Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to groom and style the different coat types that occur in dog breed groups as specified by the Australian National Kennel Council.

The unit applies to experienced dog groomers who work in the companion animal industry sector where specialist breed-specific grooming services are provided, including for conformation or grooming competitions and shows. They take responsibility for their own work and, where relevant, the outcomes of others. They analyse information, solve problems and exercise judgement to complete a range of highly skilled grooming activities and demonstrate in-depth knowledge in specialist grooming techniques.

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

The prerequisite unit of competency for this unit is:

• ACMGRM305 Groom dogs to meet breed style and coat requirements.

Note the following chain of prerequisites that also apply to this unit. 

Unit Sector

Grooming (GRM)

Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

Unit Mapping Information

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has independently performed Australian National Kennel Council breed standard grooming on a total of five dogs, including one from each of the following three groups:

• Group 1 Toys – breed standard grooming, including scissoring and/or clipping of one of the following breeds:

• Bichon Frise, Yorkshire Terrier, Papillon, Pomeranian, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Havanese, or Maltese

• Group 2 Terriers – breed standard grooming, including hand stripping of one of the following breeds:

• Airedale, West Highland White Terrier, Border Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Fox Terrier (wire coat), Irish Terrier, Scottish Terrier

• Group 3 Gundogs – breed standard grooming, including some or part hand stripping of:

• Irish Setter, Cocker Spaniel (American or English), English Springer Spaniel, Lagotto Romagnolo, or Gordon Setter.

In addition to the three dogs selected above, the individual must groom two dogs, one from each of the following:

• one Poodle, including one of the following trims:

• German, Scandinavian, continental, puppy, English saddle

• one other breed selected from the following:

• Schnauzer, Portuguese Water Dog, Samoyed, Bernese Mountain Dog, Shih Tzu, or Alaskan Malamute.

In doing the above, the individual must have:

• identified the breed classification and coat grooming requirements correctly
• assessed behaviour, and health and condition of each dog's coat, prior to grooming
• discussed grooming requirements with at least two clients
• handled and secured each dog in a safe and humane manner
• prepared, washed and dried each dog's coat and used industry-recognised grooming and styling techniques to establish, maintain or restore the dog’s coat
• selected, used and maintained grooming equipment and supplies according to workplace and manufacturer instructions
• selected, fitted and correctly used personal protective equipment
• completed post-grooming cleaning and housekeeping procedures
• maintained records for each dog.

Knowledge Evidence

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

• characteristics of dog breed groups recognised by the Australian National Kennel Council, including:

• Group 1 Toys
• Group 2 Terriers
• Group 3 Gundogs
• Group 4 Hounds
• Group 5 Working dogs
• Group 6 Utility dogs
• Group 7 Non-sporting dogs

• coat types and requirements for grooming a dog to meet breed standard
• dog anatomy, physiology and conformation related to grooming procedures
• dog behaviour traits and signs of distress or illness
• dog grooming and styling products
• types and uses of grooming tools and equipment, including clippers and blade sizes, and scissors
• industry-recognised grooming and styling establishment, maintenance and restoration techniques, procedures and equipment for specific-breed dog coat
• techniques and equipment for removing stains from light coloured dogs
• risks associated with removal of hairs from ears
• safe dog handling, securing and restraint techniques and procedures, including:

• low stress handling techniques
• selection and use of restraints
• techniques used to introduce puppies and inexperienced dogs to grooming

• personal protective equipment, including protection for hands, face, eyes, ears and feet
• infection control, including:

• transmission of zoonoses relating to dogs
• identification and control of parasites, including ectoparasites
• workplace vaccination policy
• personal and workplace hygiene standards

• workplace record-keeping systems and procedures
• workplace health and safety, hygiene and environmental procedures relating to dog grooming, including:

• safe manual handling
• use of disinfectants and cleaning agents
• cleaning and sanitising techniques, equipment and materials
• disposal of waste

• principles of animal ethics and welfare, and key requirements of animal welfare legislative requirements and codes of practice.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions:

• physical conditions:

• a dog grooming workplace or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

• resources, equipment and materials:

• live dogs from the breed groups specified in the performance evidence
• clippers, scissors and other grooming equipment, including personal protective equipment
• grooming products
• cleaning products and equipment
• devices used for securing or restraining dogs
• workplace record-keeping/information management system

• relationships:

• clients specified in the performance evidence.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103