Proof of competence

Proof of competence: Upper Austria

Is proof of competence required, and for whom? This is what the official source says for Upper Austria, with the date checked.

sourcedchecked on 28 October 2026

Summary

All future dog owners; plus an everyday suitability test for large dogs (from 40 cm or 20 kg) and additional training for conspicuous dogs

The rule

Before keeping a dog begins, the future owner must successfully complete competence training of at least six hours (§ 4 Abs. 1); the proof is part of the report to the municipality (§ 2 Abs. 2 Z 1). Only persons aged 16 or over may keep dogs (§ 3 Abs. 1). Anyone who keeps a large dog (fully grown at least 40 cm shoulder height or 20 kg) must also pass an everyday suitability test with the dog (§ 5 Abs. 1 and 2). For conspicuous dogs, additional training with the dog is prescribed (§ 4 Abs. 2, § 7 Abs. 6).

Open points

Transitional provisions (§ 23) for dogs already kept and the Oö. Hundehalteverordnung 2024 (content of the training and tests) not evaluated.

Source

RIS (Landesrecht Oberösterreich): Oö. Hundehaltegesetz 2024, LGBl. Nr. 84/2024, version of 28.10.2026

checked on 28 October 2026

Proof of competence in the other federal states

Dog rules Upper Austria: all six topicsProof of competence in all federal states

No guarantee

As of: 28 October 2026. The official text alone is authoritative. Source and date checked per row.

Not legal advice. We summarise the rules in plain language. This is a guide and does not replace information from the competent authority.

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