Dog license ABC (procedure, costs, tips)
- Anja Boecker
- Updated: 2023-05-31
When a fluffy four-legged friend enters your life, it can be difficult to figure out what you need to do to be a responsible dog owner. Dog license, certificate of competence - it all sounds pretty intimidating, right? But don't worry, we'll set you straight! In this article, we'll explain why the dog license is a good choice and how to best prepare for it.
I’ll Be Having a Dog in Germany. Do I Need a License?
With the dog license you prove as a dog owner that you can take care of your dog in the best possible way and lead it safely. To obtain it, you must pass an examination. This exam consists of a theoretical and a practical part.
First, you take a theoretical exam in which you have to prove your knowledge about dogs and their attitude without your dog. Then it's off to practice with your fluffy friend: there you show that you have mastered the right way to handle him in various everyday situations.
And What About a Certificate of Competence?
Often dog license and certificate of competence are equated, which is not correct and can lead to confusion.
The certificate of competence is required by law in some federal states, e.g. Lower Saxony, where it is mandatory for every dog owner. In other federal states it depends on whether the dog is classified as dangerous or not. The certificate of competence refers exclusively to the owner, is independent of the dog and is valid for an unlimited period of time.
In contrast, the dog license is not a protected term and there is no legal requirement as to what test must be taken. Also, the dog license is only valid as long as you live with your dog. If you have more than one dog, you must take a separate test for each dog.
Is the Dog License Compulsory if I’m Having a Dog in Germany?
Who knew it could be so complicated to figure out whether or not you need a dog license?
In Germany, there is no general obligation for dog owners to obtain a dog license. However, insurance companies may insist on it for certain dog breeds.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, dogs weighing more than 20 kg or with a shoulder height of more than 40 cm must undergo a test.
However, it is important to note that laws and regulations may vary from state to state. So if you're unsure, it's best to check with your state's veterinary association for the latest regulations. By the way: Some insurance companies also offer discounts for holders of the dog license.
Why Is a Dog License Useful?
Even though the dog license is not mandatory in Germany, it can be worthwhile to take it. It offers you many advantages as a dog owner.
You can learn more about how to properly handle your dog and the practical test requires consistent training, which can mean a great time together for you and your four-legged friend. Many dog owners feel more confident in dealing with their dog as a result of the training.
In some states, there are other benefits, such as bypassing the leash requirement in cities like Hamburg and Berlin, or the ability to reduce dog tax in Bavaria.
It's worth checking out the benefits and options for your state and deciding if the dog license is a good choice for you and your dog.
What Are the Requirements for Getting a Dog License?
There are some requirements to be met in order to obtain a dog license. In addition to the actual preparation in theory and practice, you must also observe the admission requirements:
- Your dog must be fit and healthy.
- You must provide clear proof of your dog's identity.
- Valid liability insurance for your dog is a must.
- You will need proof that your dog has been adequately vaccinated.
- Many clubs have age restrictions for dog owners: you must be at least 14 or 16 years old.
- Your dog must be at least one year old, depending on the club.
How Do I Prepare for the Exam?
You want to prepare yourself optimally for the dog license exam? Then there are several options that can help you.
First of all, you can study specialized literature about dog keeping and education. There are many books that will help you prepare for the theoretical exam.
You can also find a lot of help on the Internet, which will provide you with a list of questions that you can use to test your knowledge of the subject matter.
Another tip is to visit a dog school. There you work with your dog under the guidance of experienced dog trainers on the tasks set.
Alternatively, you can attend a special preparation course offered by many clubs that also administer the exam. It is important that you continue to train at home to be optimally prepared for the exam.
Where Can I Take the Dog License?
You can take the exam at many institutions. In addition to dog schools and dog trainers, many clubs also offer the dog license exam. You can contact the following clubs:
- German Kennel Club (VDH)
- Professional Association of Dog Educators and Behavioral Trainers (BHV)
- Professional Association of Certified Dog Trainers e. V. (BVZ)
- Umbrella Organization for Pet Behavior Consulting in Europe e. V. (DHVE)
- International Professional Association of Dog Trainers & Dog Entrepreneurs e. V. (IBH).
In addition, the veterinary working group Hundehaltung e. V. offers the D.O.Q test, which is comparable to the dog license. In Bavaria, you can also take your dog license at the Bavarian State Veterinary Chamber (BLTK).
How Much Does the Dog License Cost?
Ready to get your dog license, but wondering how much it costs? Don't worry, we have the answer!
First of all, you should know that the costs for the theoretical and the practical part are usually calculated separately. If you want to take the theoretical exam online, you pay a maximum of €40 - that's fair, isn't it?
The cost of the practical test depends on the testing center and the examiner. Usually you have to budget between 60 € and 85 €. It is worthwhile to obtain several quotes.
But be careful: The cheapest provider is not always the best choice. The important thing is that you and your companion feel comfortable with the examiner!
What do I have to be able to do for the dog license?
In order for the dog license to be a success for you and your dog, you must have certain skills as a dog handler. Although each club has its own requirements, the test situations are often similar.
In the theoretical exam you, as a prospective dog owner, have to prove your knowledge in different areas such as nutrition, keeping and care, social behavior, education and training, fear and aggression, legal regulations as well as dog health.
In the practical part of the test, the behavior of your dog in different environments is tested. You have to show that you can control and lead your dog well in different situations. Important are the basic obedience and the social compatibility of your dog.
How Does the Theoretical Exam Work?
The theoretical exam is a multiple-choice test. You are asked questions on the topics and usually have four possible answers. You have to mark the correct answer.
Note that several answers can be correct. You have to answer a total of 35 questions. The test is mostly conducted online under the supervision of the examiner. You must answer at least 80 % of the questions correctly to pass the test.
How Does the Practical Exam Work?
After a successful theoretical test, you will be admitted to the practical part. The interaction between you and your dog will be tested. You will be tested in three different environments:
- Low distraction area (1),
- Busy public environment (2)
- Inner-city areas (3).
Allowed tools are:
- Drag line and chest harness
- Muzzle and head collar
- Dog whistle or clicker
- Treats and toys (only as a reward)
You may praise or correct your dog. It is important that your dog walks loosely on the leash. He must not be a nuisance or a danger to passersby or other animals. Many clubs also use the low distraction environment to test the dog in free running.
The following requirements will be placed on you as a team by most examiners:
(1) Low-distraction environment (e.g., a secluded meadow):
- Staying: Your dog stays relaxed in one place while you are busy with something else.
- Recall: You successfully call your dog to you from at least 10 meters away. A drag line and usually also a clicker or whistle are permitted here.
- Dog care: you can safely control your dog's paws, ears and teeth.
(2) Lively, Public Environment
- Leash walking: your dog should walk loosely on the leash next to you.
- Basic commands: your dog must follow the basic commands 'sit,' 'down' and 'stay.' It is not important which words or hand cues you use for this.
- Encounter tasks: During various encounters, your dog should continue to walk relaxed on the leash. The following situations are relevant:
- Fast moving objects, like cyclists, skaters, joggers or fast running children.
- Objects with unusual movement patterns, such as people using wheelchairs, walkers, or walkers.
- Encounter with a strange dog on a leash
(3) Inner-City Areas
- Leash walking: When crossing a busy street and marketplace, your dog should walk relaxed on the leash next to you.
- Basic commands: in a busy place, your dog must show they have mastered the commands 'sit,' 'down,' and 'stay.'
The practical test takes about 2 hours. As a rule of thumb, if the both of you pass 6 out the 10 tests, you get your dog license.
What happens if you don't pass the exam?
If you didn't pass the dog license exam the first time, don't worry! Both the theoretical and the practical part can be repeated as often as you want to improve your skills. However, each time you retake the exam, you will have to pay an exam fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the dog license is not mandatory. However, there may be advantages to taking the test anyway.
Theoretically, you may perform the test with any dog. However, since the dog license is only valid for the dog-human team that has entered the test, this is not practical.
In federal states with a general leash requirement, such as Berlin or Hamburg, you can be exempted if you have a dog license.
No, the certificate of competence is a legally prescribed examination that covers firmly defined content. Although the dog license often covers similar content, it is not always recognized as a substitute for the certificate of competence.
The theoretical exam for the dog license can often be taken online, but this is not possible for the practical exam. For the practical test, direct observation by an examiner is necessary to assess whether the dog owner is able to guide his dog appropriately in various situations.
Conclusion
In Germany, a dog license is not a legal requirement for dog owners, but it can still offer numerous benefits. By training together with your dog, you not only strengthen your bond, but you can also benefit from financial benefits and other privileges, depending on your region or insurance.
The good news is: With the right preparation, you can easily pass the dog license exam and secure all the benefits. So go ahead, train hard and lay the foundation for an even happier and safer future together!
To learn more, visit our Hundeo app and watch the dog license course.
My name is Anja Boecker, and I am a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant. With these articles, I want to help you to understand your dog better and to build an inseparable bond.
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