Prohibition for dog training: Animal protection law sets clear limits!

Prohibition for dog training: Animal protection law sets clear limits!

Austria is a strong sign of animal welfare: From April 15, 2025, private protection dog training, which relies on biting and attack training, will be prohibited. This decision was loudly welcomed by the animal welfare combiners who come from different federal states and the Association of the Austrian animal welfare organizations-Pro-Tier. The animal protection combines emphasized that such methods are not only outdated, but also stressful for the animals and contradict the principles of modern dog training. The training that promotes aggressiveness is already prohibited by law, and the new regulations should further consolidate this course.

an overdue step

"The training of people directed against people has no place in our society, this‘ tradition ’has had its day," explains Pro-Tier. Supporters of these training methods wrongly believe that dogs such as shepherd dogs or Rottweiler need such behavior in order to be happy. However, this is a fallacy, as the organization clarifies. Dogs are social beings from their nature that would do everything for people, but their needs can also be met differently, without violence and aggression. The ban aims to prevent abuse and increase security for humans and animals.

War dog sport, including activities such as searching for tracks and subordination, remains unaffected by the ban. There is a wide range of alternative employment opportunities, from nose work to agility that can offer responsible dog owners. "In no way, dogs in private attitude may be trained in any way in any way against humans", illustrate the animal welfare combine persons.