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 train dog teams to work in a custodial environment.

It includes the skills required to develop a training plan for a dog/handler team and report and record the teams progress.

This unit applies to those working in a custodial environment, training dog/handler teams. 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 train dog handler teams.

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.

CSCDOG008 Assess dogs for custodial purposes

∟CSCDOG010 Manage detector dogs

OR

∟CSCDOG011 Manage dogs for security purposes

CSCDOG009 Maintain the health and welfare of dogs

CSCDOG012 Prepare stimulus aids for use with dogs

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  

Develop a plan for training 

1.1 

Identify and assess the training needs of the dog/handler team

1.2 

Develop a training plan that addresses the unique needs, strengths and weaknesses of the team

1.3 

Schedule training program to meet priority needs within the organisation

2 

Train dog handler teams 

2.1 

Implement training program according to training plan time frames

2.2 

Develop the handler to control the dog in a way that maintains team performance and safety

2.3 

Use organisation's approved dog training methods

2.4 

Use and maintain training equipment

2.5 

Monitor the team's proficiency against organisational requirements continually

2.6 

Adapt equipment and apply appropriate remedial and developmental exercises to suit the capabilities and physical development of the team

3 

Record and report on the progress of dog handler teams 

3.1 

Complete training records for the team

3.2 

Report team progress to appropriate people

3.3 

Review training plan to reflect the changing needs of the team and organisation

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 not equivalent to CSCDOG006 Train dogs for response and control.

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:

• collecting, analysing and organising information about team performance in training and operational environments to produce records and reports required by the organisation
• writing and reviewing training plans
• managing timelines to schedule training effectively
• working independently and collaboratively to train and develop the capabilities of teams
• assessing dog and handler performance during training and operational deployments.

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:

• legislation, regulations, animal health and welfare requirements affecting working dogs
• organisational policies, procedures and guidelines related to the use of dogs and appropriate training methods including:

• planning and developing training for the dog handler team/s
• training plans
• recording and reporting requirements
• appropriate people to whom to report dog progress

• underpinning theoretical principles of dog training including:

• conditioning principles and appropriate methods of rewarding the dog for exhibiting required behaviour
• humane and positive training methods that reinforce natural behaviour and maintain the working skills and enthusiasm of the dog
• responses that dogs should give to voice commands and hand signals

• 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.

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 of skills must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

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.