Switzerland: back to school for dog owners

Anyone in Switzerland who gets a dog after 1 September must complete five hours of theory and five two-hour training sessions within two years under new guidelines issued by the Swiss Federal Veterinary Office (FVO). In the training sessions dog owners should learn how to train their dog and understand its behaviour. The new regulations are intended to support public safety and ensure the correct handling of canines, according to the FVO. Industry experts expect the number of new dog owners to decline, as people will now reconsider whether to buy a dog or not.