🎓 Official Online Dog Owner Theory Course
Required in Zürich – Valuable for Every Dog Lover
✅ Theory - 100% online, flexible, and full of real-life insight. Ends with an exam in one of our two beautiful locations: in Zurich City (Kreis 3) or in Samstagern, near Wollerau (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
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🖥 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 one of our Bark&Bone locations: in Samstagern (near Wollerau) or Zürich city (Kreis 3)
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🖥 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
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click on the button “book” below to see next dates
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CHF 195 for theory course + CHF 55 exam fee and certificate for your municipality.
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
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📊 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!
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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.
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Life happens - we get it! You can reschedule the course with 48 hours’ notice.
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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.
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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
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Life happens - we get it! You can reschedule the course with 48 hours’ notice.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Absolutely. You’re welcome to arrive by car - there’s free parking right in front of the Volg shop (for Samstagern) or right infront of the Shop in Zurich (yellow parkings9. Just pull into one of the spots and come on in!