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

Required skills

working independently and in teams to assess dogs for their suitability for particular roles within the organisation

evaluating operations activities and communicating ideas and information

planning and organising activities for assessing and selecting dogs

transporting dogs safely

collecting analysing and organising information to produce records and reports concerned with the acquisition of dogs for the organisation

Required knowledge

organisational policies and procedures regarding the selection and use of dogs

purposes for which dogs may be used within the organisation

procedures for acquiring dogs

records and reports that must be established and maintained about the acquisition of dogs for the organisation

typical characteristics and temperaments of various breeds of dogs that are suited to working within the organisation

anatomy and signs of health and ill health of dogs

work environment in which dogs could be deployed and emergencies that could arise within those environments

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

The 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 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 when selecting and acquiring dogs including coping with difficulties irregularities and changes to routine

legislation policy procedures and guidelines relating to

the role and purpose of dogs in the organisation

safety health and welfare of dogs working in the organisation

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

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

Organisation's policies and procedures can include:

Roles of dogs within the organisation or work team can include:

Types of work can include:

Source of the dog can include:

Recorded information should include:

Desired characteristics for dogs should include:

Physical attributes of dogs include: