🎓 Official Online Dog Owner Theory Course

Required in Zürich – Valuable for Every Dog Lover

Bark & Bone Group of women and dogs gathered in a modern, minimalist kitchen with white cabinets and pendant lights. Some women are wearing matching 'bark & bone' T-shirts, and one woman is holding a small white dog.

✅ Theory - 100% online, flexible, and full of real-life insight. Ends with an exam in our beautiful location in Samstagern (for the ones who require certificate for Canton Zurich)

✨ Even if you’ve had dogs before, this course will sharpen your perspective, refresh your confidence, and deepen your bond

🐾 What is this course?

If you’re a new dog owner in Canton Zurich, the law requires you to take a theory course about dog behavior and communication.

Our online course makes it easy, flexible, and even fun to fulfill this obligation - from the comfort of your home. Once complete, you’ll book a short in-person exam in Samstagern, and receive your official certificate.

✅ Mandatory for all new dog owners in Canton Zurich, valuable for everyone!

✅Recognized by the Canton Zurich / Certified by Veterinary Office
✅ Includes Exam + Certificate of completion for Canton Zurich!

This course includes:

✅ 2.5 hrs Online Theory Course

✅ 30 min exam

✅ certificate for your Gemeinde (municipality)

✅ available in German or English

  • 🖥 Theory Session

    • 100% online via Zoom

    📝 Final Exam (only if you need the official certificate for Canton Zurich)

    • Short 30-minute quiz, held in person at our Bark&Bone location in Samstagern

  • 🖥 Online Theory Session

    • Duration: approx. 2.5 hours (including a 15-minute break)

    📝 Final Exam (only if you need the official certificate for Canton Zurich)

    • Short 30-minute quiz, held in person at our Bark&Bone location in Samstagern

    • Takes place every second week

    • Required by the Canton to receive your official confirmation

  • Next dates for Theory course:

    • in English:

      • Wednesday, 8.10.2025 at 17:00

      • Wednesday 12.11.2025 at 17:00

    • in German: Wednesday 29.10.2025 at 17:00

  • CHF 250 incl. exam fee and certificate for your municipality.

    in case you don’t need exam & certification, you’ll get a special CHF 50 discount. Just enter the coupon code “WITHOUTEXAM” at checkout.

What will you learn:

🐾 How dogs think, learn, and communicate:

🧠 How your dog sees, hears, and smells the world

🐾 What dogs really need to feel safe and happy

🤝 From puppy to senior: how your dog grows and learns

🧍‍♀️ How dogs show emotions through body language

😨 Stress, fear & aggression: the 4 ways dogs react

👀 How to spot calming and warning signals early

🚫 Common dog myths you can forget: dominance, puppy protection & more


🧠 What shapes dog’s behavior - and how to guide it without force

🧠 General Learning Theory: How dogs learn

👃 Getting used to vs. getting sensitive: Habituation & Sensitization

🔔 Classical Conditioning: When signals trigger emotion

🎮 Operant Conditioning: How actions lead to consequences

🍗 Rewards that truly work (and what “positive” means in training)

🚫 Punishment: Why does it often backfires and creates fear or confusion

🔁 Generalization: Why dogs don’t “just know” the same rule everywhere

🐕‍🦺 How to prevent conflict, reduce stress, and build long-term trust

🚶‍♀️ How to handle your dog in everyday life and public spaces

⚖️ What the Zurich dog law expects from you

🚗 Travelling with Your Dog

Frequently asked questions:

Exam

  • 📊 The test contains 25 questions.
    ✅ You’ll need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass.

    The exam includes a mix of question types to test your understanding in a fun and practical way:

    📝 Question types include:

    • Single & multiple choice

    • Sorting (e.g. correct order of actions)

    • Matching (e.g. behavior to meaning)

    Don’t worry - the course prepares you thoroughly!

  • No stress - you’ll have the chance to review your answers and retake the test if needed at a small additional of fee of +CHF 40.

  • Life happens - we get it! You can reschedule the course with 48 hours’ notice.

  • Yes, absolutely! If you’re just curious to learn more about dogs, behavior, communication or plan to get a dog in the future (outside of Zürich), you’re very welcome to take the course without the exam.

    💸 And because you don’t need certification, you’ll get a special CHF 50 discount. Just enter the coupon code “WITHOUTEXAM” at checkout.

    You’ll still get full access to all course materials, videos, handouts, and knowledge - just without the obligation to book a test.

  • Yes! This course is based entirely on the official content required by the Kanton Zürich and the Veterinäramt (Veterinary Office). After completing the course and passing the in-person exam, you’ll receive an official certificate.

Organisational

  • Life happens - we get it! You can reschedule the course with 48 hours’ notice.

  • Yes, absolutely! If you’re just curious to learn more about dogs, behavior, communication or plan to get a dog in the future (outside of Zürich), you’re very welcome to take the course without the exam.

    💸 And because you don’t need certification, you’ll get a special CHF 50 discount. Just enter the coupon code “WITHOUTEXAM” at checkout.

    You’ll still get full access to all course materials, videos, handouts, and knowledge - just without the obligation to book a test.

  • Yes! This course is based entirely on the official content required by the Kanton Zürich and the Veterinäramt (Veterinary Office). After completing the course and passing the in-person exam, you’ll receive an official certificate.

  • Absolutely. It’s actually ideal if you want to prepare before getting a dog - you’ll feel more confident, avoid common mistakes, and be ready to make informed decisions about your future companion.

    💡 Bonus: You’ll still receive the official certificate of completion, and it remains valid for 12 months. That means you can complete the course now and adopt a dog anytime within the next year.

  • Yes, please! If you're raising the dog together, it's best when everyone is on the same page. Whether it's your partner, children, roommate, or dog-loving grandma - anyone living in your household is welcome to join the course at no extra cost.

    However, please note:
    👉 The person who will be officially registered as the dog owner in the Swiss AMICUS database must be present throughout the course and is required to attend the in-person exam.

    That way, we ensure everything is compliant - and your dog gets a well-aligned team from the start!

  • Absolutely. You’re welcome to arrive by car - there’s free parking right in front of the Volg shop. Just pull into one of the spots and come on in!