Dog training Zurich - mandatory courses - puppy classes - private training

Dog Training in Zurich with i-Dog School

i-Dog School offers modern, reward-based dog training in Zurich for real life: mandatory Canton Zurich courses, puppy socialisation, private coaching, social walks, advanced group training and seasonal nosework.

Courses are available in English and designed for international dog owners who want calm, practical guidance for everyday life in the city.

  • Mandatory practical course
  • Theory course
  • Puppy playgroup
  • Private training
  • Social walk
  • Advanced training

Not sure which dog training course fits?

Tell us a little about your dog, your situation and what you want help with. We can guide you toward the right next step: puppy playgroup, mandatory practical course, theory course, private training, social walk or a more advanced programme.

  • For new dog owners, expats, families and experienced handlers
  • For mandatory Canton Zurich requirements, puppy foundations and daily-life behaviour
  • For dogs who need calm structure, confidence or more individual support

Quick training enquiry

You can also open your message as a prepared email or WhatsApp message and edit it before sending.

For a quick question, call +41 78 684 33 89 or email info@i-dogschool.ch.

Dog training for modern city life

i-Dog School helps dogs and their humans build calmness, communication and reliable everyday skills. The goal is not only obedience, but a dog who can handle Zurich life with more confidence and better connection.

Training is practical, reward-based and focused on real-world situations: other dogs, people, traffic, public spaces, visitors, cafes, trams, busy streets and the daily routines that shape behaviour.

Training dogs and their humans

i-Dog School supports both sides of the leash. You learn how to guide your dog clearly, understand behaviour better and build skills that continue outside class.

i-Dog School training programmes

Mandatory practical course

The official practical dog training course for Canton Zurich, available as a 6-lesson course or single practical course option.

Private dog training

Personal support for behaviour questions, home routines, leash walking, city distractions, reactivity, confidence and individual goals.

Social walk

Structured urban training in real-life environments, designed to help dogs practise calm behaviour around everyday distractions.

Mandatory dog courses in Canton Zurich

Canton Zurich has mandatory dog training requirements for many owners. i-Dog School supports dog owners with practical and theory course options in English, with clear guidance through the next steps.

  • The theory course is for the owner and prepares for responsible dog ownership.
  • The practical course is for the owner and dog together.
  • Practical training can start once the dog is old enough for the course.
  • If you are unsure what applies to you, ask before booking.

For puppies, everyday challenges and private support

Not every dog needs the same setting. Some dogs learn well in a structured group. Others need more space, more preparation or a personalised plan before they can focus around other dogs.

New puppy at home

Start with toilet routine, calm exposure, healthy play, handling, settling and connection before habits become harder to change.

Urban behaviour

Work on leash walking, focus, recall, calm greetings and behaviour around trams, traffic, cafes, dogs and people.

Extra support

Private sessions are often the best starting point for dogs who are anxious, overwhelmed, reactive or unable to focus in a group.

Training locations and formats

Group classes take place at SKG Sektion Zurich, 8046 Zurich. Private training and home visits can be arranged in Zurich, Lenzburg and surrounding areas depending on the case and availability.

Why i-Dog School?

Reward-based training

Training is built on clear communication, positive reinforcement and practical understanding, not intimidation or outdated pressure.

Calmness as a skill

The focus is not only on commands, but on emotional balance, confidence and better choices around real-life distractions.

Built for international Zurich

Courses are available in English and designed for dog owners who want clear guidance in a system that can feel confusing at first.

Unsure which course to choose?

Send a short message with your dog's age, your location and the main thing you need help with. i-Dog School can help you choose the right course or private training option.

Frequently asked questions

Are i-Dog School courses offered in English?

Yes. i-Dog School offers courses in English and is designed with Zurich's international dog-owner community in mind.

Where do group classes take place?

Group classes take place at SKG Sektion Zurich, 8046 Zurich. Check the relevant course page or contact i-Dog School for current availability.

Which mandatory dog course do I need?

That depends on your situation, your dog and whether you need the theory course, practical course or both. If you are unsure, send a quick message before booking.

Is private training better than a group course?

Private training is often better for dogs who are anxious, reactive or unable to focus in a group. Group courses are a good fit for dogs who can already learn around other dogs.

Can i-Dog School help with puppies?

Yes. Puppy socialisation and early training help build confidence, routines, healthy play and a foundation for later training.

Dog training in Zurich that fits your real life

Whether you need a mandatory course, puppy training, private help or advanced enrichment, i-Dog School can help you choose the next step for you and your dog.

Meet the Team

Chief Dog Trainer

Mariya

  • Certified dog trainer in Switzerland specialising in modern, reward-based methods
  • Over 5 years of experience in dog training and canine welfare
  • Focus on clear communication, structured learning and practical real-life skills
  • Holistic approach considering behaviour, wellbeing, lifestyle and individual needs
  • Passionate about creating a calm, supportive and violence-free learning environment

Chief Executive Officer

Arya

  • German Shepherd training partner with a special role at i-Dog School
  • Experience in therapy dog work, agility, obedience and structured social activities
  • Supports training sessions by modelling calm behaviour and clear communication
  • Brings structure, motivation and enthusiasm to every class

Chief Happiness officer

Mellow

  • Golden Retriever currently employed as a therapy dog at MITTIM Physiotherapy
  • Helps create positive interactions and emotional stability during sessions
  • Bringing warmth, connection and a welcoming atmosphere to i-Dog Schoo

Where we train

Our group classes take place in Zürich at SKG Sektion Zürich (8046 Zürich) in structured small-group settings designed for focused learning and calm social interaction.

Private training and home visits are available across Zürich, Lenzburg and surrounding areas.

All courses are available in English and designed especially for modern dog owners looking for practical, reward-based training with real-life application.

Why I Became a Dog Trainer

My connection with dogs began long before i-Dog School existed. Growing up in Russia, where street dogs are a natural part of daily life, I developed a deep empathy for animals at a young age. I was the child who would bring stray dogs home, quietly trying to care for them and sharing whatever food I had — sometimes attempting to hide them from my parents just to give them a safe place for a moment.

As I grew older, this instinctive connection evolved into active involvement with animal welfare and volunteering with stray dogs. These experiences sparked a deeper curiosity about behaviour, communication and the relationship between dogs and humans — and how understanding can replace force.

Recently, I rediscovered a school essay from my first year in primary school. When asked what I wanted to become when I grew up, I had written: “a dog trainer.” Looking back, it feels less like a childhood dream and more like the beginning of a path that was already forming.

Today, my work reflects this lifelong journey — combining compassion with structured, modern training methods to help dogs and their humans build clarity, confidence and lasting partnership.