The examination consists of a theoretical and a practical part.

Theoretical part

• animal welfare regulations
• relevant provisions of civil, police, misdemeanour and criminal law
• Requirements for the animal-friendly keeping of dogs
• Basic knowledge of dog behaviour, especially
  • Learning and social behaviour and
  • various forms of aggression and how to deal with them
• Development phases of young dogs
• Education and trainingtraining of dogs
• Grooming and handling dogs
• Coping with everyday situations
• Recognising and assessing potentially dangerous situations

The theoretical part of the examination consists of a technical discussion or a multiple-choice test.

The local police authority may waive the theoretical part of the examination if one of the following certificates is presented:

• successful completion of a degree in veterinary medicine,
• Training as a police dog handler or police dog handler,
• successful completion of a final examination in the profession of animal keeper, or successful completion of training in another profession that provides the necessary expertise in handling dogs,
• required knowledge and skills in the context ofof a licence in accordance with Section 11 (2) of the Animal Welfare Act in the version valid until 13 July 2013 in conjunction with Section 21 (5) and Section 11 (1) numbers 3, 4 and 8 of the Animal Welfare Act in the version dated 20 December 2022 (Federal Law Gazette I, page 2752), relating to dogs,
• other proof of the required expertise, for example by Leficiency judges, performance judges, training managers or training managers from dog sport organisations affiliated to the German Kennel Club (VDH).

Practical part

• Testing the dog's basic obedience (for example in familiar and unfamiliar surroundings)
• Leash control on a training ground or an open area with and without distractions
• Leash behaviour in road traffic or in a comparable situation, even under difficult conditions
• Avoiding and coping with dangerous situations

Passing the test

The test is passed if the dog has performed at least adequately in both the theoretical and practical parts.

Did you fail the practical part of the test? Whether you are allowed to retake itwhether you are allowed to retake the test is at the discretion of the authorities and depends on the dog's behaviour. A retake is normally possible after three to six months. For information on the exact regulations, please contact the responsible officecentre.

Note: Certificates of competence from other federal states that meet these requirements can be recognised.