Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the CSC Correctional Services Training Package Release 3.0

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to maintain the health and welfare of dogs.

It includes the skills required to manage the hygiene and welfare of dogs and report on their health and welfare.

This unit applies to those working in a custodial environment who are responsible for the health and welfare of working dogs. Dogs may work in security, detection, and/or response and control roles within the organisation. A person undertaking this unit would usually work autonomously using support from mostly familiar resources. The role requires complex task organisation and analytical skills to manage and maintain the health and welfare of dogs.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies, procedures and guidelines must be consulted and adhered to.

Statutory/legislative requirements apply to this unit and may vary across states and territories. Users are required to check with the relevant jurisdiction for current requirements.

Not applicable.

Dog handling

Not applicable.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1  

Manage the health of dogs 

1.1 

Recognise basic symptoms of ill health in dogs

1.2 

Identify local authorities who can be consulted regarding the health of dogs

1.3 

Manage a program of health maintenance to prevent common illnesses or parasites

1.4 

Manage a treatment program for an ill or injured dog

1.5 

Undertake basic first aid for an ill or injured dog

1.6 

Maintain a basic first aid kit suitable for treating an ill or injured dog

2 

Manage the hygiene and welfare of dogs 

2.1 

Maintain kennels, training areas and dog transportation kennels according to animal health and welfare requirements

2.2 

Maintain the health, welfare and fitness of dogs in all operational and environmental conditions

2.3 

Maintain a healthy diet for dogs based upon individual animal’s requirements

2.4 

Use humane training methods and consider operational and environmental conditions

3 

Maintain records of health and welfare of dogs 

3.1 

Maintain health and operation records for each dog

3.2 

Report incidents that result in injuries to dogs

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit replaces and is equivalent to CSCDOG002 Maintain the health and welfare of dogs.

Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the CSC Correctional Services Training Package Release 3.0

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least five occasions and include:

• administering preventative or curative medicines and treatments to dogs
• cleaning kennels and maintaining hygiene
• maintaining safety of all persons involved when conducting medical assessments in accordance with legislation, and organisational policy, procedures and guidelines
• working independently and in teams to manage the hygiene and welfare of dogs
• monitoring diet and exercise regimes to maintain the health and welfare of dogs
• collecting, analysing and organising information to produce records and reports required by the organisation, work unit standards and animal welfare authorities
• recognising basic symptoms of ill health in dogs
• solving problems to deal with workplace safety risks to dog handler teams
• conducting preventative health checks.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

• animal health and welfare requirements and regulations affecting working dogs
• organisation's policies, procedures and guidelines related to the health and welfare and hygiene of dogs
• dietary and exercise requirements of working dogs
• signs of illness/injury in dogs
• location of veterinarians and other authorities who can assist in the maintenance of the health and welfare of dogs
• common canine diseases and parasites that affect the health of dogs
• records and reports required by legislative authorities, the organisation, work unit and animal welfare authorities
• dog handling methodologies and practices
• emergency response and evacuation procedures to maintain security
• duty of care to all involved
• limits of own authority
• Workplace/Occupational Health and Safety (WHS/OHS) relevant to the job task
• approved communication terminology, call signs and radio channels used by emergency personnel
• how to apply the hierarchy of control and use of force to control hazards and minimise risk
• location of emergency equipment in the workplace
• procedures for communicating and collaborating with responding officers and other services
• process of dynamic risk assessment and how it is applied.

Assessment of skills must occur in a custodial environment.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• real dogs
• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations
• acceptable means of simulation assessment
• applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals
• relevant materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry.