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

Required skills

administering preventative or curative medicines and treatments to dogs

applying basic first aid techniques to dogs

maintaining kennels training and dogs to the required standard of hygiene

working independently and in teams to manage the hygiene and welfare of dogs

monitoring diet and exercise regimes to maintain the health and welfare of dogs

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

recognising basic symptoms of ill health in dogs

using humane methods of training dogs

solving problems to deal with workplace safety risks

Required knowledge

animal health and welfare requirements and regulations affecting working dogs

organisational policies and procedures regarding the health and welfare of dogs within the organisation

organisational and unit policies and standards regarding the hygiene and welfare of dogs

dietary and exercise requirements of working dogs

location of veterinarians and other authorities who can assist in the maintenance of the health and welfare of dogs

common canine diseases and parasites that affect the health of dogs

preventative measures for controlling illnesses and parasites that can affect dogs

basic first aid techniques that can be used to treat injured dogs

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

dog training methodologies and practices

capabilities of dogs working within the organisation

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 that 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 within the dog handling skills set

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 maintaining the health and welfare of dogs including coping with difficulties irregularities and changes to routine

legislation policy procedures and guidelines relating to the health and welfare of 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 andor oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

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

thirdparty 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

Basic symptoms of ill health can include:

Local authorities can include:

Program of health maintenance will include:

Treatment program can vary according to:

Training methods to include:

Health records should be generated:

Organisational policies and procedures can include: