Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

1

ACM10v3

Initial release

ACMCAS306A

Provide grooming services for companion animal comfort

ACMCAS307A

Provide companion animal hydro-bathing services

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Classify dogs using Australian breed standards 

1.1 Features  of conformation for dog breeds recognised in Australia are identified.

1.2 Colours for each breed are recognised.

1.3 Coat types  and characteristics  for each breed are identified.

1.4 Grooming requirements are identified in accordance with breed standard.

2. Select and operate grooming tools

2.1 Care requirements of each coat type are determined.

2.2 Tools and equipment  used in dog grooming for specific breed needs are identified and use is demonstrated.

2.3 Hazards  associated with the use of grooming tools and equipment are identified and risks managed.

2.4 Maintenance and cleaning  of grooming tools is completed.

3. Determine dog coat type management requirements

3.1 Purpose of grooming  is determined.

3.2 Grooming tools, equipment and products for specific coat type requirements are selected.

3.3 Dog grooming techniques for body and tail grooming for a range of coat types are completed.

3.4 Dog grooming techniques for head grooming for a range of coat types are completed.

3.5 Dog grooming techniques for legs and feet grooming for a range of coat types are completed.

4. Groom dogs for specific breed and coat requirements

4.1 Grooming techniques for show or breed standard requirements are completed.

4.2 Grooming techniques for preventative care  are completed.

4.3 Grooming finishing products  are selected and applied for specific coat types.

4.4 Decorations or accessories  are fitted with consideration for animal welfare.

4.5 Waste and biosecurity risks  are managed.

4.6 Records are completed as required by employer.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this Unit.

Required skills include:

Ability to: 

• apply problem-solving skills to use available information and resources and prioritise daily tasks
• apply a range of industry recognised grooming procedures for different dog coat types and common grooming outcomes in consultation with supervisor
• complete relevant work-related documents
• differentiate between show standard and comfort grooming techniques for dog breed standards and coat types
• employ interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities
• employ safe, humane and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when working with and handling animals
• follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of defined tasks
• follow workplace policies, procedures and requirements
• identify dog behavioural characteristics and use dog handling and restraint techniques to ensure dog and staff safety
• identify conformation features of dogs
• identify dog coat types and determine coat characteristics
• identify dog grooming tools and equipment, select and use for specific purpose and maintain in accordance with manufacturers' specifications
• maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection
• select and apply grooming products for different coat types and conditions
• use literacy skills to read and follow organisation policies and procedures, including workplace health and safety ,infection control and waste management procedures
• use oral communication skills including questioning techniques, active listening, asking for clarification and consulting with supervisors
• use numeracy skills to complete basic arithmetic calculations, measure volumes and record routine workplace measures and data
• use safe manual handling techniques and/or equipment
• use safe, hygienic and environmentally friendly waste handling and disposal procedures.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of: 

• Australian National Kennel Council dog breed standards
• dog anatomy and physiology related to grooming procedures
• industry recognised maintenance and restoration dog grooming techniques, procedures and equipment for a range of coat types and conditions
• dog behaviour traits, signs of distress or illness
• organisation policies, procedures and requirements, including workplace health and safety and emergency procedures, hygiene standards and waste disposal regulations
• principles of animal ethics and welfare
• dog grooming products, techniques and services
• relevant recordkeeping systems
• workplace health and safety and animal welfare legislative requirements and codes of practice
• safe dog handling and restraint techniques and procedures
• safe work practices
• show grooming requirements for dog breed standards and coat types
• use and maintenance of a range of grooming equipment
• workplace hygiene standards, disinfectants, cleaning agents, cleaning techniques and cleaning equipment and materials.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this Unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

• assess health and condition of animal's coat and determine grooming requirements with client/owner
• follow workplace instructions to apply industry recognised grooming methods and procedures for different dog breed standards and coat types to maintain/restore animal comfort
• handle dogs in a safe and humane manner
• select, use and maintain grooming equipment and supplies in accordance with organisational standards and manufacturers' specifications under supervision
• build relationships and communicate effectively with clients regarding appropriate grooming requirements
• maintain records and follow-up with clients as required.

The skills and knowledge required to perform dog grooms on different coat types must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this Unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in companion animal organisations that offer dog grooming services aligned with Australian dog breed standards or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.

There must be access to a range of dog breeds and coat types as well as relevant information, equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence.

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency of performance, competency must be demonstrated, to industry recognised grooming techniques, on at least one double or combination coated dog and one short coated dog on more than two occasions. Assessment must take place over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and over a number of assessment activities.

The assessment strategies must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this Unit are:

• written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge
• observed, documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
• simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions
• third-party evidence
• portfolio records that provide evidence of practical skills.

This Unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other Units of Competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Australian breed standards 

Breed standards for breeds and breed groups recognised by the Australian National Kennel Council.

Features 

Features will include: body shape, ear shape and set, feet shape, head shape, height, tail type and set.

Coat types  and characteristics

Coat types will include: broken, combination, corded, curly, double, fine, hairless, long, non-shedding, Nordic, patterned, rough, shedding, short, smooth.

Coat characteristics will include: curly silky hair, felt-like, harsh, matted, non-shedding, patterned, plush, shedding, undercoat, weather resistant outer coat, woolly.

Other considerations will include:

• health considerations related to coat types
• skin characteristics
• eye, mouth and nasal discharge impact on hair and skin
• feet.

Tools and equipment 

Tools may include use of grooming tools and techniques:

• for grooming coat types and body areas and to:

• lay coat
• remove and prevent knots and mats
• remove debris
• volumize coat

• to protect coats from debris or staining by banding, snooding, wrapping.

Equipment may include:

• blow dryers
• brushes including: hound glove, natural bristle, pin, porcupine brush, rake, slicker, sisal glove, terrier palm brush
• combs including: flea, greyhound, poodle, wide tooth
• mobile unit
• stripping knives
• tweezers
• scissors including: curved, rounded tip, sharp tip, straight, thinning
• toenail clippers including: dremel, hand operated.

Hazards  may include:

• allergic reactions to grooming products
• bites or scratches to groomer
• distress to dog when attempting to remove large mats or debris in coat
• grooming sessions that extend longer than the dog’s reasonable tolerance based on dog’s age or experience
• infection, disease or parasite transfer from dog to groomer or other dogs
• injuries caused by dog’s attempt to escape grooming or handler
• injuries caused by grooming tools to dog or handler
• skin tears or cuts caused by grooming tools or techniques.

Maintenance and cleaning  may include:

• cleaning, storing and maintaining in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
• mobile unit maintenance
• recharging or replacing batteries
• removal of hair and debris from filters
• re-sharpening or replacing blunt blades
• routine disinfection of equipment
• safe and secure storage of equipment.

Purpose of grooming  may be required:

• for breed standard or competition requirements
• for fashion
• to manage skin or coat condition
• to remove under coat
• to remove winter coat.

Preventative care  will be required:

• for parasite control
• to avoid matting
• to deodorise coats
• to reduce access to coat contamination (ie roll up of long coats)
• to reduce coat staining.

Finishing products  may include:

• anti-static or coat holding
• deodorant
• flea and other parasite control
• knot or matt prevention
• stain minimisation.

Decorations or accessories  may include:

• bandages, tapes or coat protection aids
• clips
• coats
• hats
• ribbons.

Waste and biosecurity risks  may include:

• allergies or skin conditions associated with the use of shampoos and other products
• burns from the use of chemicals or hot clipper blades
• electrical and fire risk from equipment
• pollutants and biohazards resulting from chemicals, water and dog waste
• transmission of disease between dogs and or humans via:

• biting or scratching
• presence of contagious health conditions
• recycling of washing water
• tools and equipment.