Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to train and care for dogs used for security assignments. It requires the ability to select dogs based on breed drives and behaviours, implement appropriate training methods, and maintain the health and welfare requirements of the dog.

This unit may form part of the licensing requirements for persons engaged in the management of guard dogs in those states and territories where these are regulated activities.

Application of the unit 

This unit of competency has application in the security industry in those roles the management of guard dogs. Competency requires legal and operational knowledge applicable to relevant sectors of the security industry. The knowledge and skills described in this unit are to be applied within relevant legislative and organisational guidelines.

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required 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/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Select dog .

1.1 Applicable provisions of legislative  and organisational requirements  relevant to managing guard dogs are identified and complied with.

1.2 Dog usage requirements for security functions are identified and confirmed in accordance with assignment instructions  and clarified as required with relevant persons .

1.3 Various canine breeds are inspected and dog is selected for assessed suitability  to meet specific security role .

1.4 Relevant records  are inspected and dog's health and welfare is confirmed.

1.5 Appropriate licensing requirements with regard to the handling and training  of dogs are identified and complied with.

2 Develop and implement training program .

2.1 Training program is planned and developed to meet specific security role.

2.2 Training , equipment and resource  requirements are identified and organised in accordance with organisational procedures.

2.3 Suitable protective clothing and equipment is selected, used and maintained in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

2.4 A systematic approach  to training is carried out, reviewed and modified as necessary to adapt to dog's assessed ability and progress.

2.5 Training program is conducted in a safe environment in accordance with animal welfare requirements.

2.6 Relevant documentation  is completed and securely maintained in accordance with organisational procedures.

3 Maintain welfare of dog .

3.1 Health , condition and status  of dog is routinely monitored, assessed and maintained in line with breeder's recommendations and animal welfare requirements.

3.2 Diet  meets nutritional requirements in consideration of work or training program and breeder's recommendations.

3.3 Preventative health treatments  are arranged and administered as required in line with breeder's and veterinarian's recommendations.

3.4 Facilities and equipment  needs are provided and maintained in line with animal welfare requirements.

3.5 Infectious and contagious diseases are identified and appropriate action promptly taken in accordance with animal welfare requirements and organisational procedures.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• arrange preventative health treatments for dogs
• communicate effectively with people from different social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and of varying physical and mental abilities
• demonstrate safe dog handling practices
• develop training programs for dogs applicable to security functions
• maintain clean and safe facilities and environment
• maintain health and welfare requirements of dogs
• obtain relevant licensing for management of dogs
• provide appropriate nutritional requirements for dogs
• recognise health and welfare abnormalities of dogs
• record and report information relating to management of dogs
• select dog appropriate to meet security role requirements.

Required knowledge 

• applicable legal provisions covering management and use of dogs for security functions
• areas of operation for dogs in security work
• breeds, drives and behaviours of canines suitable to security work
• canine health and nutritional requirements
• canine preventative health treatments
• canine security roles and functions
• canine training standards and procedures relating to a security context
• documentation requirements and procedures
• infectious and contagious diseases related to dogs
• licensing and registration requirements of domestic dogs
• methods to train dog to show aggression or bite with control and conditioning
• requirements for muzzle and tactical training of dogs
• risks and hazards associated with training and caring for dogs and appropriate control measures
• safe animal handling methods and techniques
• standard of training for obedience and handler protection
• training maintenance for dogs and handlers
• training requirements to ensure dog can defend handler and not escalate risk.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

• identifying and complying with licensing and documentation requirements for managing dogs for security work
• maintaining the health, welfare and status of the dog including maintaining appropriate facilities and environment
• recognising signs of poor dog health or abnormal behaviour and arranging appropriate treatment or retraining
• selecting a dog based on breed type, drivers and behaviours to an identified role, and developing and implementing effective training programs using safe handling procedures.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment includes:

• a setting in the workplace or environment that simulates the conditions of performance described in the elements, performance criteria and range statement.

Resource implications for assessment include:

• access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures
• access to a registered provider of assessment services
• access to a suitable venue and equipment
• assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book
• work schedules, organisational policies and duty statements.

Reasonable adjustments must be made to assessment processes where required for people with disabilities. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment 

This unit of competency could be assessed using the following methods of assessment:

• observation of processes and procedures
• questioning of underpinning knowledge and skills.

Guidance information for assessment 

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and suitable to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the competency being assessed. In all cases where practical assessment is used, it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.

Oral questioning or written assessment may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a choice between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Legislative requirements may relate to :

• animal welfare
• apprehension and powers of arrest
• counter-terrorism
• crowd control and control of persons under the influence of intoxicating substances
• force continuum, use of force guidelines
• general 'duty of care' responsibilities
• inspection of people and property, and search and seizure of goods
• licensing or certification requirements
• privacy and confidentiality
• relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation, codes and national standards for:

• anti-discrimination
• cultural and ethnic diversity
• environmental issues
• equal employment opportunity
• industrial relations
• OHS

• relevant industry codes of practice
• trespass and the removal of persons.

Organisational requirements may relate to :

• access and equity policies, principles and practices
• business and performance plans
• client service standards
• code of conduct, code of ethics
• communication and reporting procedures
• complaint and dispute resolution procedures
• emergency and evacuation procedures
• employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• OHS policies, procedures and programs
• own role, responsibility and authority
• personal and professional development
• privacy and confidentiality of information
• quality assurance and continuous improvement processes and standards
• resource parameters and procedures
• roles, functions and responsibilities of security personnel
• storage and disposal of information.

Assignment instructions  may include:

• assignment purpose and objective
• assignment tasks and procedures
• assignment timeframe
• dog transportation arrangements
• dog's feed, water and rest requirements
• personal protection equipment
• reporting and documentation requirements
• resource and equipment requirements.

Relevant persons may include :

• animal welfare officers
• canine breeders
• clients
• colleagues
• supervisor
• veterinarians.

Suitability may relate to :

• age
• bark
• breed
• general health and condition
• sex
• size
• temperament (non-biting).

Security role may include :

• assisting with an arrest
• foot and motor patrols
• search of persons and baggage
• search of property and premises.

Records may provide :

• desexing details
• immunisation programs
• pedigree details
• registration details.

Training may involve :

• basic training commands eg heel, sit, down (drop), come, stay
• patrolling
• procedures to attack and control intruders
• search procedures
• working on or off lead.

Training , equipment and resources may include :

• appropriate venue
• food and water
• leads
• muzzles
• personal protective clothing and equipment
• training materials.

A systematic approach may involve :

• defined training objectives
• regular monitoring and assessment processes
• selection of most appropriate training method for dog and intended purpose
• selection of training equipment to prevent cruelty (eg no inward pointing spiked collars, no electric collars)sequenced training activities.

Documentation may include :

• health and welfare records
• nutrition records
• training activity and log book.

Health , condition and status assessment may include :

• complying with registration requirements
• conducting health checks for infectious and contagious diseases
• conducting routine health checks (eg mange, eczema, internal and external parasites)
• general observation of coat condition, weight, and alertness
• maintaining up-to-date records of relevant vaccinations and boosters.

Diet may include :

• cereals
• cooked offal
• dry food
• meat
• prepared dog foods
• vegetables.

Preventative health treatments may be arranged for the treatment of :

• internal and external parasites
• vaccinations for distemper and parvo virus and other canine diseases.

Facilities and equipment may include :

• chain
• collar
• identity discs
• kennels and a safe environment
• shade cover.

Unit sector 

Security

Competency field 

Operations