Not applicable

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

Overview of assessment

Evidence for assessment must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.

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

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of employability skills as they relate to this unit.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit contains knowledge which may be assessed off the job, for example, in a structured learning process, and performance outcomes which should be assessed ideally in the workplace in routine activities and in conjunction with other units with specific focus on working with, training or assessing the work done by detector dogs in the organisation.

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered while training detector dogs, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine

legislation, policy, procedures and guidelines relating to the training of detector dogs

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations that may be encountered when training and deploying detector dogs

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

working independently and in teams to train and develop the capabilities of detector dogs

assessing when dogs are ready to extend the range of odours they are capable of detecting

collecting, analysing and organising information to produce records and reports required by the organisation, work unit standards and animal welfare authorities

using humane methods of training dogs

working with detector dogs in environments determined by the organisation

solving problems to deal with workplace safety risks

contributing to personal skill development and learning.

Required knowledge:

animal health and welfare requirements and regulations affecting working dogs

conditioning principles and appropriate methods of rewarding specific detector dogs for exhibiting required behaviour

humane and positive training methods that reinforce natural behaviour and maintain the working skills and enthusiasm of detector dogs

items and their associated odours that a detector dog could be required to detect in its working role within the organisation

methods of assessing when dogs are ready to extend the range of odours they are able to detect

organisational policies and procedures regarding the training and use of detector dogs

positive and negative indicators shown by detector dogs when detecting (or not detecting) specific odours

records and reports required by legislative authorities, the organisation, work unit and animal welfare authorities.

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 in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any 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.

Factors that affect the training and proficiency maintenance can include:

temperament of dog

behavioural drives influencing the dog

health and welfare status of dog

age of dog

level of enthusiasm for detecting required odours

length of time required by the dog to acquire new skills

frequency of training

level of training or experience that the dog had prior to joining the organisation

level of training or experience of the dog while in the organisation

experience, commitment and knowledge of handler

degree of bonding between dog and handler

ability of handler to identify and respond to indicators exhibited by the dog

access to the odours that the detector dog is required to detect

access to real life situations where detector dog can be deployed.

Training methods are to include:

humane, positive methods that meet the requirements of the individual dog in training (e.g. more dominant dog may require more dominant control)

appropriate rewards

enthusiastic attitudes and methods

use of stimulus aids to train for required odours

short, frequent training sessions

variety in location of stimulus aids and training experiences.

Positive indicators of odours can include:

sitting with nose pointed towards source of odour

sitting beside source of odour with head turned towards the handler

repeatedly returning to source of odour

actively turning head towards source of odour

actively wagging tail

barking vigorously with nose pointed towards source of odour

vigorously scratching or digging at the source of the odour

jumping up at the source of the odour

whining excitedly and wagging tail.

Organisational guidelines can include:

enabling legislation

organisational policies and procedures, particularly those relating to the use of detector dogs within the organisation

workplace health and safety Acts, regulations and guidelines

national and regional policies and procedures

procedural guides, standard operating procedures and work instructions.

External factors that may limit the capabilities of detector dogs can include:

temperature

humidity

air currents and wind drift

terrain.

Training records may include:

records of training activities

regular evaluation and assessment

evaluation of individual exercises

dog health and development

communications with internal and external networks

proposed changes to course syllabus.

Personal skill development opportunities may include:

coaching, mentoring and supervision

formal and informal learning programs

internal and external training provision

work experience and exchange opportunities

personal study

career planning and development.

Feedback on work performance may include:

formal and informal performance appraisals

obtaining comments from supervisors and colleagues

workplace assessment

receiving guidance, technical support and information to assist performance.