Dog Training Courses are Mandatory Again in Basel!

The dog law of canton Basel-Stadt expressly states that owners of dogs are obliged to keep their dogs under control and to monitor them at all times. Until the end of 2016, dog owners were required to participate in a practical dog training class that teaches the basics of handling and controlling their dog in everyday situations, which needed to be completed within the first year of owning the dog. Since the course was no longer made mandatory at the beginning of 2017, incidents involving aggressive dogs and bite injuries have increased. For this reason, many cantons, including Basel-Stadt, have implemented the compulsory dog course again or are considering it.

Starting April 1, 2025, people in Basel-Stadt who own a dog for the first time must attend the dog training course “Basiskurs Mensch & Hund Basel-Stadt” (Basic Course for People & Dogs Basel-Stadt). New owners must complete eight practical lessons with some theoretical elements within 12 months of taking over the dog, but there is no exam. The dogs must be at least four months old at the start of the course. In these eight lessons, you’ll learn how to get your new puppy off to a great start in your future together. You’ll learn the basics of a relaxed daily routine, how to help your dog calm down in different situations, proper behavior in public, and much more. The “Basic Course for Humans and Dogs in Basel-Stadt” is designed to provide you with a good foundation in dog training and to make you aware of the individual needs of your pet. What is too much and what is too little? How does a dog learn? What are the basic rules everyone should master? Proper handling during training and later in everyday life makes it easier for the human–dog team to successfully overcome challenges together. Note that people who have already owned a dog are exempt from the course requirement. 

Dog Registration Tags Are No Longer Required!

In the age of chip technology, the dog registration tag is no longer required. Therefore, the metal dog registration tag will also be abolished in Basel-Stadt on April 1, 2025.

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