Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage the health, hygiene and welfare of dogs and report on their health and welfare.
This unit applies to those responsible for the health and welfare of working dogs. Dogs may work in security, detection, and/or response and control roles within the organisation.
This unit may be customised, particularly regarding the methods of maintaining high standards of canine health and welfare based on different requirements of the organisation, function of the work team and location.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to dog health.
A person undertaking this unit would usually work autonomously using support from mostly familiar resources. The role requires complex task organisation and application of moderate analytical skills.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Manage the health of dogs | 1.1 Recognise basic symptoms of ill health in dogs. 1.2 Identify local authorities who can be consulted regarding the establishment or maintenance of the health of dogs. 1.3 Carry out a program of health maintenance to prevent common illnesses or parasites. 1.4 Carry out a treatment program for an ill or injured dog. 1.5 Undertake basic first aid for an ill or injured dog. 1.6 Maintain a basic first aid kit suitable for treating an ill or injured dog. |
2. Manage the hygiene and welfare of dogs | 2.1 Maintain kennels, training areas and dog transportation kennels according to animal health and welfare requirements or unit policy, standards and regulations. 2.2 Maintain the health, welfare and fitness of dogs in all operational and environmental conditions according to work unit policies and standards. 2.3 Maintain a healthy diet for dogs based upon individual animal’s requirements and unit policy and procedures. 2.4 Use humane training methods. 2.5 Use short, frequent training sessions suited to the individual dog’s level of training and ability to concentrate effectively. 2.6 Assess and recommend the need to retire or dispose of dogs according to unit policy, specialist advice and/or animal health and welfare standards. |
3. Maintain records of health and welfare of dogs | 3.1 Establish and maintain health and operation records for each dog according to unit policies, standards and requirements. 3.2 Keep records of decisions to retire or dispose of dogs. 3.3 Follow unit and organisational policies and procedures to record and report incidents that result in injuries to dogs. |
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
ACSF levels indicative of performance:
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the
Competency Field
Dog handling