PSPBORD406A
Conduct detector dog team training

This unit covers the preparation and conduct of initial detector dog team training courses. It includes preparation and delivery of training/development, managing training resources, maintaining the security of training aids, and evaluating and reporting training course outcomes.In practice, conducting detector dog team training may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, applying government processes, using resources, developing work plans, etc. This is a new unit of competency, added to the Border Protection Competency field of the Training Package in 2004.

Application

Not applicable.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for training/ development

1.1 Needs of teams to be trained are identified.

1.2 Training and development is planned based upon the identified needs.

1.3 Training resources are identified and prepared in accordance with training requirements.

1.4 Administrative requirements are identified and addressed in accordance with organisational policy and practices.

2. Deliver training/ development

2.1 Constructive feedback is provided throughout the development process.

2.2 Dog and handler progress is monitored and evaluated.

2.3 Training is monitored against schedule and outcomes.

2.4 The training program is adjusted to allow individual detector dog teams every opportunity to meet the specific performance criteria.

2.5 Records are maintained in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

3. Manage training resources

3.1 Training resource requirements are identified and reported to management.

3.2 Resource usage is monitored in accordance with approved resource allocation.

3.3 Security of training aids is maintained in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

3.4 Custody, transport and utilisation of training aids is in accordance with legislation, policy and guidelines.

4. Evaluate training outcomes

4.1 Level of development and operational effectiveness of detector dog teams is assessed.

4.2 Clear and constructive feedback in relation to performance is given to the person/s being assessed using appropriate language and strategies and including guidance on any further goals or training opportunities available to overcome gaps in competency.

4.3 Changes aimed at improving the detection capabilities of detector dog teams are identified.

4.4 Training outcomes are in accordance with legislation, policy and guidelines.

Required Skills

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

deploying detector dogs

maintaining detector dog proficiency

developing operational effectiveness of detector dog teams

analysing training and development needs for each team

preparing and delivering a detector dog training program

preparing and managing a training budget

mentoring detector dog teams

assessing performance and providing feedback to detector dog teams

producing reports based on assessment of all elements of detector dog training and deployment principles and practices

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

applying occupational health and safety and environmental procedures in the context of detector dog team training

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

principles of quality management and continuous improvement

current training methodologies

analysis techniques

standards

workplace and industry environment

equity and diversity principles

public sector legislation including occupational health and safety and environment related to detector dog team training

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPBORD405A Develop operational effectiveness of detector dog teams

PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

PSPGOV403B Use resources to achieve work unit goals

PSPGOV404B Develop and implement work unit plans

PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)

conduct of detector dog team training in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to detector dog team training

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when conducting detector dog team training

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when conducting detector dog team training, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

conduct of detector dog team training in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

demonstration

observation

portfolios

projects

questioning

scenarios

simulation or role plays

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments


Range Statement

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Needs are based on:

the unique requirements of individual dogs and handlers through assessment of experience, strengths, weaknesses and potential

Training resources may include:

pre-selection of course dogs

pre-course conditioning of selected dogs

support staff

training literature and associated materials

training aids

training facilities and off-site locations

course syllabus

control stocks

Administrative requirements may include:

accommodation and travel arrangements of course participants

regional deployments

Specific performance criteria may include:

handler understanding and application of detector dog program training principles and methodologies as defined in training and operational manuals

handler technical skills associated with deployment of a detector dog as defined in training and operational manuals

dogs quality of search/detection ability/conditioned response to meet standards as defined in detector dog training and operational manuals

Records may include:

proposed changes to course syllabus

evaluation of individual exercises

regular evaluation and assessments

records of training activity

dog health and development

communications with internal/external networks

Legislation, policy and guidelines may include:

enabling and allied legislation such as:

Customs Act 1901 and regulations

Quarantine Act 1908 and regulations

organisational policies and procedures, particularly detector dog program training, operational and training aid control

occupational health and safety

national and regional policies and procedures

standard operating procedures

work instructions

Reports on findings may cover:

training program review

development and performance of dogs

development and performance of handlers

training budget

recall and transition training periods

regional quality assurance processes


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Border Protection.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.