Application
This unit describes the skills required to maintain a detector dog at maximum level of performance and readiness. This involves team handler plus dog in ongoing proficiency training. The unit includes developing a plan for proficiency maintenance training, implementing the training maintaining dog/handler team performance, and maintaining the dog’s health and well-being.
This unit applies to those working in canine detector teams who are responsible for the currency of the dog/handler team’s performance and readiness.
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.
Those undertaking this unit would work as part of a team, performing routine tasks in a range of contexts.
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. Develop a plan for proficiency maintenance training | 1.1 Assess detector dog’s capability. 1.2 Identify and assess the needs of the dog/handler team. 1.3 Develop a tailored proficiency maintenance training plan addressing the unique needs, strengths and weaknesses of the team. 1.4 Schedule training to meet priority needs within an agreed timeframe. 1.5 Update training plan regularly to reflect the changing needs of the team. |
2. Implement proficiency maintenance training | 2.1 Implement proficiency maintenance training in accordance with the schedule and available resources. 2.2 Assess the dog’s response to training immediately. 2.3 Modify training as required to meet desired outcomes. 2.4 Undertake custody, transport and use of training aids. 2.5 Maintain training and other records. |
3. Maintain dog/handler team performance | 3.1 Identify and agree upon performance standards for the detector dog team with relevant personnel. 3.2 Implement a plan for achieving team effectiveness. 3.3 Assess the detector dog team’s effectiveness against specific performance criteria. 3.4 Maintain performance records for monitoring purposes. 3.5 Review team plans and working practices and identify improvements if required to achieve maximum performance. |
4. Maintain dog’s health and well-being | 4.1 Monitor the detector dog’s health on a regular and consistent basis. 4.2 Identify and address the dog’s needs and problems. 4.3 Maintain the detector dog at a high level of fitness. 4.4 Clean and maintain detector dog’s quarters to the required standard. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
deploying detector dogs
observing and analysing capability and performance
applying decision making using sound judgment
organising training schedules
keeping records
communicating using styles to suit different audiences
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
enabling and allied legislation and regulations
organisational policy, procedures, guidelines and protocols
work health and safety and environment policies and guidelines relating to detector dog program
detector dog program training and deployment principles
proficiency maintenance training exercises
dog’s health requirements
fitness levels
performance standards
reporting procedures
equipment operation, usage and maintenance procedures
Assessment Conditions
This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills are embedded within the elements and performance criteria of this unit.
Competency Field
Border protection