(Mandatory) Theory Course & Exam - Canton of Zurich
Mandatory? Yes. Boring? No! Exciting dog knowledge for calm, closeness and trust
Are you thinking about taking in a dog?
Or do you already have a four-legged roommate and want to do everything right from the start?
Since June 1, 2025, a Theory Course followed by a Test is now mandatory. This is prescribed by the new Dog Law and the new Dog Ordinance of the Canton of Zurich.
You can complete the course at the earliest 1 year BEFORE and at the latest 2 months AFTER you start keeping a dog
or after moving to the canton of Zurich.
Maybe you're sitting in front of your computer screen and thinking: "Theory course? Is that really necessary?"
I hear you. Compulsory sounds dry at first.
Good news: our course is anything but a chore!
It provides you with the knowledge that will help you to make your everyday life with your dog more relaxed, safer and more understanding. It's not just about paragraphs and theory - it's about knowledge relevant to everyday life that will help you understand your dog better and build a trusting relationship.
Ready for some real aha moments?
Course Overview
2-2.5 Hours | Online
Compulsory: for first-time dog owners in the Canton of Zurich from June 1, 2025 (more info in the FAQ)
Of course you can also participate to deepen your knowledge!
2-2.5 hours in a small group (max. 10 participants)
Location: Online via Google Meet – participate comfortably from home
Language: German & English - book your preferred language
Theory course including exam: 150.-
Exam takes place on a separate date; can be repeated if failed
Ended
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2 hr 30 min
What you will learn
The course follows the guidelines of the Zurich Veterinary Office. It is supplemented with some valuable content (e.g. on the subject of body language) that you won't get at any other dog school.
Knowledge about Dogs
approx. 20 Min
How dogs perceive the world
Smell, sight and hearing
What dogs really need
Exercise, nutrition, rest, care and social contact
Dog as a relational being
Development from puppy to adult dog, importance of socialization and bonding
Outdated knowledge, errors & myths
Why dominance theory, puppy protection and aversive training methods are outdated
Body Language & Communication
approx. 30 Min
Learning to read the language of dogs
Ears, tail, gaze, body tension and more
Calming signals
Recognize and interpret correctly
Avoidance behavior, displacement activities
Understand and react correctly
Typical signs of stress
Fear, excessive demands, forms of aggression and the “4 Fs”
Your body language
Why clear body language is also important for you
Learning Behavior & Training
approx. 30 Min
How dogs learn
Motivation, timing, repetition – explained in a practical way
Understanding learning principles
Classical and operant conditioning with examples
Positive reinforcement vs. punishment
Why modern dog training is based on relationships and which emotions lie behind training methods
Everyday learning and generalization
Why your dog is not “disobedient” but overwhelmed
Buying/Adopting a Dog
approx. 15 Min
Time expenditure, everyday life, costs
Realistically assess what awaits you
Which dog personality suits your life?
Age, origin, activity level
Breeder, animal welfare, placement or online?
What you should definitely pay attention to when looking at offers
Preparation is everything
Living situation, initial equipment, safety aspects in everyday life
Everyday Life with your Dog
approx. 25 Min
Act proactively
Assess situations correctly and make them stress-free
Greeting, leash, daily structure
How to give your dog orientation
What is allowed? What is forbidden?
Overview of aids in everyday life
Occupation and rest periods
Creating balance in dog life
The Veterinary Office Code of Conduct
Leash requirement, recall, controllability
Law
approx. 15 Min
What you need to know
Animal Welfare Act, keeping conditions and social contact
What the Zurich Dog Law means for you
Leash requirement, training, excrement removal
AMICUS – the dog register
Obligations for registration, relocation and change of ownership
Traveling with your Dog
approx. 5 Min
Out and about with a dog
What you need to know for traveling abroad (entry requirements, vaccination requirements)
Return to Switzerland
Customs regulations, import bans (e.g. docked dogs)
