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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Identify workplace requirement and select working dog
   • 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
2. Develop and implement training program for working dog
   • 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
3. Maintain health and welfare of working dog
   • 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

Range Statement

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Performance Evidence

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

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Knowledge Evidence

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

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