For a long time there has been a discussion about introducing a general obligation for the dog handler license. This project is already being implemented step by step. What exactly is behind the document and who is obliged to own it, you can find out here.
Who drives a car, needs a driver’s license. Anyone holding a dog can make a so-called dog handler license, offered by dog schools or animal associations. The proof brings benefits, but it also costs money.
What is the dog handler license?
The dog handler license is a certificate for dog owners. He is basically very similar to a driver’s license. Those who take the exam must pass a theoretical and a practical part .
Theory test:Depending on the dog handler license and state, the theoretical part is based on a questionnaire with 100 to 220 questions that the owner should master. This is about basic knowledge in dealing with the dog and his education, his species-appropriate attitude, but also legal requirements. For example, the Professional Association of Dog Educators and Behavior Consultants (BHV) has 40 questions to answer from all subject areas. To pass, the holder must score at least 80 percent of the score. For some exams, at least 50 percent of each category must be answered correctly. The theoretical competence examination in Lower Saxony provides for a test with 35 questions. The topics include education, training, fear and aggression, attitude, care, health, breeding, reproduction, race, communication and relevant law.
Practice test: The dog owner must show here how well he has his four-legged friends under control. “He has to control his dog so that he can be run in the leash without a leash,” says Katja Krauss, dog trainer and recognized expert in Berlin. In a practical test, the examiners observe the dog and owner in typical everyday situations: in the café, when the dog is lying under the table and the waiter comes, or when walking without a leash in the park when a person with an unusual movement pattern, such as a rollator, comes by. For example, the owner should also be able to handle the dog in such a way that he does not jump up onto pedestrians on two legs – even if this could be a sign of joy.
Ideally, the theory test for the dog handler license is already filed before the purchase of the four-legged friend. A practical test takes place as soon as the dog is old enough for it.
Why is a dog handler license good?
A dog handler license is intended to ensure that dogs are treated responsibly and appropriately by their owners and that they do not present any danger to humans and their species. Especially with regard to the correct handling of dog breeds classified as dangerous for some time by experts, the general introduction of a dog handler license is required. This could also make the so-called racist lists, which criminalize certain dog breeds in general and are therefore highly controversial , superfluous.
Is the proof required?
In Niedersachsen , proof of competence has been compulsory since July 1, 2013, for anyone who purchases a new dog. This makes it the first federal state to prescribe the document to all primary dog owners. This proof is colloquially often called dog handler license. However, the competent authorities recognize only the dog license of some associations such as the BHV and the IBH (International Association of Dog Trainers and Dog Entrepreneurs). Sachkundenachweis and the so-called dog handler license are therefore not the same, but sometimes in the end equivalent.
Since 2019, stricter rules have been in force in Berlin for all dogs: keepers who want to keep their leashed animals away from dog littering grounds need a certificate of competence since the beginning of the year if they have only purchased their dog after 22 July 2016. Only with “rag” they can then let their dogs on inanimate streets and squares as well as fallow areas off the leash.
How is it in other states?
Throughout Germany there are demands for similarly binding proofs for dog owners as in Lower Saxony and in Berlin. Currently, in the other states of the driver’s license for the dog is not necessary, but can be voluntarily filed. There is an exception for listed dog species that are considered dangerous, such as in dog breeds such as pit bull and bull terrier – here proofs are often mandatory.
Where can you do the test?
The dog handler license is accepted by examiners belonging to associations such as the International Professional Association of Dog Trainers and Dog Owners (IBH), the Association for the German Canine Dog (VDH) and the Professional Association of Dog Training and Behavior Consultants (BHV).
How much is a dog handler license?
The costs vary and are usually around the 100 euros. “Our dog handler examination costs a maximum of 105 €,” says training council chairman Ariane Ullrich from BHV. The costs are determined free of charge by the respective testing authorities – whoever wants to or should take the exam should first compare prices. Those who have passed the exam will receive a confirmation card and a badge for the dog.
Does a dog handler license bring you further benefits?
The dog handler license benefits both dog owners and four-legged friends in daily dealings with one another. The owners not only learn if they have their dog under control. There is also a financial incentive: In many places, for example in Munich, dog owners can apply for a dog handler license to obtain exemption from the dog tax. In many other cities and towns it is at least lowered.
Dog handler license online: Which questions do the dog owner expect?
Tests for the exercise are available online on the websites of the associations. Here are three sample questions from the BHV:
Which attitude is of animal welfare concern? If the dog …
a) … can only play once a week.
b) … can only run outside without a leash once a week.
c) … is kept exclusively in the kennel. (right)
d) … never welcome other dogs.
Is there a general puppy protection?
a) Yes, of course.
b) Only between small and large dogs.
c) That depends on the breed.
d) No, there is no such thing. (right)
When walking with an unangeleinten dog a dog owner comes with a leashed dog. Should you do something?
a) No, the dogs handle it in case of problems.
b) Yes, you make contact and declare that your own dog only wants to play.
c) Yes, you also lame your dog. (right)
d) Not if the own dog is neutered, then he can run quietly to the other one.