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

Required Skills

administer preventative or curative medicines and treatments to canines

apply basic first aid techniques to canines

collect analyse and organise information to produce records and reports required by the organisation and animal welfare authorities

interpret the actions and indications given by a canine

maintain living environment training areas and canines to the required standard of hygiene

monitor diet and exercise regimes to maintain the health and welfare of canines

recognise basic symptoms of ill health and injury in canines

solve problems to deal with safety risks

work independently and in teams to manage the hygiene and welfare of canines

Required Knowledge

anatomy and signs of healthill health and injury of canines

animal health and welfare requirements and regulations affecting working canines

Australian Urban SearchampRescue Canine Capability Best Practice Guideline

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

canine anatomy

canine developmental stages

canine grooming requirements

capabilities of canines working within a USAR environment

common illnesses diseases parasites and other causes of illhealth or injury affecting working canines

dietary and exercise requirements of working canines

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

organisational policies and procedures regarding the health and welfare of canines within the organisation where applicable

physiology of canines

preventative measures for controlling illnesses and parasites that can affect canines

procedures for acquiring canines

psychology and behaviour of canines

records and reports required by state territory and local authorities the organisation and animal welfare authorities

restricted canine breeds

typical characteristics and temperaments of various breeds of canines that are suited to working within the USAR environment

work environment in which canines 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

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to

constantly observe and monitor search canines in relation to their continued ability to work in a USAR environment

provide recommendations on the health and welfare of search canines deployed in USAR incidents

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time under a range of conditions that would be expected in the workplace

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace andor in a simulated workplace environment

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to

Australian Urban SearchampRescue Canine Capability Best Practice Guideline

canines training to work in a USAR environment

search canines

legislation policy procedures and guidelines relating to the health and welfare of canines

Method of assessment

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision andor mentoring which is typically recorded in a competency workbook

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment according to the workplace environment

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industryapproved simulated work environment Forms of assessment that are typically used include

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions

Criteria must include:

Desired characteristics should include:

Desired physical attributes should include:

Basic symptoms of ill health may include:

Local authorities may include:

Program of health maintenance must include:

Treatment program can vary according to:

Specialist advice may include:

Health records must include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Training needs may include:

Training plan must include: