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The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
Common dog breeds may include: | the Australian National Kennel Club (www.ankc.org.au) provides a list of common breeds grouped into toys, terriers, gundogs, hounds, working dogs, utility and non-sporting. |
Behavioural characteristics may include: | body language, vocal and other forms of communication normal behaviour patterns: activity levels appropriate for age and breed displacement behaviour normal feeding, resting and eliminative behaviour social behaviour towards conspecifics and other species, including humans inappropriate behaviour may include: changes to expected normal behaviour destructive behaviour excessive vocalisation inappropriate arousal levels repetitive or stereotypic behaviour patterns signs of anxiety and distress. |
Colours, markings and other identifying features may include: | breed, age, sex and size coat or skin colours and texture eye colour markings, patterns and permanent scars microchip, ear tags, tattoos and markings. |
Signs of distress in dogs may include: | aggressive behaviour subdued behaviour trembling vocalisation. |
Housing design and environmental factors may include: | environmental: biological control of waste cleaning routines and methods drainage and weather protection general animal housing security housing furniture local council requirements related to: limits to numbers and types of animals allowed noise control pest control restricting access to animals waste management ventilation, heating and cooling requirements housing design: housing options: communal kennels individual kennels exercise areas whelping and puppy raising kennels food preparation areas bathing and grooming areas companion dogs kept indoors and outside housing requirements: compatibility of species kept together in a home food and water distribution security considerations longevity and sturdiness of materials suitability specific areas to rest designs that allow for enrichment activities (e.g. exercise, feeding or socialising) social options: solitary pairs groups mixed species |
Enrichment needs may include: | food or food-related enrichment: food dispensing toys, scatter feeding and treasure hunts physical enrichment items: gnawing manipulada digging pits paddle pools a view sounds (e.g. music) scents occupational activity options: dog sports free running exercise leash walks training social enrichment: levels of contact with other animals of the same species or other species social interactions with people, including the carer. |
Welfare of animals requirements may include: | adequate housing, nutrition and stock levels compliance to appropriate state or territory legislation and regulations enrichment opportunities the absence of pests and vermin the compatibility of species and breeds. |
OHS risks when working with animals may include: | animal bites, kicks and scratches biological hazardous waste and sharps disposal handling of chemicals and medicines gas leakage inhalation of aerosol particles intraocular contamination manual handling, including carrying, lifting and shifting needle pricks and cuts from other sharps release of infective agents (animal and human) slippery or uneven work surfaces zoonoses. |
Equipment used to handle and restrain dogs may include: | collars and leads treats or toys. |
Methods used to approach and catch dogs may include: | calling animal by name encouraging animal to approach by offering a treat quietly approaching animal, slipping on collar and attaching lead or catching and holding animal with hands running animal into a small enclosure. |
Common health issues may include: | behavioural disorders environmental hazards: ventilation temperature extremes exposure to the elements inadequate exercise infectious diseases caused by: bacteria, virus, fungus and mould internal and external parasites non-infectious diseases: nutritional imbalances and disruptions genetic disorders metabolic neoplastic physical traumas chemical toxicities and allergies zoonotic diseases. |
General health maintenance and preventative treatment may include: | annual health check-up control of parasites grooming immunisation/vaccinations as required insect control quarantine routine observation of waste elimination and faecal examination. |
Digestive system features related to specific feeding routines and diets may include: | anatomical features: mouth and teeth structures digestive enzymes and bacteria oesophagus and stomach intestines, rectum and anus physiological features: eating processes nutrient requirements, absorption and storage methods waste elimination feeding patterns and strategies normal eating and drinking patterns for species, age and breed potential digestive system malfunctions or problems water needs. |
Feeding hazards may include: | animal movement and handling shelf life of foodstuffs manual handling and general food preparation, storage and distribution equipment contamination of foodstuffs from vermin, bacteria, fungus, virus and other sources organic and other dusts excessive noise possibility of zoonotic infection. |
Foodstuffs commonly available and suitable for a balanced diet may include: | high quality commercial and veterinary approved home prepared diets. |
Required documentation may include: | accident and incident records animal feeding, health and treatment records animal identification and history chemical and veterinary supplies register diary, rosters and task completion and timeframe records equipment use, damage and repair register OHS safe work method statements, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and other records provisions records of current stock and items used and items required stock control records. |