Due to capacity constraints, we’re currently not offering mandatory courses in English until further notice. Thank you for your understanding.

 

For private coaching in English (see here) you can still contact us.

 

If you are looking for information about the mandatory courses (law Kanton Zurich), we will keep this English text here for you:


News Update:

From 1 June 2022, an updated dog law will (probably) come into force. This will lead to new mandatory courses: a two-hour theory course with examination, as well as a practical course consisting of six lessons. These courses apply to everyone who acquires a new dog from that time on. It does not matter whether it is a “big” or a “small” dog. The new mandatory courses cover ALL dogs and their owners. (Too many details are not yet known).

Until then, the previous dog law will apply

All those who have acquired / will acquire a dog before 31 May 2022 are subject to the “previous regulation”: Welpenkurs / Junghundekurs / Erziehungskurs. And only the “large dogs” are affected. “Small dogs” are exempt from these mandatory courses (but small does not necessarily mean “small” – in the case of mixed breeds it also depends on the parents –> that’s why we recommend this “course guide” when determining which courses are mandatory for you and your dog.

But compulsory or not

Dogs love to learn and work. Structured dog training is fun for humans and dogs and makes them grow together into a wonderful team.

We therefore recommend that ALL human-dog teams undergo a nice and solid basic training. This also includes a well-structured puppy course for socialisation… (We don’t offer mandatory puppy courses, but we do the rest ;-)). And – you can guess it, a solid basic training takes longer than just six or ten lessons – but is extremely worthwhile! We wish all human-dog teams lots of fun!

 


Which mandatory course do you have to take with your dog?

This course guide will give you the answer.

In case of doubt, your local administration (department “Hundekontrolle”) decides. Ask there if you are unsure. It’s best to have the information confirmed in writing.

 


Summary of mandatory courses in Canton of Zurich

Mandatory for small dogs

        • There is no mandatory lessons for small dogs since 01.01.2017
        • But of course it is highly recommended to visit dogschool (inkl. puppy lessons for socialisation)

Mandatory for large dogs ( Pedigree Type I)

If the dog is between 8 & 16 weeks old upon taking over

  • Puppy Group: min. 4 Lessons between the age of 8 to 16 weeks of age
  • Junghundekurs: min. 10 Lessons, between 16 weeks and 18 months of age. If learning targets are not reached, more training will be necessary.

Attention:

  • If the puppy group course was not attended, even though the puppy was in the canton of Zurich during that period, an Erziehungs-Course of a min. of 20 Lessons must be visited during the period set by the local administration and potential fine can be set by the authority.
  • If the Junghunde-Course was not attended, even though the young dog was in the canton of Zurich during the period, an Erziehungs-Course of a min. of 20 lessons must be visited during the period set by the local administration and potential fine can be set by the authority

If the dog is between 16 weeks and 18 months old upon taking over

  • Junghunde Course (incl. SKN-Practical Course): min. 10 Lessons, between 16 weeks to 18 months of age. If learning targets are not reached, more training will be necessary (provided the dog visited Puppy Group in time when he was a puppy – or he did not live in Canton of Zurich during his puppy period)

Attention:

  • If the puppy group course was not attended, even though the puppy was in the canton of Zurich during that period, an Erziehungs-Course of a min. of 20 Lessons must be visited during the period set by the local administration and potential fine can be set by the authority.
  • If the Junghunde-Course was not attended, even though the young dog was in the canton of Zurich during the period, an Erziehungs-Course of a min. of 20 lessons must be visited during the period set by the local administration and potential fine can be set by the authority

If the dog is older than 18 months, but younger than 8 years when acquiring or moving to the Canton of Zurich

  • Erziehungskurs (incl. SKN-Practical): min. 10 Lessons – if learning targets are not reached, more lessons are deemed to be visited during that first year