ONLINE Theory Course + Exam
for the Canton of Zurich
Starting June 2025, we offer the mandatory theory course, which you are required to complete and pass with an exam. With us, you have the opportunity to complete both the THEORY COURSE and the EXAM ONLINE.
👉 Duration: approx. two hours
👉 Must be completed at the earliest 1 year BEFORE and
at the latest 2 months AFTER getting a dog
or after moving to the Canton of Zurich
👉 You’ll receive an online presentation covering various
important dog topics as defined by the canton.
COURSE CONTENT + EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS
YOU WON’T FIND AT ANY OTHER DOG SCHOOL:
1. Information about Dogs (20 minutes)
🧠 Dog’s senses: Especially smell, visual stimuli
🐾 Basic needs: Food, exercise, rest, grooming, social bonding
🤝 The dog as a social being: Development phases, socialization, communication, body language
🧍♀️ Calming signals, avoidance behavior, displacement behaviors
😨 Stress, fear, aggression & the “4 F’s” (Flight, Fiddle, Freeze, Fight)
🚫 Outdated theories: Dominance, puppy protection, misinterpretations
2. Learning Behavior (30 minutes)
🎓 General learning theory: Motivation, step-by-step training
👀 Social learning: Imitation
🎯 Conditioning:
Classical (e.g., startle due to noise),
Operant (e.g., reward for calm behavior)
🍖 Reinforcement: Types of rewards, everyday examples
🚫 Punishment: Why it’s problematic, misassociations
🔁 Generalization: Why dogs don’t automatically apply what they’ve learned elsewhere
3. Handling Dogs (30 minutes)
🔮 Anticipatory actions: Stimulus control, stress prevention
🐕 Leash handling, greetings, daily structure, rituals
🧰 Permitted tools: Harness, muzzle (short-term), Halti, etc.
❌ Forbidden tools: Prong collar, shock collar, anti-bark devices
🧩 Structuring daily life: Walks, activities, rest periods
📏 VETA behavior code: Leash obligation, recall, controllability
4. Getting a Dog (15 minutes)
⏱ Time and cost commitment
🐶 Choosing a dog: Puppy, adolescent, adult, senior dog
⚠️ Buying online & unethical breeding practices
🏠 Preparation: Home, car, basic supplies
5. Traveling with Your Dog (5 minutes)
🌍 Abroad: Entry requirements, health risks
🇨🇭 Return to Switzerland: Customs, ban on docked dogs
6. Dogs and the Law (20 minutes)
📜 Animal protection law: Housing, social contact, exercise, tools
⚖️ Zurich cantonal dog law: Leash requirements, waste disposal, mandatory training
🗃 Registration with AMICUS: Registration, changes, deadlines
We look forward to seeing you!
Your Swiss Dog School Team 🐾
