Take a dog owner course
Official name: Prepare general dog competence training
Since July 2026, new dog owners need a Sachkunde. That is knowledge about dogs that you learn in a course. The course has theory and practice. Here you prepare both.
No account · Answers stay in your browser
- Steps
- 6 key steps, up to 15 depending on your situation
- For you
- 5 short questions, then you see your steps
- Main office
- MA 60
- Costs
- none named in the sources
- Online
- possible for 4 of 15 steps
How it works
These are the key steps, in the right order. Answer the short questions; then you see exactly what applies to you and what is added.
Learn about the new SachkundeSince 01.07.2026, there is the new Sachkunde. Theory means learning in class, practice means training with the dog.Key step
- Why?
- You do four hours of theory before the dog comes to you. Two hours of practice follow within twelve months after.
- What you do
- For practice, the dog must be at least six months old. Exceptions are not automatic. MA 60 can help with questions.
- Where?
- MA 60Directly with the named service
In detail
Handle general competence since July 2026 separately
Since 1 July 2026 new general dog competence: four hours theory before taking dog, two hours practice within twelve months afterwards with dog at least six months old. This route organises confirmed ordinary keeper case; no automatic exception or dog-keeping approval.
SourceNeue bundesweite Sachkunde: Hunde-FAQ
Neue bundesweite Sachkunde: Hunde-FAQVerbrauchergesundheit.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceCheck if the duty applies to youThe duty applies to the keeper who is entered in the register. Not automatically to everyone who lives with them.Key step
- Why?
- Some cases have their own rules. For example if you had a dog before or you move.
- What you do
- Sort out such cases with MA 60. Bring your proofs. Just saying it is an exception is not enough.
- Where?
- MA 60Directly with the named service
In detail
Clarify own keeper role, Vienna route and exception need
Duty applies to actual registered household keeper, not automatically every housemate. Prior keeping, training, professional or examination records and transition or relocation cases have differentiated rules; clarify actual acceptance with MA 60, no exception from unsupported assertion.
SourceNeue bundesweite Sachkunde: Hunde-FAQ
Neue bundesweite Sachkunde: Hunde-FAQVerbrauchergesundheit.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceFind a provider on the official listA course provider is a person or company that runs the course. The city has an official list of providers.Key step
- Why?
- The list shows who offers theory, practice or both. Not every dog trainer is automatically accepted.
- What you do
- Find a provider for the part you need. The course must be in the province where you keep the dog.
- Where?
- Amtlich gelisteter KursanbieterDirectly with the named service
In detail
Review official list by needed course part
Vienna list distinguishes theory and practice together, practice only and theory only. Review actual provider currently for own needed part; no invented quality ranking or universal acceptance of arbitrary trainer. New course must be in federal state of planned keeping.
SourceWiener Sachkunde-Anbieter: Theorie und Praxis
Wiener Sachkunde-Anbieter: Theorie und PraxisStadt Wien · MA 60 · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceDo the theory course before the dog arrivesNow you do the theory course. You arrange it yourself with the provider.Key step
- Why?
- Only after the course do you have proof. A checklist in the app is not proof.
- What you do
- Go to the course. Keep the confirmation safe. That is a paper that shows you took part.
- Where?
- Amtlich gelisteter KursanbieterDirectly with the named service
In detail
Organise confirmed own theory route before taking dog
Personally arrange and attend actually confirmed theory course with provider. Retain attendance evidence outside app; checklist is no competence certificate.
SourceSachkundenachweis für Hunde und Exoten
Sachkundenachweis für Hunde und ExotenStadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourcePractise with your dog in the courseNow you do the practice course. It takes two hours. You train with your own dog.Key step
- Why?
- Theory does not replace practice. You need both parts.
- What you do
- Arrange the course yourself with a suitable provider. Keep the confirmation.
- Where?
- Amtlich gelisteter KursanbieterDirectly with the named service
In detail
Organise confirmed own practical part
Personally arrange and attend relevant two-hour practical part with actual dog and retain attendance confirmation. Acceptance of theory replaces no practical part.
SourceSachkundenachweis für Hunde und Exoten
Sachkundenachweis für Hunde und ExotenStadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceUpload your certificatesThe Heimtierdatenbank is a register for pets. You upload your proofs there.Key step
- Why?
- This way your Sachkunde is officially recorded. You upload the theory when you register, the practice later.
- What you do
- Sort out your access and the form of the proofs. Do it yourself. Do not put chip numbers or files into the app.
- Where?
- Heimtierdatenbank / MA 60Directly with the named service
In detail
Organise own evidence in actual pet-database route
Vienna describes uploading theory evidence during registration, practical confirmation after later practice part. Clarify actual own registry access and accepted evidence form directly and personally handle it; no microchip number, file or registry change in navigator.
SourceSachkundenachweis für Hunde und Exoten
Sachkundenachweis für Hunde und ExotenStadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original source
Depending on your situation, this is added
- Check what you have already done
- Find your way to the theory part
- Sort out the course date and fee
- Follow the right order
- Check your theory certificate
- Check if your dog is old enough
- Check your practice certificate
- Check if you also need the Hundeführschein
- Sort out exceptions and old certificates
Frequently asked questions
Can I do this online?
4 of 15 possible steps mention an online channel in their text. Requirements are in the official source.
What does it cost?
No costs are recorded for these steps in the linked sources. Fees may still apply.
Do I need an einfach.wien account?
No. The plan works without registration; answers stay in your browser.
Does einfach.wien submit my application?
No. einfach.wien helps you prepare and links official channels. You submit applications yourself to the responsible service.
What this page is based on
The information is based on official sources. einfach.wien is a private project; the content has not been professionally reviewed. All information without guarantee, no legal advice. The responsible office is always authoritative.
SourceNeue bundesweite Sachkunde: Hunde-FAQ
Verbrauchergesundheit.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceSourceSachkundenachweis für Hunde und Exoten
Stadt Wien · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceSourceWiener Sachkunde-Anbieter: Theorie und Praxis
Stadt Wien · MA 60 · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceSourceFragen und Antworten zum Hundeführschein
Stadt Wien · MA 60 · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original source