Is it acceptable for a very young service dog in training to be taken to no pets areas solely for socialization?

I could be wrong about this, but I believe that real service dogs wear vests that state they are a service dog or a service dog in training. Within the last couple of years I've seen two service dogs in training to be seeing eye dogs. One was in a hospital and the other in a JoAnne Fabric Store. Normal dogs aren't taken to either of those places, unless it's a Therapy Dog that would be visiting a hospital. When I mean a Therapy Dog I don't mean a dog that's an ESA. I mean a dog that has passed everything through the TDI program in which it IS allowed to visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools and libraries, just as examples. I don't think that the dog you're talking about is a service dog in training. I think it's that persons ESA which is NOT allowed in no pet areas. The next time you see this person with their dog, go up to the service desk and ask to speak to a manager, or at least tell someone at the service desk to go check out the situation. A person should NOT be allowed to take PET into a no pet area.

Nope, it's not allowed, period. Until it completes it's training It's Not A Service Dog, At All.

What Service does it perform?

Are service-animals-in-training considered service animals under the ADA?

No. Under the ADA, the dog must already be trained before it can be taken into public places. However, some State or local laws cover animals that are still in training.

Therefore it's not allowed in no pet areas, until fully trained.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) doesn't require Service Dogs to have any formal/professional training, no documentation (any "papers" are a courtesy offered by SD training organizations, but are not legally binding, nor are they legally required), etc...

However, the law does not protect service dogs in training. A dog must be trained and able to perform their task as a service dog, for a person with a disability, before they are given any federal legal recognition and can be taken places where dogs are prohibited.

But... (and this is the gray area)... per the law, in order for a dog to be considered a service dog and granted those rights, they must be trained to perform a duty or task that helps mitigate the person's disability. Socialization and obedience training are not required - however, the law allows for businesses/places that otherwise prohibit dogs to kick out a service dog who is disruptive (beyond what's reasonable) and shows aggression. ie: if a dog is jumping up on a service counter, they can be kicked out; if a dog is showing aggression toward people (or other service dogs) in a space, they can be kicked out; etc... Which means that though socialization and obedience training are not explicitly legally required, they are kind of de facto requirements - at least a bare minimum, to keep a dog well-behaved in any situation.

So, there IS the possibility that the dog in question is a service dog (trained to perform such a duty/task), and therefore has every legal right to be there, but is not yet properly socialized or trained to behave with people (ie: generally to not show any aggression, but to also - for the most part - ignore people... a friendly dog who jumps on/pulls to see everyone they meet would also be problematic). It's possible he's just trying to train those traits for what is already a service dog (legally speaking) - ie: teaching the dog how to greet people in a calm way, without jumping on them or pulling to get to them/say hi. Which would make sense... if he's training his dog to approach people in a calm manner, it would be reasonable training, and would be legally allowed IF the dog is already trained to perform a duty/task relevant to the man's disability. If that's the case, then he - and his dog - have every right to be there and use it as a training experience. If the dog has not yet learned a duty/task to help with a disability, then that's moot, the dog is not a service dog, and have no legal right to be there (but whoever owns the space may still allow it). But just because the dog is undergoing socialization training does not mean the dog isn't already trained in a way that would make him/her a service dog. A dog cannot be excluded because they're still in training if they fit the criteria for a service dog (ie: are trained in that task) as it's valid training *beyond* the minimum requirements for a service dog, but can be excluded if they aren't yet trained to perform that task (and thus aren't a service dog).

Also, though per federal law service dogs in training are not protected, many states have laws that do protect them and allow them anywhere a service dog would be allowed.

This is the ADA FAQ for service dogs: https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.htm...

As for any state laws for service dogs in training, that would be specific to the state this is in.

Sdit aren't protected like full service dogs.

And this isn't appropriate training or socialization. A sdit would be worked in public and trained to do his task and IGNORE distractions. "Socialization" is done during the first year, not as part of the formal training

Service Dogs in training often wear vests saying as much. The only way to teach them to ignore humans other than their person is to expose them to the stimulus and reinforce the habit of ignoring strangers.

Additionally, "socialization"encompasses so much more in dogs than human socializing. It's about teaching them to be comfortable in many situations and starts in a breeders home (service dogs are usually bred) with exposure to a variety of surfaces, getting along with litter mates, meeting new people and animals alike. Like I said, it isn't the doggy version of sitting down for a beer with your buddies.

Service Dogs in training are not mentioned in the ADA, but many states (like NJ) service dog's in training have full public access for training purposes. SERVICE DOGS ARE NOT PETS!!!

Right no service dog is trained all day that would be demead as cruel and also even puppies are given vests to wear he is a sham! (experience with helping train guide dogs for the blind as a volunteer) also you NEVER approach people with a dog for socialisation they have to come to the dog, also full day without rest should be reported see this causes hip and joint issues in the dog, also 20months old.... thats old normally training starts almost immediately... sorry but he is full of it.

Laws regarding service dogs in training vary by location. In the USA, federal law provides them no public access, but many state laws do make provisions for them (often with restrictions). However, regardless of legality, it's not usual or wise for a service dog in training to be allowed to play with and greet tons of people. While they are socialized extensively, that doesn't mean they play with or greet people. Rather, they're taught to ignore them and focus on their handler.

Something is wrong with that situation. Service animals are trained to do a job not socialization. If he wants to socialize his dog, then go to the dog park.

It doesnt make sense. The dog is supposed to be trained to ignore distractions like random people, not go up to them to play.

If the owner wanted to socialize the dog, it should be taken to a dog park.