The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this Unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

assess health and condition of animal's coat and determine clipping requirements with client/owner

follow workplace instructions to apply industry recognised grooming and styling techniques to establish/maintain/restore coat and breed features for cross breed dogs

handle dogs in a safe and humane manner

select, use and maintain grooming and styling equipment and supplies in accordance with organisational standards and manufacturers' specifications

build relationships and communicate effectively with clients relating to the on-going management of grooming and clipping of their cross breed dogs

maintain records and follow-up with clients as required.

The skills and knowledge required to perform a cross breed clip must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this Unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in companion animal organisations that offer cross breed dog grooming and clipping services or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.

There must be access to a range of cross breed dogs and coat types as well as relevant information, equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence.

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency of performance, competency must be demonstrated, to industry recognised grooming techniques, on at least three coat types and three clip types on more than one occasion. Assessment must take place over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and over a number of assessment activities.

The assessment strategies must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this Unit are:

written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

third-party evidence

portfolio records that provide evidence of practical skills.

This Unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other Units of Competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).

Required skills include:

Ability to:

apply problem-solving skills to use available information and resources and prioritise daily tasks

apply a range of industry recognised pre-clip preparation and clipping procedures for different dog coat types, dog uses and comfort requirements in consultation with supervisor

complete relevant work-related documents

employ interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

employ safe, humane and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when working with and handling animals

follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of defined tasks

follow workplace policies, procedures and requirements

identify dog behavioural characteristics and use dog handling and restraint techniques to ensure dog and staff safety

identify dog coat types and determine coat characteristics

identify dog grooming tools and equipment, selecting and using for specific purpose and maintaining in accordance with manufacturers' specifications

maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection

select and apply pre and post clipping products for different coat types and conditions

use literacy skills to read and follow organisation policies and procedures, including workplace health and safety, infection control and waste management procedures

use oral communication skills including questioning techniques, active listening, asking for clarification and consulting with supervisors

use numeracy skills to complete basic arithmetic calculations, measure volumes and record routine workplace measures and data

use safe manual handling techniques and/or equipment

use safe, hygienic and environmentally friendly waste handling and disposal procedures.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

dog anatomy and physiology related to grooming and clipping procedures

industry recognised grooming and clipping establishment, maintenance and restoration techniques, procedures and equipment for cross breed dog coat types and conditions

dog behaviour traits, signs of distress or illness

lifestyle and activity related considerations for clipping of cross breed dogs

organisation policies, procedures and requirements, including workplace health and safety and emergency procedures, hygiene standards and waste disposal regulations

principles of animal ethics and welfare

pre and post clipping products, techniques and services

relevant recordkeeping systems

workplace health and safety and animal welfare legislative requirements and codes of practice

safe dog handling and restraint techniques and procedures

safe work practices

use and maintenance of a range of grooming and clipping equipment

workplace hygiene standards, disinfectants, cleaning agents, cleaning techniques and cleaning equipment and materials.

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Experienced dogs may include:

dogs that have been trained previously to accept clipping procedures regardless of age

Cross bred coat types may include:

Broken, corded, curly, fine, hairless, long, non-shedding, Nordic, patterned, rough, shedding, short, smooth.

Range of clip types may include:

basic styles for dog comfort and to compliment general anatomical features and coat types for:

body

head

legs/feet

tail

puppy trim.

Potential behavioural problems may include:

avoiding contact with groomer or equipment

biting

collapsing

crying

escaping

incontinence

scratching.

Inexperienced dogs may include:

young dogs or dogs that have not been previously clipped

dogs with defensive or aggressive behaviours caused by previous clipping or grooming experiences.

Conditioned may include:

training techniques using positive reinforcement to encourage dogs to accept novel experiences including:

handling by strangers and in unfamiliar locations

grooming and clipping techniques such as: brushing, plucking, scissoring, stripping, washing

tolerating restraint.

Control or restrain may include:

approved manual animal holding techniques

grooming harness or lead.

Records

after salon care instructions to client

individual dog care record

receipts

stock supplies.

Environmentally appropriate methods must consider:

allergies or skin conditions associated with the use of shampoos and other products

burns from the use of chemicals or hot clipper blades

electrical and fire risk from equipment

pollutants and biohazards resulting from chemicals, water and dog waste

transmission of disease between dogs and or humans via:

biting or scratching

presence of contagious health conditions

recycling of washing water

tools and equipment.