The definition of “service animal in training” and “service prospect” is not consistently regulated, which allows me to fully embrace and benefit from this “in-between” stage of Drogon’s development—a stage I feel truly grateful for.

In Illinois, service animals in training are protected by equal access laws, allowing us to visit some of our favorite places with ease. During these outings, our sessions are intentionally brief, never exceeding an hour. They primarily consist of Drogon practicing “placing” or “settling” while doing absolutely nothing, with less than 3 minutes dedicated to command training. This slow and steady approach helps ease him into public environments step by step, gradually increasing the level of difficulty. By taking this time, Drogon learns to love his job rather than feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Instead of using patches that say “service animal in training,” we opted for “in training” to create a more approachable atmosphere. This choice encourages questions and interactions, providing valuable opportunities to test Drogon’s tolerance to being excluded from human conversations—a challenge, as he is highly driven by training cues and loves engaging in tasks. These brief sessions help him develop patience while maintaining his focus.

With a long-term goal in mind, we prioritize shorter, intentional sessions and practice plenty of patience. This approach helps us preserve Drogon’s strong confidence and determination, ensuring they remain harnessed and utilized effectively at each stage of his life.

We’ve also used this “in-between” stage as an opportunity to educate others and advocate for working canines, promoting their safety and happiness. By engaging in open conversations, we aim to break down stigma surrounding disabilities and the use of service animals, showing how they mitigate symptoms and help prevent severe injuries over time.

Sources:

https://www.animallaw.info/statute/il-assistance-animals-assistance-animalguide-dog-laws#s30_3

https://idhhc.illinois.gov/resources/service-animals-resources.html

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