top of page

PRACTICAL COURSE, BASIC

WELPENKURS WEBSEITE.png

The Terms and Conditions apply.

PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR DOG OWNERS

MANDATORY TRAINING

According to Zurich's dog law, anyone who gets a new dog or moves to the canton of Zurich with a dog after June 1, 2025, must complete practical dog training .


The training can also be completed voluntarily, if desired. Perhaps if you have had your dog for a long time and would like to work on his basic training. Alternatively, you may wish to acquire up-to-date knowledge about your dog or refresh your existing expertise.


The practical dog training course “Basic” covers the following learning objectives of the Canton of Zurich:


  • Strengthening the bond and relationship between humans and dogs.

  • Recognizing and understanding dog body language .

  • The basics of dog training .

  • How to safely handle your dog in challenging situations in a way that's appropriate for the animal.

  • Muzzle training .


The canton of Zurich considers it important - and HUNDHOCH2 couldn't agree more - that dog owners handle their canine companions responsibly so that they do not pose a threat to other people or animals . Dog owners should be able to master everydays' life with their dogs in a courteous and considerate way toward others. And they should be able to handle their dogs reliably, even in demanding situations.


To achieve this, they need solid, consistent, but also kind basic training on the basis of positive reinforcement, as taught at HUNDHOCH2.



GETTING READY FOR THE COURSE

For those who would like to prepare for the mandatory practical dog training course , a six-week preparatory course is available.


By attending it, passing the practical course will be easier and learning more sustainable .


If you have not attended a theory course, we recommend that you work thoroughly through the excellent booklet “Dog Training Theory” published by the Zurich Veterinary Office.


This will give you a solid foundation of knowledge about dogs, their needs, behavior, and learning methods before you start the practical dog training course, allowing you to get the most out of it.


BOOKLET “DOG TRAINING THEORY”


COURSES AND DATES
2026

BASIS M1.26 E / English

  • Monday, March 2 - May 4, 2026

  • 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm

  • 60 minutes each, 8 sessions

  • Training location Feldmeilen

  • Dates: March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, March 30, April 13, April 27, May 4 / May 11, 2026 (reserve)

  • No training: April 6 (Easter Monday), April 20, 2026 (spring break, 1st week)


BASIS M2.26 E / English

  • Monday, May 18 - August 24, 2026

  • 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm

  • 60 minutes each, 8 sessions

  • Training location Feldmeilen

  • Dates: May 18, June 15, June 22, June 29, July 6, July 13, August 17, August 24 / August 31, 2026 (reserve)

  • No training: May 25, 2026 (Whit Monday), June 1/8, 2026 (HUNDHOCH2 vacation), July 20–August 10, 2026 (school holidays, middle four weeks)

KURSBESCHREIBUNG

COURSE INSTRUCTORS

Kirsten Klein, Owner

COURSE DETAILS

GOOD TO KNOW

  • In a group . Or one-to-one .


DOG'S AGE

  • For dogs aged 6 months and older


NUMBER OF LESSONS

  • GROUP and ONE-TO-ONE: Course with 8 training lessons , each lasting 60 minutes.


COURSE DATES

  • GROUP: See respective courses / 60 minutes each. No courses on public holidays.

  • ONE-TO-ONE: Can be scheduled individually . Private courses can be scheduled according to your individual preferences. Further dates and times will be decided during the first lesson.


NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

  • GROUP : Max. 4-5 dogs and their owners. The minimum number of participants for the course to take place is 3.

  • ONE-TO-ONE : 1 team of dog and owner / 1 dog-owning family.


COURSE FEE

  • GROUP: CHF 379 (including training materials, see below).

  • ONE-TO-ONE: CHF 779 (10% discount on 8 one-to-one lessons of 60 minutes each, including training materials, see blow).


COURSE MATERIALS

  • Mandatory practical course / BASIC PACKAGE / Set of training cards with all the exercises we cover within the practical course. Plus information folder with handouts and further information material.

  • Printed in Switzerland in small numbers.


COURSE CONCEPT

  • The lessons cover the learning objectives specified by the Veterinary Office of the Canton of Zurich.

  • In addition, a great deal of knowledge is passed on.


CONFIRMATION COURSE

  • Once you have successfully completed the practical course, HUNDHOCH2 will enter it into the Amicus dog database within 10 days.

  • Within this period, you will receive a written course certificate , including an overview of the learning objectives you have achieved.


MANDATORY PRACTICAL TRAINING COURSE CANTON ZURICH

  • Further and detailed information on the mandatory course requirement in the Canton of Zurich can be found on the HUNDHOCH2 page “MANDATORY COURSES.”

  • To do this, click on the submenu   “MANDATORY COURSES” in the selection menu on the menu page “COURSES.”

CONTENT

The basic course focuses MAINLY on ( learning objectives of the Canton of Zurich):

  • Strengthening the bond and relationship between humans and dogs.

  • Recognizing and understanding dog body language .

  • The basics of dog training .

  • How to safely handle your dog in challenging situations in a way that's appropriate for the animal.

  • Muzzle training .

Including

  • Marker and praise words, used precisely

  • Eye contact, spontaneous and on signal

  • Sit and lay down wn with release signal

  • Reorientation signal

  • Effective recall

  • Changing Sides

  • Heel and leash walking

  • Drop it

  • Leave it

  • Encounter training

  • Relaxation signal

  • Muzzle training

  • Optional: Medical training


In addition, as in all other HUNDHOCH2 courses, a LOT OF KNOWLEDGE is passed on, via the HUNDHOCH2 INFORMATION FOLDER:

  • Tips and tricks for successful training.

  • The needs of dogs.

  • How to be a good dog owner.

  • Responsibilities and laws / code of conduct for everyday life.

  • The importance of visual and auditory signals (commands).

  • Dog behavior.

  • And much more.

GOOD TO KNOW

TRY-OUT LESSON

  • A free try-out lesson is always possible before you sign up for a course. Please note that dogs are not allowed during the try-out lesson.

  • If you would like to sign up for a try-out lesson, we ask that you notify HUNDHOCH2 in advance by submitting the contact form (see menu bar, via "Contact Form").

  • Once HUNDHOCH2 has confirmed, you are ready to attend the trial lesson.


PLEASE NOTE

  • Please do not feed your dog for around two hours before the training lessons.

  • All dogs attending lessons must be microchipped and registered with AMICUS and your residential municipality .

  • All dogs attending training must be sufficiently vaccinated, dewormed and healthy (no diarrhea, vomiting, coughing or similar conditions)

  • Accompanying persons are of course welcome. Children must be supervised appropriately.

Please bring the following EQUIPMENT to every training session:

  • Robust clothing and weather-appropriate footwear.

  • A number of poop bags .

  • Junior dogs must wear a harness!

  • Adult dogs can wear either a collar or a harness.

  • Training leash , approx. 2 meters long.

  • No extension leashes .

  • Food bag for reward treats, best with a waist belt or for attaching to a belt.

  • “Jackpot” reward (lickable paste or small, soft, and high-quality food treats, eg, small pieces of sausage or cheese).

  • Regular, relatively soft treats , about three handsful.

  • In case of wet/cold weather, a raincoat or warm coat for sensitive dogs.

HOW TO GET THERE

TRAINING LOCATION

 HUNDHOCH training site, Feldmeilen


 ARRIVAL

  •  Please plan enough traveling time so that you and your dog can arrive at the training location relaxed and your dog has time to relax itself before training begins.
  •  Training lessons take place in all weather conditions.
  •  If, in exceptional circumstances, HUNDHOCH2 is forced to cancel lessons due to weather conditions (hail, storms, etc.), you will be informed in advance.

RULES | CODE OF CONDUCT

HUNDHOCH2 kindly asks all customers to comply with the HUNDHOCH2 training conduct code and the training rules .


The aim is to ensure that all training sessions run smoothly and without disruption, and that both humans and dogs get the most out of the training.


These are the most important rules. You can find more in the terms and conditions.

  • Participants should arrive at the training location about 5 minutes prior to the start of training.

  • Dogs should not be fed for around 2 hours prior to training.

  • Dogs should have completed their toilet needs prior to training.

  • There is a strict obligation to clean up after your dog on and around the training grounds, as is the rule everywhere else within the canton of Zurich.

  • Dogs must remain on the leash upon arrival at the training.

  • Towing leashes must only be used with a chest harness .

  • Please do not use extendable leashes during training – there is a risk of injury.

Out of consideration for other participants and their dogs, the following applies:

  • Dogs on a leash must always be kept at a reasonable distance from other owner-dog teams (at least 2 leash lengths).

  • Dogs must only be let off the leash with the permission of HUNDHOCH2 .

  • Without prior agreement, there must be no contact between dogs when they are on a leash.

  • Other dogs may not be stroked or fed without prior consultation .

  • Hole digging is forbidden anywhere on the premises.

  • Mobile phones must be kept in customers' bags on silent mode during training sessions. Photography and video recording may be permitted after prior approval by the course instructor and other participants.

  • Smoking is strictly forbidden during training sessions.

  • Liability insurance is the responsibility of participants.

bottom of page