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 evaluate breed characteristics to select grooming, styling, dying and decoration techniques that do not compromise the health and welfare of the dog

plan creative styling themes

follow workplace instructions to apply industry recognised grooming and styling techniques to colour, clip, decorate and style dogs for creative themes

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

communicate effectively with clients regarding techniques to maintain styling between sessions

maintain records and follow-up with clients as required.

The skills and knowledge required to provide creative styling on dogs 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 creative dog styling services or competition or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.

There must be access to a range of 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 should be demonstrated, to industry defined standards, on more than two occasion covering a range of creative styling applications. 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 a range of industry recognised pre-clip preparation and clipping procedures for different creative styling techniques with consideration to dog comfort requirements

apply problem solving skills using available information and resources and prioritising daily tasks

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

explain creative styling themes

identify dog behavioral 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 and styling 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

select and fit accessories and decorations for creative coat styling

select and perform creative styling clips for different themes

select and apply dying or colouring agents that are safe for use on dogs of different coat and skin types while taking into consideration physiological characteristics of different breeds

plan grooming and styling for different themes

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 estimate, calculate and record routine and more complex workplace elements

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 dog coat types and conditions

creative styling techniques, decoratons and accessories

dog behavior traits, signs of distress or illness

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

lifestyle and activity related considerations for creative styling of dogs

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.

Creative styling

Creative styling applies to styling where dogs are groomed, clipped, dyed and decorated to look like breeds other than their own, other animals, machinery, equipment or natural objects or in other ways used as part of a creative scene

Before undertaking creative styling the operator must ensure the health and welfare of the animal will not be compromised

Dog breed characteristics

Dog breed characteristics may include physiological or behavioural characteristics that may be adversely affected by the use of dyes, decorations, costumes, ornaments, props, clipping styles or products including:

skin, eye, mouth, foot or other body part irritation caused by toxins or non-dog safe components that may pull on or in other ways affect dog comfort

exposure to the elements due to reduced fur or hair covering

overheating due to costume or styling products

reduction in mobility, vision, hearing.

Style themes

Styling themes include the planned incorporation of a dog by using a grooming and clipping style that transforms the dog into a different dog breed, other animal or as part of a scene using clipping, grooming, dyeing, decorations and costumes.

Decorations and accessories may include:

Decorations and accessories may include embellishments used to complete themes including:

decorative objects such as ribbons, bows, beads, glitter rhinestones or other items

hair extensions

costume or ornaments that do not hinder dog vision; mobility of action, ears, legs or tail and are removable for inspection for grooming and styling.

Techniques for maintaining breed and coat types

Techniques for maintaining breed and coat types may include use of grooming tools and techniques for:

grooming for coat types and body areas and to:

lay coat

remove and prevent knots and mats

remove debris

volumize coat

washing for coat and skins conditions, to remove stains, to control parasites

protection to reduce tangling and exposure to debris or dirt by:

banding

snooding

wrapping.

Environmental and biosecurity hazards may include:

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.