Laws on keeping a dog muzzled in public

[anichka 2]

Apologies if this has been addressed before, but I searched and couldn't find much of anything on the topic.

 

I am planning to move to Germany within the next two months with my dog. I am clear on the paperwork and travel process, and I know I will have to pay a "dog tax" in Heidelberg.

 

I visited HD a couple weeks ago and an American friend who hasn't been living there long said that ALL dogs have to wear a muzzle unless they go through a specific obedience course. I didn't see many dogs there, but none of the ones I saw had any sort of muzzle. Is this information correct? I haven't been able to find anything online that confirms what she said. If so, can anyone point me towards a link? My pup is not one of the "dangerous breeds", and he has been through three obedience courses here in the UK.

 

Also, in my search here on dogs, someone mentioned that dogs may not be left alone for more than 6 hours. Is that Germany-wide? Is having a dog walker stopping by mid-day sufficient to comply with this rule? And what is the penalty for breaking this rule (not that I am planning on it, just curious)? Currently my pup has a dog walker while I am at work, and I will make the same arrangement once I move (though I am really hoping to find some place close enough to work that I could just pop by during lunch).

 

Thanks!

[Oblomov 865]

You can get more information here: http://www.hundeinfoportal.de/info_heidelberg.php#anlein

You only need a muzzle if your dog´s breed is being considered as particularly dangerous, e.g. a Pit Bull Terrier

[Bipa 5,814]

Oblomov got it half-right. In Baden-Württemberg there are two cases where a dog must remain muzzled in public at all times.

 

1. If the dog is one of the types listed as a dangerous breed and hasn't passed the special test to prove that it's obedient and harmless, OR

2. If the dog has a history of aggression and has been cited as being a dangerous dog regardless of its breed.

 

As for leaving a dog alone, there is no law with any time limit. Read the thread Laws on leaving a dog indoors while one is away for more on the topic.

 

Cheers! :)

[Oblomov 865]

Yes, but as her dog is newly imported it obviously can´t have a history of aggression.

[anichka 2]

Excellent, thanks for the advice.

 

Actually, I lied a bit when I said I understood the paperwork for moving.

 

My confusion is over this part... my dog has a pet passport, and he was vaccinated for rabies last April (the 11th I think?). I am planning to move at the end of April/be there in time to start a job 1 May. I know I need to get a booster. What I don't understand is the time limit. From what I've read, his vaccination should be no more than 12 months old and no less than 30 days.

 

What I am wondering, then, is whether he needs the rabies shot a bit early rather than on the anniversary of his last shot. Or will it be okay to just wait till the anniversary and get it done then?

[Bipa 5,814]

There should be no trouble in having it done a little earlier to ensure that you comply with the rules. Give your vet a call and make sure, but it usually isn't a problem to get the booster a few weeks earlier.

[bluebell16 972]

Our vet has told us that it is safe to get the rabies booster up to two months in advance, but that it's not recommended to do it that early. Still, if you need to do it a month or so early, it does give you some leeway. But like Bipa said, double-check with your vet, because they'll know your pet's history the best.

[Ruthie 216]

There is a rule that dogs have to wear muzzles when they are on the Deutsche Bahn (taking the train) -- but it is rarely enforced. If you arrive in Germany and plan to travel by train without having your dog in a crate, make sure to have a muzzle with you just in case. I have a soft cloth one for my dog.

[Krieg 15,074]

 

Yes, but as her dog is newly imported it obviously can´t have a history of aggression.

If the dog is the kind of (annoying) dog that barks at people it will take very little time until it gets a history. If your dog is tame and friendly you will get no problems.

[Bipa 5,814]

Are you trying to equate barking with dangerous aggression and biting? :blink:

[bluebell16 972]

Krieg:

 

My dog is one of those "annoying" dogs you speak of that developed a reputation for being barky when I was gone from the house. The situation has since been rectified, but I cannot honestly believe that anyone equated his yapping with being aggressive. In fact, my neighbours were and still are likely to snuggle right up to the yapper and give him kisses. I don't really understand your argument..

[Krieg 15,074]

 

Are you trying to equate barking with dangerous aggression and biting?

I know you are trying to be logical, I am telling you the reality in Germany. If you dog barks at people sooner or later someone will report you to the police.

 

So I guess the best approach for the OP is to keep the dog muzzled in public places.

 

An another thing, if your dog barks too much at home, you might have problems with that as well. Believe it or not, there are laws stating how much a dog can bark.

[Bipa 5,814]

Krieg, you do realise that a muzzle won't stop a dog from making noise, eh? Special anti-barking muzzles are considered inhumane by most animal protection agencies, and neighbours can be just as bothered by a dog whining if the walls are thin.

 

If your dog barks a lot, then you'll be charged with a noise violation and fined. Your dog will NOT be forced to wear a muzzle in public, nor at home. Barking and biting are two very different things, covered by completely different laws. I know you are trying to be illogical, I am telling you the reality in Germany.

 

We covered the laws regarding barking quite extensively already on TT, with Local laws on barking dogs being just one example.

[bluebell16 972]

 

I know you are trying to be logical, I am telling you the reality in Germany. If you dog barks at people sooner or later someone will report you to the police.

So I guess the best approach for the OP is to keep the dog muzzled in public places.

You really never have had a dog in Germany, have you? Or are you just trying to get a rise out of dog owners? Barking dogs do not always equal biting dogs. Barking dogs are annoying, but mostly harmless. Anyone who has a dog in Germany knows about rules regarding how often a dog can bark (as if it's in our control when we're gone from the house). Biting dogs, on the other hand, understandably need to be muzzled. But like Bipa said, muzzles do not also muffle noise. If they did, it would be a pretty efficient way to control barking, don't you think? Then there wouldn't be any barking OR biting dogs!! B)

[Krieg 15,074]

I never said a dog must be muzzled at home, I just said if the dog barks a lot at home someone might report you and you will have problems. The law is really stupid, I can't be bothered to look for it, but it is something like: "A dog can bark maximum 1 hour per day in blocks not longer than 15 minutes. Silent hours must be respected". It is bloody stupid because you can't tell a dog hey buddy, do not bark between 13 and 15.

 

If your dog barks at people on the street or in the ubahn, then someone might report you. Actually big dogs must be muzzled in any kind of public transportation but the law is not really enforced because most dogs in Germany are tame.

 

I was trying to help, believe what you want to believe.

[Bipa 5,814]

Actually, I lecture my dogs quite often on German laws and that they aren't allowed to bark during official quiet hours. The dogs don't pay any attention to me, but I get a laugh out of the neighbours.

 

That's just one of my tricks in keeping good relations going with the neighbours. Having two barky terriers, I'm quite well versed on how it is in Germany. My dogs are only allowed out into my garden if I'm around to supervise. If I notice neighbours gardening or having a BBQ and my dogs start barking, then I bring the dogs back indoors or take them for a walk. My neighbours appreciate it, and in return they don't get upset with some barking during the day. We're all getting along, and that's what really counts in the end. Not all Germans are so inflexible to insist on every point of the law being followed, and a little consideration can go a long way. I touch base with my neighbours every few months regarding my dogs, and have never had any complaints, official or unofficial from them so far.

 

Big difference though being in a house with a large property as opposed to an apartment building. In my old 5-family building, one family kept trying to make trouble for me and continually complained to the landlord. But the other 3 families told the landlord that they had no problems with my dogs, so eventually the landlord told the problem family to just shut up. Believe it or not, many Germans can be quite reasonable and meet you half-way.

[anichka 2]

My dog, in general, is not a barker... but I do worry some since some other points have been brought up. He can be territorial, i.e., when someone comes on the property, he lets me know. I currently live in a semi-detached house, and noise from the neighbors will make him bark. I imagine I will be in a flat situation in Germany, and I am concerned he will bark when he hears neighboring noises.

 

No worries about barking at people on the street, though. Really, the only time he barks is when he thinks we are being invaded at home... and he's also very well behaved in public (wish I could say the same at home!), usually sitting down immediately when we meet people. Many people remark on how well trained he seems in that regard - if only they saw the crazy he can be at home when he doesn't get enough exercise!

[Chelle63 958]

My dog is the other way around at home, as perfect as can be...gets so aggressive outside, I dont muzzle him because he is on a short leash when near people...but I wouldnt take him on a bus or train ever even with a muzzle...he is left at home probably barks at the noises going on around him, he shuts up when ignored so I guess its all about getting used to the surroundings,

 

Will you be home for the beginning of your move? Maybe he gets used to your flat later on and then you can leave him at home without worrying about his barking...good luck

[anichka 2]

I wondered after I posted this last night whether the Gentle Leader is considered a muzzle. From what my friend in HD described, it seems like it might be. I usually walk my dog using the Gentle Leader because he behaves a lot better then.

 

Unfortunately, I think we will be in temporary housing for 2 weeks to a month, and I will go to work right away after arriving there (if I make it, still waiting on TESA approval!).

 

The biggest problem I've had with my dog on the train is his tendency to want to sit next to me (on the seat)...

[Bipa 5,814]

No, a Gentle Leader isn't the same as a muzzle. It falls under the category of "halti", and is just one of a number of brands available.

 

With a Gentle Leader or other brand of halti, a dog could still give quite a good bite, as the picture shows. The main purpose isn't bite prevention, but to stop a dog from pulling on the leash.

 

A muzzle makes it completely impossible for a dog to bite.