealing and practical to care for. 

Recently, new "breeds" like "doodles" (Poodle mixes) or "Pomskies" (Pomeranian-Husky mixes) may appear to be fulfilling the modern desire for this new breed of dog, often combining desirable traits like hypoallergenic coats or smaller sizes with active, playful personalities. However, these dogs don't adhere to any established breed standard with no attempts to create one, and are often just the result of two purebred dogs being bred together with no long-term breeding plan in place. As first or second-generation crosses, these dogs have highly unpredictable genetic outcomes, making it difficult to ensure consistency in traits like temperament, health, or appearance. Even when multigenerational breeding is involved, these dogs can still display a wide range of undesirable characteristics, including health issues and poor temperament, because they are often bred without a clear goal in mind. Additionally, many of these hybrid dogs come from less-than-reputable breeders who prioritize profit over the welfare of the animals, leading to further risks for the dogs and their future families by using and producing animals with poor temperaments and/or a slew of health issues.  Most of these "breeds" also have purebred "counterparts" that look almost identical and have much more predictable traits in terms of health, appearance, and temperament. People often use lack of availability of these purebreds as an excuse to breed "hybrids" or "designer" animals, but in reality that simply proves the need for more breeders of these kinds of purebreds, not a need to create more obscure mixes with unpredictable traits. Without clear standards and a focus on health, these so-called "designer breeds" often fail to deliver the consistency and reliability that true breeds with established standards offer.

Creating a new dog breed ethically and correctly would require a significant amount of collaboration and resources. It would involve a team of breeders, geneticists, veterinarians, and dog behaviorists working together to ensure that all health testing is thoroughly done, including screening for hereditary diseases specific to the breed. It should also bring something to the table that a current purebred cannot. Establishing consistent standards for both appearance and temperament would also be crucial, and would take many generations of careful breeding. Additionally, the financial commitment involved would be considerable, given the need for extensive testing, proper record-keeping, and the cost of breeding multiple dogs to achieve the desired outcome. However, while it would be a complex and costly process, it is theoretically possible to create a new breed that is healthy, stable, and meets modern needs, provided there is a strong commitment to ethical practices and long-term planning. Until all of these things have been performed, however, the creation of new breeds or attempt to intentionally breed off standard dogs of an existing breed is unethical. 

Some may say that the creation of any new breed or the breeding of any purebred dog is unethical while rescue dogs exist in shelters around the country. While rescue dogs are incredibly valuable and deserving of loving homes, purebred dogs are still needed in the world for a variety of reasons. Many people choose purebreds because they want to ensure a certain level of predictability in their dog’s temperament, behavior, and health, which can be important for families or individuals seeking specific qualities in a pet. Purebreds come with established breed standards that help potential owners understand what to expect, making the process of pet ownership more manageable and successful. This does not diminish the importance of adopting rescue dogs, but provides a reminder that it is equally valid for individuals to seek a breed that suits their lifestyle and needs. People should not be shamed for wanting to ensure the best possible outcome in their pet-owning endeavor and responsibly bred dogs from reputable breeders offer a level of predictability and support that is invaluable to many. 

When looking for a Prospect, it is important to know the basics of finding a good breeder of a Well Bred Dog.

Not all Purebreds are Well Bred; Purebred simply means the dog falls into the same genetic category as others of its kind, whereas Well Bred dogs are usually both Purebred and come with a verifiable history of health, temperament, and talent. 

A great place to start looking for a breeder is by going to the website or finding publications put out by the “Breed Club”. Most breeds have an individual “club” which exists independently of the overall registration agency like the AKC (American Kennel Club) or UKC (United Kennel Club).  Sometimes these are called “Parent Clubs or Parent Breed Clubs”. These clubs are often registered with the AKC and work collaboratively with them to maintain records and breed standards for their individual breeds. These Clubs all have standards for what kind of temperaments the dogs should have, and what health tests are required or recommended for the breed(s). Most clubs are very passionate about their breeds, and the recommendations are based on years of data.

Even though individual breed clubs are often recognized by and collaborate with entities like the AKC, it’s important to understand that papers such as AKC (American Kennel Club) registration are not necessarily indicators of quality or ethical breeding. While AKC registration confirms a dog’s pedigree, it doesn't guarantee the health, temperament, or suitability of the dog for their intended purpose.

A responsible breeder focuses on health testing, ensuring that both the sire and dam have been screened for hereditary conditions common to their breed. Beyond health, reputable breeders demonstrate the breed’s intended characteristics, often through success in activities like dog shows, sports, or working tasks.

Many breeders advertise “Fully health tested” dogs with no actual proof other than “Embark for Breeders” or other similar “DNA Swab” based tests. These tests are not adequate and are scams used by Backyard Breeders to seem reputable.

It’s important to ask questions of any prospective breeder.

For example, most breed clubs recommend “OFA Hip testing”. Asking for things like “OFA Records” can help verify if a breeder is truly reputable. Being as specific as possible when referencing the Breed Club's requirements is one of the most important things that can be done to weed out Backyard Breeders. Most Breed Club pages will list the specific health tests that are recommended, and links to their individual databases of results. Be sure to look up the actual numbers given by breeders in the databases provided by the companies performing the tests, as it is unfortunately becoming common to fake or photoshop health test results. 

 Moreover, a good breeder doesn’t simply let families pick a puppy based on superficial traits like color or gender; instead, they match puppies to families based on temperament, energy levels, and compatibility with the home environment. This thoughtful approach ensures that each puppy goes to the home where they are most likely to thrive, benefiting both the dog and the family in the long term.  

A good breeder should have no issue with disclosing relevant information, and a truly outstanding breeder should be proud to showcase the health and accomplishments of their dogs publicly! 

Another important thing to look at when choosing a breeder, is what they are doing with the pups during their earliest days. When raising puppies, several methods are employed to ensure they develop into well-adjusted dogs with balanced temperaments. While these are not as important as finding a breed that fits your needs and making sure they are correctly health tested, finding a breeder that does as much as possible to ensure success is vital when choosing a Service Dog Prospect. There are a variety of different tests and curriculums in which people may choose to follow when raising puppies in general. Here we will cover some of the most reputable and reliable ways of shaping and determining early puppy behavior and creating a successful Prospect. 

Among these is a test called the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test (PAT). This test is widely used by breeders to assess a puppy's traits and predict how it might behave in various environments. This test evaluates behaviors like social attraction, following, restraint, and sound sensitivity, providing insights into the puppy's sociability, energy levels, and adaptability to stressors like noise or handling​. Another key approach is Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), which involves a series of exercises performed with puppies from 3 to 16 days old. ENS aims to enhance neurological development and can improve the puppy’s ability to cope with stress, making them more adaptable and resilient later in life​. Finally, Puppy Culture, a structured socialization program, is also a fantastic program for a breeder to employ. It encourages exposure to various experiences, sounds, environments, and people during the critical early weeks of life. This method focuses on creating a solid foundation of mental and physical health through gentle and positive exposure to the world, making puppies more confident and socially well-rounded​
Together, these techniques and others—combined with careful health testing and observation—are part of a responsible breeding and early development program that prepares puppies for a successful life with their new families. These approaches ensure not only good health but also optimal temperament, providing a positive experience for both the dog and its owners. 

These techniques and tests do go much more in depth than we have covered here; if you are searching for a prospect, we recommend connecting with us or another qualified trainer, in order to assist you in evaluating which pup would be the most suitable candidate for your needs. Breeders should be hiring qualified professionals to perform temperament tests if they claim to offer them, and should not be performing them themselves. This is simply a quick guide that is being provided to help those who may not have access to paid assistance to formulate good questions and make informed decisions when choosing their Prospect. 

  Raising a puppy with the intent of it becoming a service dog is not drastically different from raising any other puppy. Many people believe that dogs whom are destined to become Service Dogs must be kept under lock and key, and have strict training and living regimens that must be followed. This is not the case. The foundation for creating a reliable Service Dog lies in fostering focus during critical socialization periods, and exposing the dog to diverse sights, sounds, and experiences. During the dog's critical socialization period, which occurs in the first few months of life, Service dogs should still be allowed to enjoy themselves—playing, exploring, and interacting freely with their environment—because these experiences help develop confidence and adaptability. Strict obedience training or task-training can wait; there will be plenty of time to refine these skills later. Prioritizing positive, varied experiences lays the groundwork for producing a well-balanced, reliable adult dog capable of excelling in a service role.  One thing that should be limited for any puppy, however, is length of interaction in a new or overstimulating environment. It's extremely important to make sure the pup is having positive interactions, not being forced to tolerate a situation. We recommend limiting stimulating interactions or training sessions to only 5 minutes at a time for each month of age. An individual pup may be able to tolerate more than one of these sessions per day, but they should not exceed this 5 minute per month limit on each session without having a large amount of down time in between for the puppy to process and mentally reset. 

For more information on properly socializing your pup, please see our Puppy Corner page! 

Training a service dog typically spans two years, with each stage building upon the last. Here we have provided a rough timeline for those that are wondering about where to go from here. We recommend working with a trainer throughout all of these stages even if you are "Owner-Training", as it provides invaluable insight and support. 

Puppy Selection and Early Socialization (8-12 weeks): At this stage, selecting the right puppy is crucial. Trainers typically look for puppies that are confident, calm, and eager to learn. Early socialization is key, exposing the puppy to various environments, sounds, people, and other animals. This helps develop resilience and adaptability.

Basic Obedience and Focus Training (3-6 months): During this period, puppies begin learning essential commands like "sit," "stay," and "come." Focus is emphasized, as the dog needs to be able to tune out distractions. Socialization continues, with the dog exposed to different public settings to ensure it remains calm and non-reactive. Harness training also begins around this stage to familiarize the dog with the equipment it will wear during work. We have more information on the correct way to socialize puppies without compromising their ability to focus on our "Puppy Corner" page! 

Specialized Task Training (6-12 months): This is where the service dog's specialized tasks begin to take shape. Depending on the handler's needs, dogs might be trained to assist with mobility, medical alerts, or guiding individuals. This is a more complex phase, requiring repetition and reinforcement. The dog learns specific tasks that will aid the handler in daily life, such as retrieving objects or alerting to a medical condition.

Public Access and Advanced Task Training (12-18 months): In this phase, service dogs begin to practice public access training in real-world settings like busy streets, public transportation, or stores. The focus here is on maintaining calm behavior in busy or distracting environments. The dog continues to refine its tasks, working under pressure, and ensuring it remains focused on the handler’s needs.

Final Testing and Graduation (18-24 months): By this point, the dog should be capable of performing its tasks consistently and remain focused even in busy environments. If being trained by a professional or organization, it often undergoes evaluations to ensure it is fully prepared to assist its handler in any situation. Once it passes these assessments, the dog is considered ready for service. There are no assessments required to consider a dog a fully fledged service dog on a federal level, however it is recommended that the dog be able to fulfil the requirements set forth by the ADI Public Access Test. 

The Requirements for this test can be found by Clicking Here. 

All dogs are individuals just like us; therefore this timeline can vary depending on the individual dog's personality and the complexity of the tasks required. Service dogs are typically ready to assist between 18 and 24 months of age. As stated above, this is provided as a guideline for those that may not have access to a trainer, may not know where to start, or may be wondering if the large commitment of a service dog is truly right for them and their disability. We recommend that everyone seeking a service dog to mitigate their disabilities either obtains a dog from a qualified trainer or organization, or works in collaboration with one when training their own prospect.