Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to select, train and care for working dogs in the rural industry.
This unit applies to farm workers who use dogs to handle livestock.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes or practice and sustainability practices.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They complete routine activities and work in a range of known contexts.
All units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication. Individuals must be aware of state/territory regulations and licensing requirements for keeping working dogs.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify workplace requirement and select working dog | 1.1 Identify and confirm working dog requirements for the workplace 1.2 Research suitable working dog breeds and determine availability 1.3 Inspect dogs for suitability and make selection according to workplace criteria |
2. Develop and implement training program for working dog | 2.1 Teach commands for working tasks 2.2 Introduce the dog to a small flock in a confined area 2.3 Train the dog to handle larger numbers in more open areas 2.4 Train the dog on specialist skills such as backing and forcing 2.5 Assess existing and potential hazards associated with handling livestock in the workplace and implement measures to control risks 2.6 Comply with animal welfare codes of practice |
3. Maintain health and welfare of working dog | 3.1 Monitor and maintain health and condition of the working dogs 3.2 Provide an adequate and balanced diet to meet nutritional requirements of the working dogs taking into account work load/training program 3.3 Seek veterinary advice and arrange for or administer preventative health treatments 3.4 Provide and maintain appropriate housing facilities and equipment in line with animal welfare requirements |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
identify the workplace need for working dogs
select working dog to meet workplace requirements
develop working dog training programs and apply effective training methods
maintain health and welfare of the working dog
follow relevant work health and safety and animal welfare practices
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
working dog breeds and behaviour
use of working dogs in the workplace
effective working dog training systems and procedures
livestock handling methods and techniques
care, husbandry and management procedures for working dogs
signs of health, anatomy and physiology of working dogs
common illnesses of working dogs and preventative health strategies
relevant State/Territory legislative and regulatory requirements with regard to work health and safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and the registration and care of domestic dogs
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace OR workplace and a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessments for the following performance evidence must be conducted on live animals:
develop and implement training program for working dog
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Livestock (LSK)