Assessor Resource

AHCLSK324
Care for and train working dogs

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to select, train and care for working dogs in the rural industry.

This unit applies to farm workers who use dogs to handle livestock.

All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes or practice and sustainability practices.

This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They complete routine activities and work in a range of known contexts.

All units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication. Individuals must be aware of state/territory regulations and licensing requirements for keeping working dogs.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Identify workplace requirement and select working dog

1.1 Identify and confirm working dog requirements for the workplace

1.2 Research suitable working dog breeds and determine availability

1.3 Inspect dogs for suitability and make selection according to workplace criteria

2. Develop and implement training program for working dog

2.1 Teach commands for working tasks

2.2 Introduce the dog to a small flock in a confined area

2.3 Train the dog to handle larger numbers in more open areas

2.4 Train the dog on specialist skills such as backing and forcing

2.5 Assess existing and potential hazards associated with handling livestock in the workplace and implement measures to control risks

2.6 Comply with animal welfare codes of practice

3. Maintain health and welfare of working dog

3.1 Monitor and maintain health and condition of the working dogs

3.2 Provide an adequate and balanced diet to meet nutritional requirements of the working dogs taking into account work load/training program

3.3 Seek veterinary advice and arrange for or administer preventative health treatments

3.4 Provide and maintain appropriate housing facilities and equipment in line with animal welfare requirements

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

identify the workplace need for working dogs

select working dog to meet workplace requirements

develop working dog training programs and apply effective training methods

maintain health and welfare of the working dog

follow relevant work health and safety and animal welfare practices

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

working dog breeds and behaviour

use of working dogs in the workplace

effective working dog training systems and procedures

livestock handling methods and techniques

care, husbandry and management procedures for working dogs

signs of health, anatomy and physiology of working dogs

common illnesses of working dogs and preventative health strategies

relevant State/Territory legislative and regulatory requirements with regard to work health and safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and the registration and care of domestic dogs

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace OR workplace and a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessments for the following performance evidence must be conducted on live animals:

develop and implement training program for working dog

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Identify workplace requirement and select working dog

1.1 Identify and confirm working dog requirements for the workplace

1.2 Research suitable working dog breeds and determine availability

1.3 Inspect dogs for suitability and make selection according to workplace criteria

2. Develop and implement training program for working dog

2.1 Teach commands for working tasks

2.2 Introduce the dog to a small flock in a confined area

2.3 Train the dog to handle larger numbers in more open areas

2.4 Train the dog on specialist skills such as backing and forcing

2.5 Assess existing and potential hazards associated with handling livestock in the workplace and implement measures to control risks

2.6 Comply with animal welfare codes of practice

3. Maintain health and welfare of working dog

3.1 Monitor and maintain health and condition of the working dogs

3.2 Provide an adequate and balanced diet to meet nutritional requirements of the working dogs taking into account work load/training program

3.3 Seek veterinary advice and arrange for or administer preventative health treatments

3.4 Provide and maintain appropriate housing facilities and equipment in line with animal welfare requirements

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

identify the workplace need for working dogs

select working dog to meet workplace requirements

develop working dog training programs and apply effective training methods

maintain health and welfare of the working dog

follow relevant work health and safety and animal welfare practices

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

working dog breeds and behaviour

use of working dogs in the workplace

effective working dog training systems and procedures

livestock handling methods and techniques

care, husbandry and management procedures for working dogs

signs of health, anatomy and physiology of working dogs

common illnesses of working dogs and preventative health strategies

relevant State/Territory legislative and regulatory requirements with regard to work health and safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and the registration and care of domestic dogs

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace OR workplace and a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessments for the following performance evidence must be conducted on live animals:

develop and implement training program for working dog

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify and confirm working dog requirements for the workplace 
Research suitable working dog breeds and determine availability 
Inspect dogs for suitability and make selection according to workplace criteria 
Teach commands for working tasks 
Introduce the dog to a small flock in a confined area 
Train the dog to handle larger numbers in more open areas 
Train the dog on specialist skills such as backing and forcing 
Assess existing and potential hazards associated with handling livestock in the workplace and implement measures to control risks 
Comply with animal welfare codes of practice 
Monitor and maintain health and condition of the working dogs 
Provide an adequate and balanced diet to meet nutritional requirements of the working dogs taking into account work load/training program 
Seek veterinary advice and arrange for or administer preventative health treatments 
Provide and maintain appropriate housing facilities and equipment in line with animal welfare requirements 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCLSK324 - Care for and train working dogs
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCLSK324 - Care for and train working dogs

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: