Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use and manage working dogs in stock yards and holding paddocks.
This unit is applicable to stock handlers using working dogs in yards and holding paddocks on farms, at saleyards and at abattoirs. Activities undertaken may including mustering holding paddocks, drafting stock, loading and unloading stock and feeding a race.
This Unit is not applicable to the training of working dogs or the use of working dogs on open range pastoral operations.
All work should be carried out to comply with workplace and hygiene requirements.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision, exercise limited autonomy and have some accountability for their own work.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
This unit must be delivered and assessed in the context of Australian meat processing standards and regulations.
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. Prepare yards and dogs for work | 1.1 Identify workplace health and safety hazards in stock yards 1.2 Identify hazards to the welfare of working dogs in stock yards 1.3 Routinely check yards for animal welfare hazards, assess risks, and implement suitable controls 1.4 Select, use and maintain suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 1.5 Check dogs before and after work to ensure their condition and health are maintained 1.6 Identify and report unhealthy or injured dogs to foreman or manager |
2. Muster and move livestock using working dogs | 2.1 Identify and explain the relevant sections of applicable animal welfare standards and regulations 2.2 Use dogs suitable for the task for working livestock 2.3 Explain and demonstrate principles of low stress livestock handling 2.4 Follow workplace health and safety and workplace procedures for working with dogs and livestock 2.5 Check, muster and move livestock in holding pens, yards and laneways |
3. Care for working dogs | 3.1 Explain and follow workplace requirements for housing dogs 3.2 Explain workplace health and safety risks associated with working and handling dogs and follow workplace requirements 3.3 Explain and meet dietary requirements of working dogs 3.4 Clean and check kennels as a part of regular daily routines 3.5 Identify common working dog conditions |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must use and manage working dogs in stock yards and holding paddocks.
The candidate must:
identify hazards and follow safe operating procedures in stock yards
be observed safely checking working dogs prior to handling animals
be able to identify signs of ill health or injury to the working dog
be observed providing due care and handling animals safely and humanely
observe, identify and react appropriately to WHS hazards
observe, identify and assess hazards that may impact on animal welfare to the dog and livestock
be able to explain and apply relevant regulatory requirements as applicable
be able to describe and apply the principles of low stress stock handling
be observed moving stock around pens, yards and laneways in lairage in accordance with workplace procedures
be observed cleaning and maintain housing for dogs
provide sufficient and suitable feed and fresh water for the working dog
use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor
use, maintain and store suitable personal protective equipment for working in yards
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate a basic factual, technical and procedural knowledge of:
basic nutritional and welfare requirements of working dogs
common working dog conditions including injury or illness and reporting procedures
livestock behavioural characteristics and movement in handling areas
dog suitability for the task
principles of low stress handling when using a working dog
WHS risks with working dogs and adhere to animal welfare legislative requirements
the impact of stress and injury on livestock
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions for animal handling
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be demonstrated at the normal speed of production.
Assessment should take place in an operating meat processing plant.
The following three forms of assessment must be used:
quiz of underpinning knowledge
workplace demonstration or project
workplace referee or third-party report of performance over time
Assessors must satisfy the current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.