Dog Theory Course Zürich: Who Needs It and What to Expect

You've just gotten a dog — or you're planning to — and you're wondering whether you need to complete the mandatory theory course. The answer depends on your experience. Some owners must complete it; others are exempt. This article explains exactly what applies to you, what the course covers, what the deadlines are, and how to correctly submit your completion certificate to the municipality.

For a full overview of all obligations, read our main article first: Mandatory Dog Course Zürich.

Who must take the theory course?

The revised cantonal dog legislation (in force since 1 June 2025) requires the theory course from:

• First-time dog owners — you've never owned a dog before
• People without recent dog ownership experience — you haven't kept a dog for at least 6 consecutive months in the last 10 years

Not sure which category you fall into? A quick rule of thumb: if your last dog was more than 10 years ago — or if you only kept a dog for less than 6 months — you most likely need the theory course.

Who is exempt from the theory course?

The following people do not need to complete the theory course:

• Experienced dog owners: You have kept a dog for at least 6 consecutive months in the last 10 years.
• Spouse or partner takeover: You are taking over a dog from your spouse or life partner, and the dog has already lived in your shared household for at least 6 months.
• Visually impaired people with guide dogs: You are taking a guide dog from an IV-recognised school.

Important: being exempt from the theory course does not automatically exempt you from the practical course — that is required for all new owners in most cases. See: Practical Dog Course Zürich.

What does the theory course cover?

The theory course is not a dry bureaucratic formality — it gives you real practical knowledge that helps in everyday life with your dog. The content is set by the Veterinäramt of Canton Zürich and covers:

Legal framework

• Overview of the Zürich dog law (Hundegesetz) and the dog ordinance (Hundeverordnung)
• Obligations of dog owners (registration, AMICUS, insurance)
• Banned breeds in Canton Zürich

Dog behaviour and communication

• Social behaviour of dogs: how do dogs communicate with each other and with people?
• Reading body language: stress signals, wellbeing indicators, warning signs
• How dogs learn: the science of canine learning

Training and handling

• Foundations of positive reinforcement
• Common mistakes in dog training and how to avoid them
• Handling in everyday situations (leash work, encounters, public spaces)

Time and financial costs

• A realistic picture of what dog ownership involves
• Vet costs, insurance, food, equipment
• Holiday planning and care alternatives

Duration, format and exam

Duration: The theory course takes approximately 2 hours of learning time.

Format: You can choose between two formats:

• Online: A web-based course you complete at your own pace from home
• In-person: A course at an approved provider, often in a group setting

Both formats are officially recognised by Canton Zürich.

Exam: The course ends with a mandatory exam. The questions are set by the Veterinäramt of Canton Zürich. For online courses this is a digital assessment; for in-person courses it is typically written. When you pass, you receive a written confirmation from the provider.

Languages: Many providers offer the course in both German and English — ideal if German isn't your first language.

Deadlines: when do you need to be done?

There are three key dates to keep in mind:

Planning to get a dog soon? It is worth completing the theory course now. That way, after you bring your dog home, you can focus entirely on your new companion without this task hanging over you.

How to submit your certificate to the municipality

After passing the exam, your provider gives you a written confirmation. You must submit this to your municipality within 3 months of starting dog ownership.

Important note on AMICUS entry: The course provider records the passed exam in the national AMICUS dog database within 10 days — but only if you are already registered in AMICUS at that point. This is the case if you have already acquired and registered your dog.

If you completed the course before getting your dog, you are not yet in AMICUS. In that case, the trainer cannot make the AMICUS entry. Instead, you submit the written confirmation to your municipality, which then records the completion based on that document.

Practical tip: Ask your course provider directly how they handle the AMICUS entry — that way there are no surprises later on.

Quick summary

• The theory course is mandatory for first-time owners and those without recent dog ownership experience
• It takes approximately 2 hours and ends with a mandatory exam
• You can take it online or in-person — both formats are recognised
• Deadline: 2 months after starting dog ownership (course + passed exam)
• Submit the certificate: 3 months after starting ownership
• You can complete it up to 1 year before getting your dog

Take the quiz to get your personal deadlines calculated:

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legally binding advice. For binding information, please contact your municipality or the Veterinäramt of Canton Zürich.

Related articles

• Mandatory Dog Course Zürich — the complete overview
• Practical Dog Course Zürich — structure, learning goals, deadlines