Getting a dog whilst living in Switzerland

Family, Education, Health and Pets
1
Hi All

Myself and my partner have come to the stage in life where we want a dog. We are hoping to get a Beagle puppy in the next 6 months or so.

Before doing so however we have heard mixed reports on becoming a pet owner in Switzerland so would be great if anyone who has done this whilst living in Switzerland could give us some advise on the following.

- We both work full time (however I would be home at lunchtimes) would the dog be OK to be at home alone the rest of the time...we have heard about rules here for leaving a dog alone for long periods of time?!

- To aid the first point....doggy daycare, how much for a day? or is hiring a dog walker enough (although we will both be running and walking it twice a day) more for getting it out of the house?

- Examination for dog owners. Although I have had dogs before I have heard that you need to complete an exam to get a licence for a dog here? is this correct and how and where do I do it? - can it be done in English?

- How easy is it to buy the dog in the UK or Germany and bring it back to Zurich?

Thoughts on any of the above would be great I know its a lot of questions but we have seen such different advise on these it would be great to find some clarity!

Let me know your thoughts )

2
Hi! Good luck with your future family addition! Things are a bit strict here in Switzerland regarding dog ownership, partially to help protect animal rights, partly also to help protect everyone else's rights regarding your dog and it's behavior.

The regulations do vary a bit depending upon canton I think, but some is federal mandate, so you maybe want to plan ahead to have "sprechstunde" (interview basically) some local vets in your area, among the questions being what is actually required for your area.

The SKN theory course (required before getting a dog) is something I took recently myself. I took it in German, as someone who has had dogs for many years, it was pretty easy since it mostly covered info I already knew. If you've not owned a dog in Switzerland before, you need to take it. Even if you have, it is still a good idea, because of the rights and regulations covered. It can be found in English, yes, usually not as part of regular classes though, so while mine in German cost 150chf, private classes were offered for 400chf - this was from Tierschutz Beider Basel (Basel animal shelter). I imagine you may be able to find some others who are seeking courses in English and maybe go in together to help bring the individual costs down for "private" course.

So far as how long the dog can be left at home, part depends on age of the dog, part on it's behavior, and things like that. If you're getting a puppy, I believe that someone will have to be there 100%. Hopefully someone who is more experienced with dog ownership here in Switzerland can correct that if it's not right.

After the dog has been house trained and such, regs seem to be about 4 or 5 hr stretches alone, so walked before work, walked at lunch, walked when home, that should suit alright. You may want a dog walker for lunch times or so, just to be sure you're not going over that 4 - 5 hr mark. I do not know so much about doggie day care here, I think it's not a huge thing here yet, so probably pretty uncommon.

Getting a dog in England and bringing it back, I'm not really familiar with either (I'm from the US). I think because of EU stuff, it should be pretty uncomplicated though. One thing you definitely have to be sure of though is regarding body modifications - you mentioned wanting a beagle, I can not think of any usual thing done, but some other breeds usually have tails docked and ears modified, this is absolutely not allowed in Switzerland, not even if the dog was obtained elsewhere (unless you've owned it yourself for some time before you came here together).

3
Sharing one's life with a dog is so rewarding, on so many levels. I can't even imagine what my life would have been like had the Muttley Crew not become part of the family.

That said, dog ownership is a very serious responsibility, one not to be entered into lightly. Especially here in Switzerland, where there are rules to follow, social expectations to be met, where we live in such close proximity to neighbors that we must ever be mindful of how our choices impact others - and most importantly, where tolerance is limited.

It's good that you are thinking about all of this ahead of time. Dog ownership is not something to do on a whim - as you are making a commitment that binds you for the next 15 or so years.

First, wearing my animal welfare hat:

A puppy needs someone with him 24/7 in the first months to a year (individual dependent - some adults can not be left either). You must be on hand to teach him all he needs to know to successfully navigate the human world. So much of successful training and socialization depends on being on the spot. Leaving a young pup alone is very much frowned upon, as you are setting yourself and the pup up for difficulties later.

I would urge you to re-think your desire for a puppy if you are both full time workers - unless you have an alternative to provide round the clock individual care during your work day.

I know whereof I speak... I've told the story of my accidental entrance into the world of dog ownership before, so I won't repeat it here - but suffice it to say that it took calling every possible favor from my husband, friends, and family, it took just about all my disposable income and certainly every scrap of my non-work time to ensure that my unexpected pup was properly cared for, and never left alone. (And even then I ultimately threw in the towel and left the corporate world behind. )

I made it work, thanks to all the above - but it was very hard work, it required a commitment to putting the puppy's welfare before everything else in our lives. Bottom line, had this exceptional situation not cropped up I would never have considered dog ownership at that time in my life., With the advantage of hindsight and 20 some years of dog ownership and rescue work, I would not I have a puppy while working full time again.

Rather I would counsel you to consider adopting an older dog, one whose temperament, training, behavior is suited to being left at home while you are working. And even then you will still need a dog sitter/walker to visit at least once a day. Most dogs' bladders need a break, but more importantly a dog needs the mental stimulation that contact with humand provides.

The question one needs to ask one's self is not "Do I want a dog?" but rather, "Will I be able to give the dog everything he needs - physically and emotionally - at this point in my life, and for the rest of the dog's natural life, no matter what else happens in mine? "

There are many threads in the Pets section discussing exactly these issues - do have a browse through. To get you started, here are a couple of threads:

What are all the laws/rules for adding a puppy to your family?

[Doggy Day Care [what does your dog do while you're at work?]](http://www.englishforum.ch/pet-corner/123261-doggy-day-care-what-does-your-dog-do-while-you-re-work.html)

First time dog owner "wannabe", with lots of questions ...

family dog choices

Mandatory Course for New Dog Owners in Lausanne in English

And info on adopting from shelters or buying from a breeder.

Adopting a pet from a Rescue Centre

How to spot a reputable breeder

Before you go any further in this process, you must take the SKN Theory course - this is designed to help you understand what is required of dog owners in Switzerland, and to help you do a bit of soul searching to decided if you are indeed ready for this 15+ year commitment.

The SKN theory is required of all first time dog owners, and must be done BEFORE you acquire the dog. All dog owners regardless of experience must take the SKN practical course within the first 12 months of ownership, with each and every dog added to the family.

Wishing you all the best.

4
Yes, everyone has to complete the license. Also if you're walking/running them twice a day and home over lunch, it should be ok to leave in the house/flat, unless you get a very nervous dog, usually 6hrs alone at a time is acceptable, up to 8 on rare occasions. Just give it lots of attention when your home Doggy daycare however I've heard is very reasonable, in case you're worried.

5
Really?

6
Well my friend pays around 40 a day, which is pretty good considering it's 10 hrs. Especially if it's necessary.

7
What's going on with the logistics of this thread?

The first three posts have no option to Thank, although posts 2 & 3 have been.

Then only from post 4 are the Thank/Groan buttons visible.

8

Except they are thinking about getting a puppy, whom cannot be left for hours at a time. At least, if they are dreaming of having a well behaved and balanced family pet, the investment of love and time is a must.

9
The first three posts date from July 2012 so the thanks/groan buttons have disappeared from them.

I'd have thought a forum legend such as yourself would have noticed that.

10

Sounds as if someone’s doing him a favour instead of having a professional doing the work. No one who’s taken the necessary courses is going to look after a dog for CHF4 an hour.

11
As Susan57 says, a puppy cannot be left on its own all day, and neither can an adult dog just out of rescue, in most cases.

Zarzar, does your contract for your flat/house allow you to have a dog? A puppy left on its own for long periods will invariably cause a lot of damage to doors, floors, etc, and bark a lot. I absolutely love dogs, and yet would never rent a flat to a new owner of a puppy or rescue dog who works full time, never.

12
.

13
http://www.dog-care.ch/preise11.html

14
Also true Susan, forgot it would be a puppy