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

ACMGRM301A

Perform grooms on dogs with different coat types

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. Determine cross breed dog clipping requirements

1.1 Coat characteristics are evaluated.

1.2 Dog’s history and experience of clipping is investigated.

1.3 Client requirements are clarified.

1.4 Coat condition and impact on general health of dog are evaluated and reported to client to determine dog’s clipping needs.

1.5 Individual dog’s clipping needs are planned.

2. Use scissoring techniques on experienced dogs 

2.1 Scissors are selected for different cross bred coat types  and different body areas.

2.2 Scissors are prepared and maintained during use.

2.3 Safety risks when using scissors around dogs are identified and managed.

2.4 Scissors are used to trim coat on all body areas under supervision.

3. Select and use clipping equipment on experienced dogs

3.1 Clippers are prepared and maintained during clipping.

3.2 Safety risks when using clippers on dogs are identified and managed.

3.3 Clippers and blades are selected for different coats types.

3.4 Clippers and blades are selected to trim specific body areas.

3.5 Clippers are prepared and maintained during clipping.

3.6 Clippers are used to trim coat on all body parts under supervision.

4. Tidy a cross bred clip

4.1 Range of clip types  for cross bred dogs are identified and evaluated.

4.2 Previous clip shape is determined.

4.3 Procedure to restore previous clip style is planned.

4.4 Previous clip style is restored using clippers and scissors.

4.5 Plucking or other techniques are used to complete cross bred clip.

5 Introduce trimming and clipping to nervous or inexperienced dogs 

5.1 Dogs are assessed for potential behavioural problems  related to previous negative clipping experiences.

5.2 Inexperienced dogs are conditioned  to accept handling of body areas for clipping and trimming.

5.3 Techniques are practised to control or restrain  nervous or distressed dogs during clipping and trimming.

5.4 Scissors are used to accustom dogs to the sensation of trimming.

5.5 Clippers are used to introduce dogs to the sensation of clipping.

6. Establish cross bred clips for a range of cross bred coat types under supervision

6.1 Clip type is selected according to coat type and individual dog’s requirements.

6.2 Dog is prepared for clipping.

6.3 Tools and equipment are selected and prepared for clipping different cross bred coat types.

6.4 Clip pattern is completed using scissors, clippers, hand plucking, as appropriate for a range of cross breed coat types and needs.

6.5 Dogs are re-assessed after their clip to ensure the clip meets client’s requirements.

6.6 Maintenance requirements for dog coat between clipping appointments are explained to client.

6.7 Records  are updated.

6.8 Equipment is cleaned and maintained and waste disposed of using environmentally appropriate methods. 

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 pre-clip preparation and clipping procedures for different dog coat types, dog uses and comfort requirements in consultation with supervisor
• complete relevant work-related documents
• 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 dog coat types and determine coat characteristics
• identify dog grooming tools and equipment, selecting and using for specific purpose and maintaining 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 pre and post clipping 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: 

• dog anatomy and physiology related to grooming and clipping procedures
• industry recognised grooming and clipping establishment, maintenance and restoration techniques, procedures and equipment for cross breed dog coat types and conditions
• dog behaviour traits, signs of distress or illness
• lifestyle and activity related considerations for clipping of cross breed dogs
• 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
• pre and post clipping 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
• use and maintenance of a range of grooming and clipping 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 clipping requirements with client/owner
• follow workplace instructions to apply industry recognised grooming and styling techniques to establish/maintain/restore coat and breed features for cross breed dogs
• handle dogs in a safe and humane manner
• select, use and maintain grooming and styling equipment and supplies in accordance with organisational standards and manufacturers' specifications
• build relationships and communicate effectively with clients relating to the on-going management of grooming and clipping of their cross breed dogs
• maintain records and follow-up with clients as required.

The skills and knowledge required to perform a cross breed clip 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 cross breed dog grooming and clipping services or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.

There must be access to a range of cross breed dogs 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 three coat types and three clip types on more than one occasion. 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.

Experienced dogs  may include:

• dogs that have been trained previously to accept clipping procedures regardless of age

Cross bred coat types  may include:

Broken, corded, curly, fine, hairless, long, non-shedding, Nordic, patterned, rough, shedding, short, smooth.

Range of clip types  may include:

• basic styles for dog comfort and to compliment general anatomical features and coat types for:

• body
• head
• legs/feet
• tail

• puppy trim.

Potential behavioural problems  may include:

• avoiding contact with groomer or equipment
• biting
• collapsing
• crying
• escaping
• incontinence
• scratching.

Inexperienced dogs  may include:

• young dogs or dogs that have not been previously clipped
• dogs with defensive or aggressive behaviours caused by previous clipping or grooming experiences.

Conditioned  may include:

• training techniques using positive reinforcement to encourage dogs to accept novel experiences including:

• handling by strangers and in unfamiliar locations
• grooming and clipping techniques such as: brushing, plucking, scissoring, stripping, washing

• tolerating restraint.

Control or restrain  may include:

• approved manual animal holding techniques
• grooming harness or lead.

Records 

• after salon care instructions to client
• individual dog care record
• receipts
• stock supplies.

Environmentally appropriate methods  must consider:

• 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.