Hi,

I was looking for information on taking this test whilst I have emailed the local trainer I have yet to receive any response.

I found this http://www.online-hundeschule.ch/
and wondered if anyone has taken this and whether it was legitimate or do you have to complete the class in person as this would be ideal due to my lack of french skills..

The purchase of a dog would be in the future however I would like to complete the course if anything to give me a little look into dog care and what to expect as I have only owned cats previously.

Thanks in advance..

I have done this - it is legitimate and really really easy - All materials are in English once they are happy with the amount of work you have done (normally 1-2 weeks) casual browsing of the info and taking the end of topic tests they post you your certificate!

Well worth it as we found it hard to find somebody offering the theory in English and all the in person courses are over two days so having this option at your leisure is a great option.

Its also cheaper than an in person course at 180CHF (still not cheap but was the cheapest option we found).

Within 1 year of this you then need to complete your practical SKN - for which we found http://animalcoach.ch/cms/ really helpful and they offer the course in English too (its up near Uteliberg in Zurich)

Hope this helps -enjoy )

I'm not sure if that has been asked in one of the many SKN course threads, but I wonder if it is enough when one person in the family did the course or does every family member who walks the dog have to do it?

The course in the French speaking part of CH costs 90 CHF so 180 CHF is pretty expensive...also most trainers will charge only 50% for an additional person joining the course.
What I read was that everyone in the household that will handle the dog has to do the training.

My course cost me 360

But that is practical, practical only (theory exempt), in English.

4 x 1 hour sessions.

Angela is right; only the person to whom the dog is registered needs to do the course. I found it helpful, though, and would advise couples (don't know about families) to do it together.

Thank you for you replies they are very helpful appreciate them, as I have emailed the trainers and none have responded to whether they are able to offer the course in english and this would be ideal to be able to do at my own pace and have english literature.

As only the person who has the registered has to do the theory would it be possible for say my husband to attend the practical as well with me without doing the theory side if i had done the theory officially, although if i did online i am sure he would read through all the material and he has the benefit of having owned dogs in the past.

The important legal point is that the person in whose name the dog is registered with the Gemeinde and the ANIS database must do both the theory and practical courses. Anyone else in the family may attend either course as one wishes. If you are both registered as owners or guardians (Halter)*, both must attend the two courses.

As Corbets says, though, it is a good idea for all adults in the family who will be regularly in charge of the dog to attend as well, as everyone in charge of the dog needs to understand Swiss expectations and legalities. There might be additional cost for family members to attend with you - this will vary by trainer.

Also, be aware of your cantonal liability insurance requirements.

If you haven't heard back from the trainers in your area, call them. I would assume that many spend a great deal of time outdoors with dogs, which might be why you are having trouble reaching them.

*Consider the legal aspects when deciding in whose name the dog will be registered.

Thank you meloncollie, I appreciate your advice. At the moment I am only looking to do the theory course but it maybe a while until we bring a dog into the home. I want to make sure have done this and looked at which dog is going to suit our family the best, what is involved as I have only ever had cats and small pets in the past I will look into the implication of who has ownership this was something I had not thought of.

I am hoping that when we do purchase a dog my french will be better and easier to complete the practical side with a trainer but I think the online course would be better for me to have written information to keep as reference. Once i have done this then will contact the trainer as there is one in the village but she does not speak english.

I still have a lot more research to do about costs insurances, vet costs, and any other associated costs before we buy a puppy