Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:26 AM AWST

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Plan and conduct assistance dog training in specific and complex tasks

Plan and conduct assistance dog training in specific and complex tasks

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMADT501
State Code
OEC20
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
16/07/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/09/2022
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
21/09/2022
Nominal Hours
65
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and conduct training for assistance dogs to perform specific and complex tasks.This unit applies to individuals who conduct individual sessions to train assistance dogs in desirable behaviours for domestic and public access environments. These individuals analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of skilled activities to develop and communicate solutions for a range of dog specific and complex behavioural goals.All work must be carried out to comply with Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Develop
  • training plan for assistance dogs
  • 1.1 Research and identify legislative and codes of practice requirements including biosecurity, workplace health and safety and animal welfare for conducting dog training sessions
  • 1.2 Research training requirements for specific and complex dog training
  • 1.3 Determine appropriate training strategies for assistance dogs based on current scientifically validated animal learning theory and methodology and the needs of the handler
  • 1.4 Prepare and sequence session training plans to achieve measurable goals to train assistance dogs in specific and complex tasks
  • 1.5 Access suitable venue to conduct sessions based on safety and availability
  • 1.6 Assess health and safety risks and take appropriate actions
2. Prepare to train assistance dogs
  • 2.1 Gather background information about assistance dog age, behavioural suitability or training concerns in a session
  • 2.2 Ascertain if the assistance dogs have undergone basic training and are ready to undergo more complex training
  • 2.3 Select, check and ensure the handler uses appropriate equipment for the assistance dog and themselves
  • 2.4 Identify suitable assistance dog behaviour training techniques, focusing on positive rewards-based reinforcement that is force-free and fear-free, while incorporating negative punishment and the underpinning theoretical principles of dog training
3. Conduct task-based assistance dog training
  • 3.1Conduct session according to the training plan, industry standards, workplace health and safety, and animal welfare and ethics requirements
  • 3.2 Provide clear instructions and respond to queries using appropriate terminology and tone
  • 3.3 Monitor and manage behaviour and interactions between assistance dogs and handlers
  • 3.4 Use operant and classical dog conditioning using verbal and/or visual cues to encourage dogs' natural instinct to bond with handler and recognise signs of human distress and respond as required
  • 3.5 Use operant and classical dog conditioning to train assistance dogs to perform specific tasks in various settings
  • 3.6 Build on operant and classical conditioning training to train assistance dogs to perform complex tasks by focusing on positive reinforcement and repetition
  • 3.7 Check assistance dogs are happy and attentive throughout the training process, and stop or take a break from training if they are not
4. Manage contingencies and finalise training
  • 4.1 Monitor signs of stress or fatigue and modify the training plan if required
  • 4.2 Adjust the training plan to address identified behaviour or training needs and set out-of-session follow-up activities
  • 4.3 Provide individual assistance and feedback, and discuss progress with handlers
  • 4.4 Restore physical environment at conclusion of the session, and collect, store, clean and sanitise training equipment according to workplace requirements
  • 4.5 Maintain records of training processes and assistance dogs' progress
5. Provide follow-up advice to handlers
  • 5.1 Advise handlers on suitable training or enrichment activities for their assistance dog
  • 5.2 Advise handlers on longer-term management strategies suitable for their assistance dog
  • 5.3 Relay the importance of the monitoring and maintenance of dogs' work/life balance, condition, and physical, emotional and mental health needs to handlers
  • 5.4 Advise on a range of clubs, shows, sports and other relevant dog activities available in the area
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