Unit of competency
Modification History
Release |
Comments |
Release 1 |
This version released with ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package Version 4.0. |
Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify dogs and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.
This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where domestic dogs are bred, reared, trained, cared for or housed. This may include animal shelters, pet shops, breeding or boarding kennels, companion animal training or grooming establishments or similar workplaces. This unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures according to Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil
Unit Sector
Species Specific (SPE)
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements |
Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify common dog breeds |
1.1 Define the breed characteristics of dogs commonly cared for within the facility 1.2 Identify and describe physical characteristics of dogs using industry terminology 1.3 Identify breeds of dogs using industry classification and terminology 1.4 Define, interpret and document breed, colours, markings and other identifying features |
2. Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs |
2.1 Identify indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour 2.2 Recognise signs of distress and report to supervisor 2.3 Identify industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities 2.4 Assess current animal housing design in relation to the welfare of the dogs kept and legislation requirements 2.5 Identify behavioural enrichment activities for specific dog |
3. Handle and restrain dogs |
3.1 Identify workplace health and safety risks associated with handling and restraining dogs 3.2 Implement methods to minimise safety risks and use appropriate personal protective equipment 3.3 Select and use humane equipment to restrain and handle dogs according to current scientifically validated approaches 3.4 Approach and restrain dogs using low stress handling techniques to minimise risks to the animal and others |
4. Assist with health care needs |
4.1 Identify signs of good health in dogs 4.2 Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor 4.3 Identify general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures, and implement in line with level of job responsibility |
5. Feed dogs |
5.1 Identify digestive system features and relate to dog-specific feeding routines and diets 5.2 Identify preferred food sources and assess for quality and suitability 5.3 Identify potential feeding hazards and implement risk control options 5.4 Prepare food in accordance with dietary needs 5.5 Distribute food and water according to schedule feeding plan or animal requirements |
6. Maintain records |
6.1 Complete feed and treatment records noting food consumption, health and care activities 6.2 Report abnormalities to supervisor 6.3 Complete documentation relevant to licences and transport, where required |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill |
Description |
Reading |
|
Numeracy |
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Unit Mapping Information
Code and title current version |
Code and title previous version |
Comments |
Equivalence status |
ACMSPE316 Provide general care of domestic dogs |
ACMSPE304 Provide basic care of domestic dogs |
Changed title Minor changes to performance criteria for clarity Assessment requirements updated |
Equivalent |
Links
Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103