Keeping & legal obligations
What dog owners in Switzerland are required to do
Keeping a dog in Switzerland involves concrete obligations — from registering with the municipality to mandatory courses and liability insurance. Basic obligations apply throughout Switzerland. Several cantons have also adopted their own training obligation regulations going beyond federal law.
⚡ New regulations from 2024/2025
With the revised dog law of the Canton of Zurich (in force since 1 June 2025), three key points were changed: theory course with exam, standardised learning objectives for the practical course, and new certification requirements for trainers.
| Obligation | Deadline / Details |
|---|---|
| Registration with municipality | Within 10 days of taking over the dog |
| AMICUS registration | Within 10 days, central dog database |
| Microchip | Must be present and functional |
| Theory course | For first-time owners and people without a dog in the last 10 years |
| Practical course | Min. 6 lessons, within 12 months of taking over |
| Liability insurance | Min. CHF 1 million coverage — for all breeds |
| Dog tax | Payable annually to the municipality of residence |
Who is exempt from the training obligation?
The theory course is waived for anyone who has owned a dog for at least six months in the past ten years. People taking over a dog from their spouse or partner — if the dog has lived in the shared household for at least six months — are also exempt. The practical course is not mandatory if the dog is older than ten years.
Federal animal protection law
Beyond cantonal rules, the federal Animal Protection Ordinance (APoO) applies throughout Switzerland: daily social contact, outdoor exercise, adequate housing. Violations can be reported and prosecuted.
All 26 Cantons
Regulations by Canton
Select your canton for detailed information on training obligations.
Important for all cantons
Regardless of canton, the APoO minimum requirements apply everywhere: social contact, daily exercise, AMICUS registration and liability insurance. A course is still worthwhile even where not legally required.
§ 10 OD · Theoretical training
The theory course: what is covered?
The theory course lasts around two hours (online or in person) and ends with an exam. The content is structured into six subject areas based on cantonal veterinary office guidelines.
| # | Subject area | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Information about dogsSenses, needs, development & social behaviour | 20 min. |
| 2 | Learning behaviourClassical & operant conditioning, punishment | 30 min. |
| 3 | Handling dogsManagement, equipment, prohibited devices, daily life | 30 min. |
| 4 | Acquiring a dogBasic questions, choosing a dog, starter equipment | 15 min. |
| 5 | Travelling with a dogEntry and exit requirements abroad | 5 min. |
| 6 | Dog and the lawAPoO, dog law ZH, AMICUS registration | 20 min. |
Exam note
Exam questions come exclusively from learning objectives marked P (in-person) and H (handout). Optional content (F) is not examined.
What must owners know after the course?
A key topic is dog behaviour in difficult situations. The vet office stresses the «4 F» reactions: Flight, Fiddle about (displacement), Freeze and Fight. Recognising these early helps prevent escalation.
The dominance theory is considered outdated. Dogs must not be «dominated» — fear requires appropriate social support, not submission.
§ 13 OD · Practical training
The practical course: what must the dog learn?
The practical course requires at least six 60-minute lessons at a licensed dog school. It starts no earlier than the sixth month of the dog's life and must be completed within twelve months of taking over.
- 1
Promoting bonding and relationship
The dog responds attentively to the owner's signal. Owners know what is rewarding for their dog and can play in ways that strengthen the bond.
- 2
Recognising and understanding body language
Owners correctly interpret their dog's and other dogs' expressive behaviour — stress, fear, threat signals — and respond appropriately.
- 3
Basic training
Learning objectives: Sit, Lie down, 60-sec stay, Recall at 15 m, 50 m loose lead, Side change.
- 4
Safe handling in demanding situations
The dog on a lead can be guided calmly on the far side with a loose lead when passing people, joggers and other dogs.
- 5
Muzzle habituation
The dog voluntarily puts its snout into an animal-welfare-compliant muzzle for at least 10 seconds, without avoidance, stress or coercion.
Learning progress assessment
There is no final exam. Progress is assessed continuously over all six lessons, documented with the prescribed form. Confirmation can only be signed once all objectives are achieved.
Training approaches
Recognised training methods: what works — and what doesn't
Swiss animal protection law is clear: dog training must ensure socialisation. Methods causing pain, fear or excessive stress are prohibited.
«The rearing and training of dogs and dealing with them must ensure socialisation towards fellow animals and people.»
Animal Protection Ordinance, Art. 73 APoO
Classical and operant conditioning
In classical conditioning (CC), stimuli are linked to emotions — it always occurs and cannot be consciously controlled by the dog. In operant conditioning (OC), behaviour is reinforced or inhibited by consequences. Timing is critical: a reward must come within one second for the dog to understand the connection.
✓ Recommended
- Positive reinforcement with food, play or praise
- Reward-based training (clicker/marker)
- Consistent management rather than punishment
- Socialisation through graduated exposure
- Correctly fitted harness or collar
- Motivating training environment
✗ Prohibited or outdated
- Prong collars and choke chains without stop
- Electric devices (Teletac, E-collar)
- Striking with hard objects
- Rolling on back, scruff shaking
- Dominance-based «submission»
- Anti-bark devices of any kind
Why punishment is counterproductive
Physical correction can cause stress, insecurity and aggression. The dog receives no information about desired alternative behaviour. The vet office recommends preventing unwanted behaviour through management and reinforcing desired behaviour.
Animal Protection Act · Art. 76 APoO
Prohibited aids and actions
The APoO explicitly lists aids whose use is prohibited — even if available in shops. Legal consequences apply for violations.
Electric devices
Teletac, vibration collar, E-collar
Anti-bark devices
All types of bark prevention devices
Prohibited collars
Prong, choke and coral collars
Chemical devices
Spray collars and similar
Acoustic devices
Pet Gentle and similar
Docking
Tail and ear cropping, import prohibited
Reporting obligation
Incidents where a dog has seriously injured people or animals, or shows excessive aggression, must be reported to the cantonal authority (Art. 78 APoO).
What about banned breeds?
The Canton of Zurich maintains a breed type list II with banned breeds. Before acquiring a dog, check the currently banned breeds on the official cantonal website.
Daily obligations & rights
The dog in daily life: exercise, lead obligation and social contact
FAQ
FAQ: dog ownership in Switzerland 2025
Do I need the theory course if I have had a dog before?+
No — anyone who has owned a dog for at least six months in the past ten years is exempt. Also exempt: taking over a dog from a spouse or partner after at least six months of shared household.
Does the training obligation also apply to small dogs?+
Yes, since 1 June 2025 it applies to all dogs in the Canton of Zurich regardless of size. The gfs-zürich 2023 study found 50% perceive small dogs as less well trained.
Can I take the theory course online?+
Yes, online or in person — both are equivalent and must be offered by licensed trainers. The course ends with an exam.
By when must the practical course be completed?+
Within twelve months of taking over the dog. It starts no earlier than month six. Exception for dogs older than ten years.
How much does dog training cost approximately?+
Costs vary by provider and region. Annual costs include courses, dog tax, liability insurance (min. CHF 1 million), vet costs and any grooming. Comparing providers is worthwhile.
What happens if I do not register my dog with AMICUS?+
Registration is legally required within ten days, alongside municipal registration. Violations can result in fines.
What are the consequences if I do not comply with the training obligation?+
The Zurich dog law provides control mechanisms. Non-compliance can result in fines. Serious incidents trigger a reporting obligation to the cantonal authority.
Sources & further links
- Canton of Zurich — Dogs (Veterinary Office, 2025) ↗
- Animal Protection Ordinance (APoO), SR 455.1 ↗
- Veterinary Office ZH: learning objectives theory course § 10 (2024)
- Veterinary Office ZH: learning objectives practical course § 13 (2024)
- FSVO: Dogs in the law (March 2018)
- gfs-zürich: Dog bite prevention Canton of Zurich — final report (2023)