Dog Handling Programs
SAQA US ID 243188: Care for a Service Dog
SAQA Decision Number: SAQA 06120/18
NQF LEVEL 3
Course designed to equip learners with the skills necessary to ensure the well-being of service dogs. This includes understanding and meeting the dogs' nutritional and physical needs, applying safety precautions, transporting them appropriately, and conducting regular health inspections. (allqs.saqa.org.za)
Purpose: The primary goal of this unit standard is to enable learners to provide comprehensive care for service dogs, ensuring their health and readiness for their assisting roles. By achieving this standard, learners will be capable of:
- Providing care for the elementary needs of the service dog.
- Applying safety precautions when working with service dogs.
- Transporting service dogs.
- Inspecting the condition of the service dog.
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
Communication at NQF Level 2.
UNIT STANDARD RANGE
- The term: "care" used in this unit standard refers but is not limited to the care for nutrition of and physical needs of the dog.
- The term: "welfare" used in this unit standard refers but is not limited to the physical well being of the dog.
- The term: "service dog" used in this unit standard refers but is not limited to any type of dog tasked to assist a handler or handicapped person in the performance of his or her duties and or everyday activities.
- The term: "given situation" used in this unit standard refers but is not limited to any case study, structured scenario, given scenario.
Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:
- Provide care for the elementary needs of the service dog in a given situation:
- Inspect accommodation for suitability, considering breed, age, and environmental conditions.
- Ensure cleanliness and hygiene in the kennel area.
- Identify and address irregularities such as maintenance issues or health concerns.
- Explain the importance of a nutritious and balanced diet, including access to clean water.
- Provide regular exercise to maintain physical condition and well-being.
- Monitor feeding habits for irregularities like loss of appetite or vomiting.
- Ensure equipment used for handling service dogs is in good condition.
- By mastering these outcomes, learners will be prepared to effectively care for service dogs, contributing to their overall health and effectiveness in assisting their handlers.
SAQA UNIT STANDARD 243190: HANDLE A TRAINED SERVICE DOG TO DETER CRIME
SAQA DECISION NUMBER: SAQA 06120/18
NQF LEVEL 3
Also known as "Handle a trained service dog for protection" in updated contexts.
This is a Level 3 qualification carrying 8 credits, mainly aimed at security personnel and dog handlers who use trained service dogs to safeguard people, property, and assets.
Purpose of the Unit Standard
The primary objective is to equip handlers with the skills to manage trained service dogs effectively and humanely across various situations, including high-pressure or attack scenarios. The focus is on the handler’s ability to command the dog, interpret its behavior, and maintain public safety while performing protective duties.
Specific Outcomes
- The unit standard is structured around three key competence areas:
- Preparation for Guarding Duties
- Inspect all equipment (leashes, collars, harnesses) to ensure it is functional and defect-free.
- Assess the dog’s identification, physical health, and readiness for work.
- Check the operational environment for hazards that might endanger the dog.
- Identify signs of stress or fatigue in the dog prior to duty.
- Utilizing the Dog for Guarding/Protection
- Give clear verbal or non-verbal commands to maintain control under varied conditions.
- Attend to the dog’s basic needs such as water and rest during duty.
- Follow safety protocols to protect authorized personnel and the public from harm.
- Operate within legal and workplace guidelines, including responsible use of force.
- Interpret the dog’s behavioral alerts and sensory cues to identify potential threats.
Post-Guarding Responsibilities:
- Provide verbal or written reports on the dog’s performance and any incidents.
- Safely return the dog to its kennel or transport, checking for injuries or parasites.
- Review the day’s activities, noting any training needs or behavioral issues.
- Critical Knowledge Areas
Competence requires understanding of:
- Legal aspects including powers of arrest, consequences of wrongful arrest, and use-of-force regulations.
- Dog behavior factors, scent detection, and search methods.
- Emergency procedures such as first aid and immediate response actions for the dog.
- Interpersonal skills for appropriate public interaction.
