The mandatory courses exist because living well together does not happen by itself. When people and dogs understand each other, trust follows – and that is where these courses start. They are not only about knowledge but about attitude: how you take responsibility, think ahead, avoid conflict and become someone your dog can rely on.
Why us: taught live, in the room, in English. Even with theory, seeing it and being there makes the difference.
🎧 Included at Darling Dogs: you get your own learning portal with the official booklet and audio chapters we recorded ourselves – every exam topic to listen to, on the train, on a walk, on the sofa.
Both the course and the exam were designed by the cantonal veterinary office and are the same at every provider. Equally demanding everywhere.
You are dreaming of a dog – you learn what is actually coming your way (you can sit the exam later).
You have just got a dog (or have not had one for ten years) – you have to complete the course within two months of your dog moving in, and sit the exam.
You are moving into the Canton of Zürich – the same applies to you, exam included.
You simply want to be up to date, learn more or fill in gaps? Then there is plenty here for you too – things that make everyday life with your dog better.
We meet at our course centre in Schwerzenbach, right at the railway station with Park&Rail, two S-Bahn lines and eight bus lines – easy to reach from anywhere. The room is air-conditioned and comfortable. If your dog is calm and gets on with others, it is welcome to come along (please say so when you book).
The course (two hours) and the exam (30 minutes) are laid down by the veterinary office and cannot be shortened. There is a lot of ground to cover, and the exam is demanding accordingly. From getting a dog, its needs and how it learns, through behaviour in general, to travel and the legal side – you get all of it in one sitting, in a friendly room. There is another half hour for questions and a break, so that you go into the exam prepared. There is something to nibble, and water, tea and coffee are there too.
The exam takes place straight afterwards if you have to meet the requirement. Please bring the documents from the authorities, your ID and your reading glasses if you need them. We provide the pen.
You receive a course confirmation, and after the exam your result by e-mail. If you pass, we enter it in AMICUS for you.
🎧 Only at Darling Dogs: your own learning portal
Other dog schools say: «Just read the booklet yourself.» – We think that can be done better.
As a participant you get your own login to the customer portal – with the official theory booklet and audio chapters we produced for you. Every exam topic to listen to – on the train, on a walk, on the sofa. As often as you like.
Because we want you not just to pass the exam, but to actually understand what it is about.
Groups stay small: you get to speak, and your questions have room – including the ones people usually do not dare to ask. How many places are left on a date is shown right in the booking window.
You have the choice:
• Course only (if you sit the exam later)
• Exam only (with proof of a course taken elsewhere)
• Both together on the same day
You can book online or by phone. WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach us. You get a confirmation by e-mail straight after booking.
Something came up? Up to five days before you can cancel or move your booking free of charge.
Darling Dogs Hundezentrum
Bahnstrasse 10, shopfront
8603 Schwerzenbach
Phone: +41 78 602 29 29
E-mail: hundezentrum@darling-dogs.ch
Opening hours: from 11:00, and by arrangement
Phone hours: 11:00 to 19:00
Easy to reach with two S-Bahn lines and eight bus lines, right at Schwerzenbach station with Park&Rail. Our air-conditioned course centre makes for a relaxed place to learn.
Examination centre approved by the veterinary office
Darling Dogs is an examination centre for mandatory theory courses approved by the Zürich veterinary office.
Everyone keeping a dog for the first time in the canton from 1 June 2025 onwards – puppy, rescue dog or older dog. If you have never been registered as a dog owner in the Canton of Zurich, the course is compulsory, even if you have kept dogs elsewhere for years.
Before the dog moves in. If your dog is already with you, take the course as soon as you can.
Two hours for the course, plus the exam on the same day. Plan for around three hours in total, including time for questions.
Yes. It runs as its own English course with its own dates, taught live in the room – not a German course translated on the spot.
Yes. Darling Dogs is licensed by the Cantonal Veterinary Office of Zurich to run the mandatory theory course and the exam. Licence number ZH-HAB-0823-241201, held by Barbara Beeler.
Yes. The theory course is held indoors in our air-conditioned training centre, heated in winter, with seating and a toilet. No mud, no cold hall, no standing in the rain.
Yes. If you completed the mandatory theory course with another licensed dog school, you can sit the exam with us – bring your course confirmation and your AMICUS number. The exam is taken on site and lasts 30 minutes. Dates and price are shown when you book.
Darling Dogs Hundezentrum, Bahnstrasse 10, 8603 Schwerzenbach, Kanton Zürich. Die Bewilligung des Veterinäramts des Kantons Zürich für die Durchführung der obligatorischen Hundekurse (Theorie und Praxis) liegt vor. Bewilligungsnummer ZH-HAB-0823-241201, ausgestellt auf Barbara Beeler.
