Application
This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to manage the training and well-being of dogs used for security functions.
It includes:
applicable legislative and organisational, animal welfare and licensing requirements relevant to handling guard dogs
identifying and assessing the needs of the dog and handler team, and inspecting canine breeds to select a dog suitable for the security role
developing and implementing a training maintenance plan to meet the performance objectives of the dog and handler team
maintaining the dog’s health and well-being including cleaning and maintaining its facilities and equipment.
It applies to people working independently or under limited supervision as members of a security team.
This unit may form part of the licensing requirements for people engaged in security operations in those states and territories where these are regulated activities.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe what needs to be done to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Select dog for security role. | 1.1 Review workplace procedures and policies including WHS to ensure compliance with legal rights and responsibilities when managing security dogs. 1.2 Identify and assess needs of security dog and handler team. 1.3 Inspect appropriate canine breeds and select suitable dog to meet security role. 1.4 Check dog’s health and training records and confirm suitability for security role. |
2. Develop dog and handler training maintenance plan. | 2.1 Develop a tailored training maintenance program to address the unique needs, strengths and weaknesses of the security dog and handler team. 2.2 Schedule training to meet priority needs within an agreed timeframe. 2.3 Update training plan to meet changing needs of security dog and handler team. |
3. Implement dog and handler maintenance training. | 3.1 demonstrate dog handling techniques which minimise risk to self, others and dog. 3.2 Select and use suitable protective clothing and equipment and training aids. 3.3 Conduct maintenance training according to schedule and timeframes. 3.4 Assess the security dog’s response to training and adjust methods to achieve team performance objectives. 3.5 Complete training records using workplace documentation. |
4. Maintain dog’s health and well-being. | 4.1 Monitor security dog’s health and condition and immediately address identified needs and problems in consultation with relevant persons. 4.2 Administer preventive health treatments and maintain a diet that meets security dog’s nutritional requirements. 4.3 Maintain security dog at a high level of fitness. 4.4 Clean and maintain security dog’s facilities and equipment to the required standard. |
Foundation Skills
This section describes the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria:
writing skills to:
maintain security dog training records
document a training maintenance program
reading skills to interpret:
procedures and policies that clarify legal rights and responsibilities and WHS requirements
security dog health and training records and information from the breeder
speaking and listening skills to use questions and active listening to exchange and understand information when inspecting dogs
numeracy skills to schedule and conduct training to meet timeframes
problem solving skills to:
select a dog to match the requirements of the security role
formulate training exercises to meet dog and handler team objectives
identify symptoms of ill health and take necessary actions to maintain the well-being of dogs.
Sectors
Security operations