NY S00473

Requires dog owners statewide (except cities with populations over 2 million) to complete a basic obedience course with their dog by the time the dog reaches one year of age or within 180 days of acquiring ownership, whichever is later.

Directs the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets to establish requirements for basic obedience courses, including instruction on dog training principles and hands-on obedience practice for both dog and owner.

Requires dog obedience schools to be authorized by the Commissioner and issue certificates upon successful course completion; owners presenting certificates to licensing clerks receive a yellow metal tag to be affixed to the dog's collar at no charge.

Makes failure to complete the obedience training course a violation under agriculture and markets law.

Takes effect immediately, with licensing requirements and obedience training deadlines effective one year after enactment.