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

Required skills

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 dogs in environments determined by the organisation

working independently and in teams to train and develop the capabilities of dogs for agility work

solving problems to deal with workplace safety risks

contributing to personal skill development and learning

Required knowledge

enabling legislation and regulations and animal health and welfare requirements affecting working dogs in organisational situations

organisational policies and procedures regarding the use of dogs for agility work

conditioning principles and appropriate methods of rewarding the dog for exhibiting required behaviour

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

responses that dogs should give to voice commands and hand signals

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

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 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 dogs in agility work including coping with difficulties irregularities and changes to routine

legislation policy procedures and guidelines relating to the training of dogs

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

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

Training needs of dog/handler team may vary depending on:

Dog/handler team comprises:

Training plan must:

Legislation, policies and procedures should include:

Training records may include:

Personal skill development opportunities may include:

Feedback on work performance may include: