Is the dog course mandatory in the canton of Lucerne?

For first-time owners, yes. Since 1 January 2023, anyone keeping a dog for the first time must pass the practical exam of the National Dog Owner Certificate.

Does this apply to you?

Who it applies to

you are keeping a dog for the first time

you are importing or adopting a dog from abroad: this applies to rescue dogs as well as dogs from foreign breeders

Who does not need to do anything

you already kept a dog before 1 January 2023

The rule in detail

What is required
Only the practical exam of the National Dog Owner Certificate. The canton of Lucerne does not require a theory exam.
Deadline
Within eighteen months of acquiring the dog.
Dog's age
At least twelve months at the time of the exam.
Preparation
Free. You are not required to attend a dog school: how you prepare is up to you. A preparation course is recommended but not compulsory.
What the exam covers
Everyday situations with the dog: getting out of a car, leaving a narrow space, accepting grooming and microchip checks, behaving in public spaces.
Retaking
Possible as long as the deadline has not passed.

Veterinary Service of the Canton of Lucerne, as of September 2026.

If in doubt, the official page prevails.

Who offers it in the canton of Lucerne

Ingrid Blum

Hundeschule Fee – gewaltfrei erzogen

Hitzkirch, LucerneDE

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training
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Conny Bohnstädt

Conny’s Hundeschule

Root, LucerneDE

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training
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Debora Di Secli

Debdog

Luzern, LucerneDE

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training
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Brigitte Duss

Hundeschule SLYDOG

Menznau, LucerneDE

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBehaviour rehabilitation
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Helen Höfliger

Hundeschule «zu mir»

Kriens, LucerneDE

Mandatory coursesBasic trainingBehaviour rehabilitation
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Alexandra Hüsser

Hundeschule Hochdorf

Hochdorf, LucerneDE

Mandatory coursesBehaviour rehabilitationDog sports
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All trainers in the canton of Lucerne

36 professionals in the canton, mandatory course or not.

See the canton page

Frequently asked questions

Do I also need the theory exam?

No. In the canton of Lucerne only the practical exam is required.

Does it apply to a rescue dog from abroad?

Yes. Anyone taking in a dog from abroad must sit the exam.

When can my dog take the exam?

From twelve months old. The eighteen-month deadline runs from acquisition.

Do I have to join a dog school?

No. How you prepare is up to you.

Neighbouring cantons