Elements and Performance Criteria

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Criteria must include:
desired characteristics
desired habits
desired physical attributes
individual traits
Desired characteristics should include:
adapting readily to new situations, canine search specialists and environment
being alert and positively watchful of surroundings
being bold and willing to accept new challenges with confidence
being responsive to petting and praise from strangers in a non-aggressive manner
being sociable
demonstrating an even temperament
exhibiting high levels of inquisitiveness
having a high level of self-confidence
having strong prey or play drive
possessing high intelligence
responding to other canines in a non-aggressive manner
showing a strong desire to explore the environment and odours
Desired physical attributes should include:
bright, clear eyes with pink surrounding membranes
body suitably structured to work in a USAR environment
clear of any parasitic infestations that cannot be treated
ears that are clean and without foul odour or discharge
feet that have all toes, solid whole pads and no overlong claws
healthy, shiny coat with no bare patches etc.
limbs/hips without signs of arthritis or dysplasia in the joints
mouth containing pink gums, complete set of white teeth and no foul odour
producing stools that are firm and moist, not sloppy
wet nose without discolouration, scales or discharge
Basic symptoms of ill health may include:
aggression
dry nose
dull eyes
excessive barking
excessive drinking
excessive drooling
frothing at mouth
kennel cough
lameness
lethargy
signs of pain
stress/anxiety/depression
Local authorities may include:
animal welfare associations
local government authorities
local veterinarians
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
Program of health maintenance must include:
Daily health checks including:
general demeanour
main body parts
maintaining hygienic environment
nose, eyes, ears, mouth, teeth, skin/coat, genitals/orifices, mucous membranes, feet/limbs/nails
obvious injury
passing of urine/faeces
posture and gait
presence of fleas or ticks
specific individual canine requirements
state of body coat and body condition
annual veterinary checks
Treatment program can vary according to:
cause of the symptoms, illness or injury
dosage matched to weight of canine
methods to be administered (e.g. in food, pill popper, applied to back of neck, injections, canine chew etc.)
physical form of the treatment to be administered (e.g. tablet, liquids, wash, decontamination etc.)
symptoms exhibited by the canine
Specialist advice may include:
canine trainers
jurisdictional canine focal points
veterinarians
Health records must include:
incident responses
organisational and state/territory or local authority, animal welfare legislative requirements
treatment programs for preventative or curative health regimes
vaccinations
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
Australian Urban Search & Rescue Canine Capability Best Practice Guideline
enabling legislation
national and regional policies and procedures
organisational policies and procedures, particularly those relating to the health and welfare of canines within the organisation
organisation's approach to environmental management and sustainability
procedural guides, standard operating procedures, work instructions
workplace health and safety acts, regulations and guidelines
Training needs may include:
ability of canine search specialist to identify and respond to indicators
access to situations where search canine can be deployed for USAR work
age of canine
behavioural drives influencing the canine
degree of bonding between canine and canine search specialist
characteristics exhibited by the canine
experience, commitment and knowledge of canine search specialist
frequency of training
health and welfare status of canine
length of time required by canine to acquire new skills
level of canine enthusiasm for detecting live human scent
level of training/experience
temperament of canine
Training plan must include:
consideration of environmental factors
planned set of exercises to:
develop and enhance canine response and control capabilities
maintain health and safety during work
maintain canine motivation
outline of the strategies and timeline for the progressive development of the canine search team

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
constantly observe and monitor search canines in relation to their continued ability to work in a USAR environment
provide recommendations on the health and welfare of search canines deployed in USAR incidents
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time under a range of conditions that would be expected in the workplace.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in the workplace and/or in a simulated workplace environment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
Australian Urban Search&Rescue Canine Capability Best Practice Guideline
canines training to work in a USAR environment
search canines
legislation, policy, procedures and guidelines relating to the health and welfare of canines
Method of assessment
In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.
Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment according to the workplace environment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions