THEORY COURSE AND EXAM
The terms and conditions apply.
THEORETICAL TRAINING FOR DOG OWNERS
DUTY TO TRAIN
Anyone acquiring a dog or moving to the Canton of Zurich with a dog from June 1, 2025 onwards must complete theoretical training . After all, it is sensible, helpful, and useful for dog owners to have up-to-date theoretical knowledge about dogs.
VOLUNTARY TRAINING
Of course, the theoretical training can also be completed voluntarily . After all, even long-time dog owners benefit from acquiring up-to-date knowledge about their four-legged friend, or from refreshing their existing knowledge.
SCOPE
The theoretical training includes a theory course and a final written theory exam . Don't worry ! The exam is very manageable if you take the time to prepare thoroughly. It can also be retaken if you don't pass the first time. Which is no big deal at all. COURSE LANGUAGE
The language of instruction for the theory course is Swiss German or Standard German .
The exam can be taken in German or English .
TIME for the mandatory course attendance
At the earliest 1 year before the start of dog ownership / the move to the canton.
At the latest 2 months after the start of dog ownership / moving to the canton.
EXCEPTIONS from the course requirement
The law provides for some exceptions to the compulsory education requirement. The following persons are not required to complete theoretical training:
People who have kept a dog for at least 6 consecutive months within the last ten years .
People who take over the dog from spouses/partners , if the dog has been living in the shared household for at least six months.
Visually impaired persons who take on a guide dog from a guide dog school recognized by the disability insurance.
THEORY COURSE AND EXAM AT HUNDHOCH2
HUNDHOCH2 offers the theory course as a face-to-face event .
In cooperation with the partner dog training school Sandra Kliem .
The course takes place in one evening and lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
The mandatory exam (duration: 30 minutes) can be taken directly after the in-person event. However, it must be booked separately.
The exam includes 25 questions, of which at least 20 must be answered correctly to pass.
Anyone who doesn't pass the exam on the first attempt can easily retake it on another date. The exam fee will then be due again.
PREPARATION FOR THE COURSE
Participation requires thorough reading and working through the brochure "Dog Training Theory" from the Zurich Veterinary Office.
You can read or download it by clicking on the image of the booklet .
It can be helpful to read the examination regulations for the theory test. You can read or download them by clicking on the file .
COURSES AND DATES
APPOINTMENTS
The course evening is offered once a month , always on a Monday evening .
You can take the theory test afterwards, or at a later date. Please book the test separately.
2025
COURSE 5.25
Monday, November 24, 2025 , 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Exam from 9:15 p.m.
Last class evening for 2025.
2026
COURSE 1.26
Monday, January 19, 2026 , 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Exam from 9:15 p.m.
COURSE 2.26
Monday, February 23, 2026 , 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Exam from 9:15 p.m.
COURSE 3.26
Monday, March 30, 2026 , 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Exam from 9:15 p.m.
KURSBESCHREIBUNG
COURSE INSTRUCTORS
Kirsten Klein , owner of the dog training school HUNDHOCH2
Sandra Kliem , owner of the Sandra Kliem Dog School
COURSE DETAILS
COURSE LANGUAGE
Swiss German or Standard German, depending on participant preference. And speaker.
EXAMINATION LANGUAGE
GERMAN or ENGLISH .
DURATION
THEORY COURSE: Approx. 2.5 hours
THEORY EXAM : 30 minutes (please book separately)
COURSE REMUNERATION
THEORY COURSE: CHF 120
EXAM : CHF 40
INCLUDED
Drinks (mineral water)
Snacks
COURSE CONCEPT
The theory course covers the learning objectives specified by the Veterinary Office of the Canton of Zurich.
Information on the examination procedure can be found in the regulations for the theory examination , published by the Veterinary Office of Zurich.
CONTENT
The theory course covers the learning objectives that are mandatory according to the Canton of Zurich:
Basics of dog ownership
Canine needs
Health and Care
Behavior and body language
Learning theory
Upbringing
Use of training aids
Code of Conduct
Rights and obligations
Daily life with a dog
Exchange and questions
And other topics.
GOOD TO KNOW
TIME REQUIRED
The better prepared you are when you start the theory course, the more you will benefit from it.
It is recommended to read the theory booklet not just once, but perhaps in stages and several times . And to highlight the most important points.
Please allow at least the following amount of time for your theoretical training:
A single reading of the booklet "Dog Keeping Theory" from the Veterinary Office of the Canton of Zurich -> At least 2 to 4 hours, probably more.
Independent learning and exam preparation -> According to feedback from previous exam takers, it is recommended to start learning 3-4 weeks before the exam rather than too late.
Attendance at the theory course -> approx. 2.5 hours.
Taking the exam -> 0.5 hours.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
According to the Zurich Veterinary Office, unfortunately no general exceptions to the provisions of the Dog Act are provided for people with disabilities.
However, in individual cases, they could submit a request for exemption from the examination requirements to the Veterinary Office of Zurich.
The brochure "Dog Training Theory " is designed to be accessible . It can be read aloud or read with a screen reader.
AMICUS ENTRY / SUBMISSION OF CONFIRMATION TO THE MUNICIPALITY
Successful completion of the theory course including the exam will be confirmed by HUNDHOCH2 in the Amicus dog database within 10 days , provided the dog owner is already registered there.
You will receive a certificate of completion within 10 days of the test, which you submit to your local council when registering your dog. Alternatively, you must submit it no later than 3 months after you have started owning the dog.
Please remember that you are responsible for registering your dog with your local council in a timely manner .
MANDATORY PRACTICAL COURSE CANTON OF ZURICH
Further, detailed information on the mandatory course requirement in the Canton of Zurich can be found on the HUNDHOCH2 page "MANDATORY COURSES" .
To do this, in the selection menu on the "OFFER" menu page, click on the "MANDATORY COURSES" submenu.
Please bring the following to the theory course and the exam:
Nothing. A notepad and writing utensils are available.
HOW TO GET THERE
COURSE LOCATION
Schälehuus Leisure Club Meilen, Seestrasse 717, 8706 Meilen. Website with map : https://www.schaelehuus.ch/kontakt
Pfannenstil Equestrian Club / Clubhouse , Alter Herrenweg 10, 8706 Meilen. Website with map : Pfannenstil Equestrian Club / Contact . Please do not park directly at the clubhouse . Ample free parking is available at the Vorderer Pfannenstil Restaurant, opposite on the gravel lot, or near the clubhouse at the edge of the woods.
ARRIVAL
Please allow sufficient time for your journey so that you arrive at the course location relaxed and on time.
RULES | CODE OF CONDUCT
HUNDHOCH2 requests all customers to adhere to the HUNDHOCH2 code of conduct and/or course rules. hold. So that the theory course can run optimally and without disruption, and all participants can benefit to the greatest extent possible.
Here are the most important rules. Further rules can be found in the terms and conditions.
Participation without a dog .
Participants should arrive at the course location 10 minutes before the course begins.
During the theory course and the exam, customers' mobile phones must remain silent in their pockets.
Smoking is strictly prohibited during the course and the exam.
Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.