Your lawyer for dog law informs: Dog courses in Switzerland – compulsory or voluntary?

The subject of dog training courses is a recurring topic of discussion. Basel-Stadt, for example, has officially reintroduced compulsory courses as of today. In the canton of Zurich, a corresponding obligation will also apply from June 1, 2025.

But what is the legal situation in other cantons? And what happens if you don’t comply with the regulations?

As lawyers specializing in dog law, we shed light on the most important issues surrounding dog training in Switzerland – from a legal, cantonal and practical perspective.

In which cantons are dog training courses compulsory?

Since the abolition of the national certificate of competence (SKN) in 2016, it has been up to the cantons to issue their own regulations on dog training. This has led to a patchwork of regulations.

✅ Cantons with mandatory dog training for first owners (as of 2025):

• Basel-Stadt (from April 1, 2025)
• Geneva
• Ticino
• Vaud
• Neuchâtel
• Lucerne
• Zurich (from June 1, 2025)

🔄 Partly compulsory or only for conspicuous dogs:

• Bern: Compulsory in the case of conspicuous dogs or by order of the authorities
• Aargau: compulsory for listed dogs

🚫 No general course specification:

• Many German-speaking Swiss cantons, e.g. Aargau, Lucerne, Thurgau, leave participation to the individual’s own responsibility

There are currently no uniform national rules. Anyone moving to another canton or traveling there with their dog should therefore find out about the relevant cantonal regulations.

What happens if you do not attend the course?

In cantons with compulsory courses, non-compliance is generally punishable:

• Dispositions by the veterinary office
• Warnings or fines
• Requirements such as a ban on muzzles, leashes or keeping dogs on leads
• In extreme cases: Confiscation of the dog

The specific sanction depends on the cantonal legislation and the individual case. If you react promptly and catch up on the course, you can often avert sanctions – however, legal assistance from a dog law lawyer is recommended.

Sense or nonsense? Legal and practical assessment

Opinions on compulsory dog courses vary. Critics see it as unnecessary bureaucracy and doubt the effectiveness of exam-free courses. Supporters argue in favor of prevention, safety and better human-dog communication.

From the perspective of a lawyer for dog law, we can say:

• The legal situation must be clear and proportionate – with comprehensible consequences.
• Courses should not only be compulsory, but also qualitatively effective.
• A preventive approach is often legally better than a repressive one – courses can help to avoid serious consequences such as bans or euthanasia.

In short, the benefits depend on the specific design – both legally and practically.

FF-Law – Your lawyer for dog law

We advise and represent dog owners throughout Switzerland:

• Problems with the veterinary office
• Proceedings for allegedly dangerous dogs
• Prohibitions on keeping animals or official requirements
• Disputes with neighbors, municipalities or owner liability

📞 Contact us for a consultation! – Competent, discreet and solution-oriented.

FF-Law – Lawyer for dog law