Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:59 AM AWST

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Condition animal behaviour

Condition animal behaviour

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMBEH404
State Code
ODC25
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
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
26/07/2021
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to condition animals using positive conditioning techniques. It applies to a range of species and includes the individual demonstrating skills and knowledge required for conditioning animals to others.This unit applies to individuals with responsibility for formulating and implementing an animal conditioning plan that may include operant and classical conditioning processes. They work autonomously and apply specialist knowledge and skills to provide solutions for predictable and unpredictable problems, and may have accountability for the work of others.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. Develop a conditioning plan
  • 1.1 Identify a range of desirable and undesirable behaviours for a variety of animals
  • 1.2 Identify behaviours that require conditioning for a specific species
  • 1.3 Identify appropriate positive reinforcers specific to the species being trained
  • 1.4 Identify and establish a conditioned reinforcer appropriate for the species and behaviour to be conditioned
  • 1.5 Develop a written plan for each behaviour to be conditioned according to current, best practice positive reinforcement information
2. Condition a desirable behaviour using low stress handling techniques
  • 2.1 Assess risks and ensure required safety and infection control procedures are followed, and personal protective equipment is used where required
  • 2.2 Identify signs of stress prior to and during the conditioning process
  • 2.3 Implement the approximations required to condition an animal for a specific behaviour
  • 2.4 Modify approximations when signs of stress are identified during the conditioning process
  • 2.5 Confirm that the behaviour is under stimulus control in different environments or housing locations
  • 2.6 Confirm that the conditioning process meets animal welfare principles and ethics requirements
3. Monitor and review a conditioning plan
  • 3.1 Review the short-term and longer-term objectives of the conditioning plan in consultation with relevant personnel, where required
  • 3.2 Update the conditioning plan incorporating reasonable expectations of the animal's abilities
  • 3.3 Maintain records of behaviour being conditioned according to workplace procedures
4. Demonstrate positive reinforcement techniques to others
  • 4.1 Prepare information on positive reinforcement conditioning and explain to relevant stakeholders
  • 4.2 Prepare information on signs of animal stress and how to minimise in conditioning programs, and explain to relevant stakeholders
  • 4.3 Demonstrate the process for conditioning a secondary reinforcer and how it is applied in the conditioning process
  • 4.4 Respond to queries from stakeholders on the conditioning process
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBE97 ACMGAS306 Assist with conditioning animals Unit of competency