Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify dogs and their behavioural and physical needs, and provide daily care requirements.
This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where domestic dogs are bred, reared, trained, cared for or housed. This may include animal shelters, pet shops, breeding or boarding kennels, companion animal training or grooming establishments or similar workplaces. This unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.
Regulatory requirements apply to this unit but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify common dog breeds | 1.1 Define the profile of dog breeds commonly held within facility, including appearance, nutrition, health and behavioural characteristics 1.2 Identify physical characteristics of dogs using industry terminology 1.3 Identify breeds of dogs using industry terminology 1.4 Define, interpret and document breed, colours, markings and other identifying features |
2. Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs | 2.1 Identify indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour 2.2 Recognise signs of distress and report to supervisor 2.3 Identify industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities 2.4 Assess current animal housing design in relation to the welfare of the dogs kept and legislation requirements 2.5 Identify and implement behavioural enrichment activities for specific dog |
3. Handle and restrain dogs | 3.1 Identify WHS risks associated with handling and restraining dogs, and implement methods to minimise risks 3.2 Select and use appropriate equipment to restrain and handle dogs 3.3 Approach and restrain dogs in a way that minimises risks to the animal and others using approved animal welfare procedures |
4. Assist with health care needs | 4.1 Identify signs of good health in dogs 4.2 Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor 4.3 Identify general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures and implement in line with level of job responsibility 4.4 Identify options for health enrichment activities and implement as directed by supervisor |
5. Feed dogs | 5.1 Identify digestive system features and relate to dog-specific feeding routines and diets 5.2 Identify preferred food sources and assess for quality and suitability 5.3 Identify potential feeding hazards and implement risk control options 5.4 Prepare food in accordance with dietary needs 5.5 Distribute food and water according to schedule/feeding plan or animal requirements |
6. Maintain records | 6.1 Complete feed and treatment records noting food consumption, health and care activities 6.2 Report abnormalities to supervisor 6.3 Complete documentation relevant to licences and transport, where required |
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.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret product labels accurately |
Get the work done | Comply with relevant legislation requirements relating to domestic dogs Use problem-solving skills to prioritise daily tasks |
Sectors
Species Specific (SPE)