Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to whelp greyhounds.
The unit applies to individuals who prepare greyhounds for whelping, monitor the breeding female, and assist with delivery of greyhound puppies.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory animal welfare and health and safety regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Refer to your state or territory Controlling Body or Principal Racing Authority for current licence or registration requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for greyhound whelping | 1.1 Estimate and record anticipated greyhound whelping date 1.2 Identify the whelping area 1.3 Thoroughly clean the whelping area 1.4 Line the whelping box with appropriate bedding 1.5 Prepare the whelping box and bedding in a warm, dry, quiet place, according to industry rules and regulations, animal welfare and ethics codes of practice and requirements 1.6 Prepare an action strategy that includes access to veterinary support in the case of difficulties presenting |
2. Monitor greyhound whelping | 2.1 Arrange for the breeding greyhound female to become accustomed to the box several weeks before whelping 2.2 Monitor breeding greyhound female's general health, appetite, restlessness and nesting behaviour, according to greyhound health and animal welfare and ethics codes of practice and requirements |
3. Assist with greyhound whelping | 3.1 Ensure that the breeding greyhound female is in a safe and accessible place at the time of whelping 3.2 Clear membranes from the pups, if the breeding greyhound female is unable to 3.3 Tie off and treat the umbilical cord, if the greyhound breeding female does not chew through it 3.4 Watch the breeding greyhound female closely between delivering puppies, and monitor bonding 3.5 Record the time each pup is born and the colour, sex and weight of each pup 3.6 Assist pups to attach to a nipple if necessary 3.7 Ensure appropriate temperature of the newborn pups is maintained |
4. Conclude greyhound whelping | 4.1 Enable the breeding greyhound female to have a toilet break and give her a clean-up 4.2 Encourage the breeding greyhound female to have some food and water 4.3 Maintain whelping area and box and replace bedding as required 4.4 Ensure the breeding greyhound female is settled and all the pups are suckling 4.5 Arrange for a post-whelping check with a veterinarian and the safe disposal of stillborn pups, if required, and according to workplace processes and legislative requirements |
5. Complete greyhound registration processes | 5.1 Complete whelping notice and lodge with relevant state authority 5.2 Complete and lodge litter registration forms with relevant state authority |
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 |
Get the work done | Solve problems as they arise, during and after birth of pups |
Sectors
Performance services greyhounds (PSG)