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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. |
Common dog breeds may include: | the Australian National Kennel Club (www.ankc.org.au) provides a list of common breeds grouped into toys, terriers, gundogs, hounds, working dogs, utility and non-sporting. |
Behavioural characteristics may include: | body language, vocal and other forms of communicationnormal behaviour patterns:activity levels appropriate for age and breeddisplacement behaviournormal feeding, resting and eliminative behavioursocial behaviour towards conspecifics and other species, including humansinappropriate behaviour may include:changes to expected normal behaviourdestructive behaviourexcessive vocalisationinappropriate arousal levelsrepetitive or stereotypic behaviour patternssigns of anxiety and distress. |
Colours, markings and other identifying features may include: | breed, age, sex and sizecoat or skin colours and textureeye colourmarkings, patterns and permanent scars microchip, ear tags, tattoos and markings. |
Signs of distress in dogs may include: | aggressive behavioursubdued behaviourtremblingvocalisation. |
Housing design and environmental factors may include: | environmental:biological control of wastecleaning routines and methodsdrainage and weather protectiongeneral animal housing securityhousing furniturelocal council requirements related to:limits to numbers and types of animals allowednoise controlpest controlrestricting access to animalswaste managementventilation, heating and cooling requirementshousing design:housing options:communal kennelsindividual kennelsexercise areaswhelping and puppy raising kennelsfood preparation areasbathing and grooming areascompanion dogs kept indoors and outsidehousing requirements:compatibility of species kept together in a homefood and water distributionsecurity considerationslongevity and sturdiness of materialssuitability specific areas to restdesigns that allow for enrichment activities (e.g. exercise, feeding or socialising)social options:solitarypairsgroupsmixed species |
Enrichment needs may include: | food or food-related enrichment:food dispensing toys, scatter feeding and treasure huntsphysical enrichment items:gnawing manipuladadigging pitspaddle poolsa viewsounds (e.g. music)scentsoccupational activity options:dog sportsfree running exerciseleash walkstrainingsocial enrichment:levels of contact with other animals of the same species or other speciessocial interactions with people, including the carer. |
Welfare of animals requirements may include: | adequate housing, nutrition and stock levelscompliance to appropriate state or territory legislation and regulationsenrichment opportunitiesthe absence of pests and verminthe compatibility of species and breeds. |
OHS risks when working with animals may include: | animal bites, kicks and scratchesbiological hazardous waste and sharps disposalhandling of chemicals and medicinesgas leakageinhalation of aerosol particlesintraocular contaminationmanual handling, including carrying, lifting and shiftingneedle pricks and cuts from other sharpsrelease of infective agents (animal and human)slippery or uneven work surfaceszoonoses. |
Equipment used to handle and restrain dogs may include: | collars and leadstreats or toys. |
Methods used to approach and catch dogs may include: | calling animal by nameencouraging animal to approach by offering a treatquietly approaching animal, slipping on collar and attaching lead or catching and holding animal with handsrunning animal into a small enclosure. |
Common health issues may include: | behavioural disordersenvironmental hazards:ventilationtemperature extremesexposure to the elementsinadequate exerciseinfectious diseases caused by:bacteria, virus, fungus and mouldinternal and external parasitesnon-infectious diseases:nutritional imbalances and disruptionsgenetic disordersmetabolicneoplasticphysical traumaschemical toxicities and allergieszoonotic diseases. |
General health maintenance and preventative treatment may include: | annual health check-upcontrol of parasitesgroomingimmunisation/vaccinations as requiredinsect controlquarantineroutine observation of waste elimination and faecal examination. |
Digestive system features related to specific feeding routines and diets may include: | anatomical features:mouth and teeth structuresdigestive enzymes and bacteriaoesophagus and stomachintestines, rectum and anusphysiological features:eating processesnutrient requirements, absorption and storage methods waste eliminationfeeding patterns and strategiesnormal eating and drinking patterns for species, age and breedpotential digestive system malfunctions or problemswater needs. |
Feeding hazards may include: | animal movement and handlingshelf life of foodstuffsmanual handling and general food preparation, storage and distribution equipmentcontamination of foodstuffs from vermin, bacteria, fungus, virus and other sourcesorganic and other dustsexcessive noisepossibility of zoonotic infection. |
Foodstuffs commonly available and suitable for a balanced diet may include: | high quality commercial and veterinary approved home prepared diets. |
Required documentation may include: | accident and incident recordsanimal feeding, health and treatment recordsanimal identification and historychemical and veterinary supplies registerdiary, rosters and task completion and timeframe recordsequipment use, damage and repair registerOHS safe work method statements, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and other recordsprovisions records of current stock and items used and items requiredstock control records. |