Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 7:57 AM AWST

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Evaluate animal conditioning methodology and program design

Evaluate animal conditioning methodology and program design

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMBEH403
State Code
ODC96
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
13/04/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/07/2021
Field of Education
010915 - Zoology
Original Release Date
26/07/2021
Nominal Hours
65
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to research, evaluate and select animal conditioning methodologies to design and implement a training or behaviour management and/or modification program. It involves in-depth knowledge of animal behaviour, learning theory and the application of scientifically validated, ethical conditioning methodologies and techniques. This unit applies to individuals who are required to train or modify the behaviour of animals in a range of contexts and workplaces. They work autonomously and apply specialist knowledge and skills to provide solutions for predictable and unpredictable problems.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures according to Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Investigate current information on animal behaviour
  • 1.1 Research and analyse general principles of animal behaviour and species-specific communication
  • 1.2 Investigate animal behavioural indicators of different emotional states, psychological arousal, and coping strategies, and apply to relevant species
  • 1.3 Identify behavioural indicators of compromised physical health and welfare
  • 1.4 Investigate species-specific animal cognition and developmental stages
  • 1.5 Explore behaviour assessment theory and relevance to animal training or behaviour management and/or modification
2. Research and evaluate animal conditioning methodologies
  • 2.1 Research current, scientifically validated approaches to conditioning animals
  • 2.2 Evaluate the impact of different levels of intrusiveness used in animal training and behaviour management and/or modification methodologies against the principles of animal welfare and ethics, and effectiveness
  • 2.3 Compare and contrast current decision making guidelines for animal trainers in selecting the least intrusive and most effective conditioning methodologies
  • 2.4 Evaluate the benefits, limitations and risks associated with resources and equipment used for conditioning and training
3. Design a conditioning program for behaviour management and/or modification
  • 3.1 Observe and record objective information about behaviour of an animal
  • 3.2 Determine a conditioning program for behaviour management or modification need in the context of the owner/caretaker requirements
  • 3.3 Determine goals and develop indicators of success for individual animal
  • 3.4 Design a conditioning program for behaviour management and/or modification, based on current, scientifically validated training methodology, to meet identified goals
  • 3.5 Seek and incorporate feedback on the conditioning program for behaviour management and/or modification from a mentor or more experienced trainer
4. Implement and review the conditioning program for behaviour management and/or modification
  • 4.1 Conduct training or behaviour management and/or modification program according to prepared program
  • 4.2 Record observations of animal behaviour and progress against established goals
  • 4.3 Assess changes in animal behaviour against success indicators developed for the program
  • 4.4 Evaluate the effectiveness of the program and make changes to the program and/or goals as required
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