Dog training in Zurich: compulsory for all new owners from 2025 - regardless of the dog breed
As already announced in our article at the beginning of April, the revised Dogs Act (HuG) and the associated Dogs Ordinance (HuV) came into force in the Canton of Zurich on June 1, 2025. This brings some changes regarding dog training in Zurich.
The new legal concept fundamentally changes the dog training system in Zurich: the training obligation that previously only applied to large or massive dogs is being abolished. From now on, all new dog owners will be subject to a general dog training obligation in Zurich.
What is sold as simplification brings new obligations and legal risks – especially for those who do not inform themselves in good time.
What has applied to dog training in Zurich since June 2025?
- Mandatory training for all new owners: Anyone keeping a dog for the first time or moving to the canton of Zurich with a dog from 1 June 2025 must complete recognized theoretical and practical training (§ 7 HuV new version).
- Regardless of breed or size, no distinction is made between large, bulky or small dogs – all new owners are obliged to comply unless an exception applies.
- The training is significantly shortened:
- Theory: approx. 2 hours, with examination (§ 10-12 HuV)
- Practice: 6 lessons of 60 minutes each (§ 13-15 HuV)
What does this mean for dog owners in concrete terms?
- More clarity on the breed – less leeway on behavior: The new law dispenses with breed type lists – instead, what counts is who adopts a dog and when.
- Anyone who adopts a dog after June 1, 2025 must undergo training – even if it is a Chihuahua.
- There are exceptions in certain constellations (e.g. change of owner within a household or older dogs) – but these must be proven and documented (§§ 8-9 HuV).
Fewer paragraphs – more personal responsibility
The new regulation does not mean that training will become less important – on the contrary:
- The authorities can also subsequently order training if a dog becomes conspicuous (e.g. biting incident, threat to persons).
- Those who voluntarily invest more, for example in puppy courses or further training, are often in a better position in the event of a dispute.
- Anyone who misses or ignores the legal requirements must reckon with fees, conditions or even legal proceedings.
Conclusion
The new dog law does not ease the burden – it shifts it. Instead of rigid requirements for certain breeds, there
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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the new dog training requirement in Zurich
The obligation applies to all persons who newly own a dog from June 1, 2025 or who move to the canton of Zurich with a dog after this date. This is a training obligation for new owners.
Yes, the new obligation applies regardless of the breed or size of the dog. In contrast to the old regulation, there is no longer a distinction between large and small dogs. Anyone who adopts a Chihuahua, for example, must also complete the training.
The training is significantly shorter than in the past and consists of two parts:
A theory course of approx. 2 hours, which concludes with an examination, and practical training comprising six lessons of 60 minutes each.
Yes, the law provides for exceptions in certain constellations, for example if the owner changes within the same household or if older dogs are adopted. However, these exceptions must be proven and carefully documented.
Anyone who does not meet the legal training requirements must expect consequences such as fees, official requirements or administrative proceedings. The authorities can also order training at a later date if a dog exhibits behavioral problems.
Matthias Fricker
Attorney at law and partner at Fricker and Füllemann Attorneys at Law
Studied at the University of St. Gallen, graduating with a Master in Law (M.A. HSG in Law) in 2012, registered in the Bar Register of the Canton of Zurich, member of the Zurich Bar Association.
Fabian Füllemann
Attorney at law and partner at Fricker and Füllemann Attorneys at Law
Studied at the Universities of St. Gallen and Zurich, graduating with a Master of Law UZH in 2013, registered with the Zurich Bar Registry, member of the Zurich Bar Association.
