Yes, You need to do a theory and practical course, I am sure you will find someone who speaks english, Try to search on internet. I know a guy who did the theory in french with a little knowledge of french langauge, As all you have to do is to listen the things you already know.  

For more information:

http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/topics/intorg/un/unge/gepri/pet.html

Merci Brad!

I will try to read the article you gave me.. I really wonder my poor poor french will be ok  or not.

anyway merci again!

If you purchase your dog from a registered breeder, he or she will give you full details of the course and other formalities.

Alternatively, you can contact the SVPA (Société vaudoise pour la Protection des Animaux) where you can not only adopt an animal but receive loads of  information and encouragement from their volunteer staff, many of whom are anglophones.

Once you have acquired a pet, you will soon be on nodding terms with other local dog owners and then practising your spoken French on a regular basis -- for free!

Ritchie

Hi Haruna G,

My vet in Geneva, Robert Campbell (Australian) conducted the course I did in English. He doesn't do them often just when a group of English speakers need to do the course and he certifies you that evening. Here is his contact details: 

One vote for Robert here as well. We use him for cats and dog and he is excellent

Ritchie,

Thank you so much for the information,

Yes I am thinking to get the dog from SVPA and they could offer me the course in french. For me it's difficult to understand. It will be my responsibility to own the dog, so I want to understand the course. but I was not sure what they said to me. so I am here for confirmation of the rule to have a dog!

BCROVER,

Thank you also FYI. According to the article which brad gave me. it seems slighly different between the canton. But I wanna try Robert. do you have his email address which is more easy for me to communicate.

I have had two dogs and never was required in Geneva to go to a school or training.

Is this a Vaud/Valais requirement or other cantons?

I heard the law has changed 2007. I think all the canton basiclly the same. need  microchip to the dog? please read the article brad gave us. I don't know if you are swiss before 2007, maybe you don't need? 

Dogs acquired after 1 September 2008 must be chipped and registered in the federal database, the owners must take a theory course or prove competence, and must provide certain conditions to the dog.

It's all in the link above.

Haruna G,

He usually speaks to you by phone first to organise the class then sends a group email to confirm when it will be. The best thing is to call the vet practice and ask to speak with him. Honestly, he is easy going and very helpful and may even put you in touch with someone in Vaud. 

Give him a call...

BCRover