Certificate of competence for dog owners in Lower Saxony (§3 NHundG)
Dog owners who acquired a dog for the first time after July 1, 2011, and who are not otherwise considered competent according to Section 3 of the Lower Saxony Dog Act (NHundG), must provide proof of competence through a theoretical and practical examination.
A dog owner must be able to keep and control their dog in such a way that the dog poses no danger to public safety and order. According to Section 3 of the Lower Saxony Dog Act (NHundG), anyone keeping a dog must possess the necessary expertise. This expertise must be demonstrated to the municipality upon request by successfully passing a theoretical and a practical examination. The theoretical examination must be taken before acquiring the dog, and the practical examination must be taken during the first year of dog ownership.
Since 2015, you can take your theory and practical exams with me!
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Theory test
The theoretical proficiency test covers the required knowledge about
1. the requirements for keeping dogs, taking into account animal welfare law,
2. the social behavior of dogs and breed-specific characteristics of dogs,
3. Recognizing and assessing dangerous situations involving dogs,
4. the training and education of dogs and
5. Legal regulations for handling dogs
to prove.
This is a single-choice exam with 35 questions (7 questions per category), which can be taken on a computer or mobile phone. The exams take place at my home. If you pass (at least 70% overall and at least 50% per category), you will receive your certificate immediately.
Examination fee: €80 (prepayment)
Dates: Tuesdays or Thursdays from 5:00 PM
Examination location: Fischbeck
Practical exam
The practical test is designed to demonstrate your ability to handle a dog humanely, without disturbing or injuring others. Part of the test takes place in a low-traffic area, and the other part in a busy area. I always structure the practical test as a short walk. Your dog should know basic commands (such as sit, down, stay, and come), be able to walk on a short leash, and be accustomed to pedestrian zones and busy streets. Treats and praise are, of course, allowed ;-) A long line can also be used for the "recall" portion of the test.
Examination fee: €95 (prepayment)
Dates: Fridays at 5:00 PM or Saturdays at 11:00 AM
Examination location: Hess. Oldendorf or Hameln
I'm often asked how to prepare for the (theory) exam. Please don't prepare for the exam itself, but rather for, ideally, more than 15 years with a dog! Dogs are living beings with needs and requirements regarding their care. You should be prepared for that!
To prepare for dog ownership, I recommend reading relevant literature, such as breed-specific books or general dog books on topics like behavior, health, training, etc. Seek extensive advice from the breeder or the animal welfare organization handling the adoption, and ask plenty of questions.
In addition, you will also need knowledge of the relevant Lower Saxon laws for the exam:
Lower Saxony Dog Law (NHundG)
Animal Welfare Act (TSchG)
Animal Welfare Dog Ordinance (TierSchHuV)
Recommended literature for the theory test:
Book:Dog handler's license and certificate of competence from Esther Schalke, Gabriele Metz, Sandra Bruns
Book: Dog handler's license and competency test: Preparation for dog owners by Dorit Feddersen-Petersen
more
Suggested literature
And here are a few more. Sample questions
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