Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:48 AM AWST
23/07/2026 4:48 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Train dogs for response and control
Train dogs for response and control
Unit of competency
National Code
CSCDH406A
CSCDH406A
State Code
S5949
S5949
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/07/2014
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
22/07/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to train dogs to suit their role within the organisation. The training involves the use of humane and positive training methods and hand and voice commands.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Develop a plan for training.
- 1.1 Identify and assess the training needs of the dog/handler team.
- 1.2 Develop a training plan that addresses the unique needs, strengths and weaknesses of the team.
- 1.3 Schedule training program to meet priority needs within the organisation.
- 1.4 Review training plan to reflect the changing needs of the team and organisation.
2Train dogs.
- 2.1 Implement training program according to training plan timeframes.
- 2.2 Handle and control the dog in a way that maintains its performance and safety.
- 2.3 Use training equipment correctly and efficiently in accordance with legislation, policy and guidelines.
- 2.4 Assess the dog's response to training without delay.
3Use voice commands and hand signals.
- 3.1 Use clear voice commands, voice inflection and hand signals that are consistent and uniform throughout the organisation, to indicate the response activity required.
- 3.2 Gain the dog's attention before giving the required command.
4Use humane and positive training methods.
- 4.1 Use humane ways of training the dog that involve positive reinforcement methodologies.
- 4.2 Use positive rewards for correct responses that suit the dog's incentives to learn and respond.
- 4.3 Use appropriate degree of chastisement to discourage unwanted behaviour.
- 4.4 Train the dog frequently, giving regular opportunities for practising new or difficult skills.
5Record and report on the progress of dogs.
- 5.1 Complete accurate, up-to-date training records for each dog as required by the organisation and/or workplace.
- 5.2 Report on each dog's progress to appropriate people according to the requirements of the organisation and/or workplace.
6Develop and maintain own professional competence.
- 6.1 Undertake personal skill development.
- 6.2 Monitor and obtain feedbackon work performance.
- 6.3 Identify opportunities to use new skills in workplace activities.
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. Add any 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.
Training needs of dog/handler team may vary depending on:
temperament of dog
behavioural drives influencing the dog
health and welfare status of dog
age of dog
level of enthusiasm for detecting required odours
length of time required by the dog to acquire new skills
frequency of training
dog's level of training and experience prior to joining the organisation
dog's level of training and experience while in the organisation
experience, commitment and knowledge of handler
degree of bonding between dog and handler
ability of handler to identify and respond to indicators exhibited by the dog
access to real life situations where dog can be deployed for response and control.
Dog/handler team comprises:
a dog and handler with a unique style, approach, potential, strengths and weaknesses.
Training plan must include:
enabling legislation
organisational policies and procedures, particularly those relating to the use of dogs for response and control within the organisation
workplace health and safety Acts, regulations and guidelines
national and regional policies and procedures
procedural guides, standard operating procedures and work instructions.
Training records may include:
records of training activities
regular evaluation and assessment
evaluation of individual exercises
dog health and development
communications with internal and external networks
proposed changes to course syllabus.
Personal skill development opportunities may include:
coaching, mentoring and supervision
formal and informal learning programs
internal and external training provision
work experience and exchange opportunities
personal study
career planning and development.
Feedback on work performance may include:
formal and informal performance appraisals
obtaining comments from supervisors and colleagues
workplace assessment
receiving guidance, technical support and information to assist performance.
Training needs of dog/handler team may vary depending on:
temperament of dog
behavioural drives influencing the dog
health and welfare status of dog
age of dog
level of enthusiasm for detecting required odours
length of time required by the dog to acquire new skills
frequency of training
dog's level of training and experience prior to joining the organisation
dog's level of training and experience while in the organisation
experience, commitment and knowledge of handler
degree of bonding between dog and handler
ability of handler to identify and respond to indicators exhibited by the dog
access to real life situations where dog can be deployed for response and control.
Dog/handler team comprises:
a dog and handler with a unique style, approach, potential, strengths and weaknesses.
Training plan must include:
enabling legislation
organisational policies and procedures, particularly those relating to the use of dogs for response and control within the organisation
workplace health and safety Acts, regulations and guidelines
national and regional policies and procedures
procedural guides, standard operating procedures and work instructions.
Training records may include:
records of training activities
regular evaluation and assessment
evaluation of individual exercises
dog health and development
communications with internal and external networks
proposed changes to course syllabus.
Personal skill development opportunities may include:
coaching, mentoring and supervision
formal and informal learning programs
internal and external training provision
work experience and exchange opportunities
personal study
career planning and development.
Feedback on work performance may include:
formal and informal performance appraisals
obtaining comments from supervisors and colleagues
workplace assessment
receiving guidance, technical support and information to assist performance.
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.
Overview of assessment
Evidence for assessment must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of employability skills as they relate to this unit.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit contains knowledge which may be assessed off the job, for example, in a structured learning process, and performance outcomes which should be assessed ideally in the workplace in routine activities and in conjunction with other units with specific focus on working with, training or assessing the work done by dogs in the organisation.
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered while training dogs for response and control, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine
legislation, policy, procedures and guidelines relating to the training of dogs
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations that may be encountered when training and deploying dogs for response and control
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
Overview of assessment
Evidence for assessment must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of employability skills as they relate to this unit.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit contains knowledge which may be assessed off the job, for example, in a structured learning process, and performance outcomes which should be assessed ideally in the workplace in routine activities and in conjunction with other units with specific focus on working with, training or assessing the work done by dogs in the organisation.
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered while training dogs for response and control, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine
legislation, policy, procedures and guidelines relating to the training of dogs
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations that may be encountered when training and deploying dogs for response and control
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUZ42 | CSCDOG006 | Train dogs for response and control | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W995 | CSC40112 | Certificate IV in Correctional Practice | Qualification |