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 and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

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

third-party 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.

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 operation's 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 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 in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any 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.

Organisation's policies and procedures can include:

enabling legislation

particularly those organisational policies and procedures relating to the health and welfare of dogs within the organisation

workplace health and safety Acts, regulations and guidelines

national and regional policies and procedures including environmental and/or sustainability practices

procedural guides, standard operating procedures and work instructions.

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

detector dogs

tracker dogs

protection dogs

border patrol dogs

person searching dogs.

Types of work can include:

detection of drugs, explosives, weapons, accelerants and other illegal or prohibited materials

protection of people

protection of environment or property

tracking movements of people or items

detection of people or cadavers.

Source of the dog can include:

organisational breeding programs

general dog breeders and owners

donations

animal welfare associations.

Recorded information should include:

name and address of breeder, donor or seller

contact telephone number of breeder, donor or seller

breed of dog

age of dog

basic characteristics of dog, e.g. very dominant, keen on retrieving, confident, etc.

Desired characteristics for dogs should include:

exhibiting high levels of inquisitiveness

showing a strong desire to explore the environment and odours

being positively responsive to petting and praise from strangers

adapting readily to new situations, handlers and environment

being sociable

possessing high intelligence

being alert and positively watchful of surroundings

being bold and willing to accept new challenges with confidence

having strong retrieval ability if that is a requirement of its role

having a high level of self-confidence.

Physical attributes of dogs include:

healthy, shiny coat with no bare patches, etc.

wet nose without discolouration, scales or discharge

ears that are clean, not clipped and without foul odour or discharge

bright, clear eyes with pink surrounding membranes

mouth containing pink gums, complete set of white teeth and no foul odour

feet that have all toes, solid whole pads and no overlong claws

limbs and hips without signs of arthritis or dysplasia in the joints

producing stools that are firm and moist, not sloppy

clear of any parasitic infestations that cannot be treated

body shape conforming to breed, without distortion of body length.