Design and evaluate training programmes for individuals and animals to work together
Overview
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
work professionally and ethically and within the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
carry out your work in accordance with the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
assess how to provide for the welfare needs of the animals you are working with
confirm the purpose and intended outcomes of the training with those involved
obtain and interpret information about the animal from the relevant sources, this could be the owner, keeper or veterinary professionals
assess the capabilities and potential of the individuals wanting to work with animals
assess the training needs of the individuals and animals and establish training objectives
design a training programme relevant to the required objectives of the individual aiming to work with animals
evaluate environmental influences and select suitable training activities and methods to achieve the desired outcome
specify the resources necessary for the training activities
discuss and agree the training programme with the individuals wanting to work with animals, taking care to confirm that they understand their role in the agreed outcomes and targets
assess the potential welfare consequences on the animal as a result of the training method and chosen equipment, and rectify any issues
obtain feedback on the progress of the training, including the animal's health and behaviour and modify the training programme if necessary
evaluate and record the outcome of the training against the programme at regular intervals, and take action to resolve situations where training activities, methods or resources are found to be unsuitable
maintain communication with colleagues and all those involved in, or affected by, your work and seek professional advice when necessary, referring cases on when required
confirm that records are maintained and kept as required by the relevant legislation and organisational policy
plan, record, evaluate and reflect upon your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and work within the requirements of the relevant professional organisation
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
your professional responsibilities when designing and evaluating training programmes and the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
your responsibilities under the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation, associated codes of practice and the legal limitations of the current Veterinary Surgeons Act
your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
the importance of insurance cover, including professional indemnity
how the welfare needs of the animals you work with may be evaluated and addressed
how to check that the animal’s welfare is maintained throughout the training programme and to recognise when your behaviour or that of those involved in your work, may cause adverse reactions, fear or distress in the animal
the intended purposes of the training programme and how to identify the objectives of the training programme in order that individuals can work with animals
how to obtain information about the animal and how this information may affect the design of a training programme
the normal behaviours, body language and communication methods of the animal requiring training
the importance of assessing the individuals wanting to work with animals and how to select suitable methods of assessment
how individuals and animals learn and the physical, psychological and environmental factors that affect the learning
how to design a training programme with realistic training targets in conjunction with the individuals involved
the process of establishing measurable goals and objectives for the training of individuals working with animals
how to select relevant training activities, methods and resources for the training, and the importance of assessing the suitability of the individuals and animals and rectifying any issues
the principles and practical application of learning theory
the importance of monitoring and evaluating the training progress and how to revise the training programme where necessary
how to recognise when training outcomes may indicate that the individuals and/or the animals are not suited for the activity or to work together
the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and the best way to do this
where to obtain professional advice and guidance and the role of professional bodies and associations
the records that need to be kept in relation to designing and evaluating training programmes and the importance of completing these in accordance with the relevant legislation and organisational policy
your professional responsibilities and the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain professional competence
Scope/range
life history
physical capabilities
age
health
diet
reproductive status
hormonal stage
current level of training
temperament/characteristics
species, breed and parentage
medical history
motivational drivers and effects
environment – living, working, training/learning
legislation
physical needs of the person
learning needs of the person
psychological needs of the person
personnel
training aids/equipment
handling aids/equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Veterinary Surgeons Act
England and Wales, Animal Welfare Act
Scotland, Animal Health and Welfare Act
Northern Ireland, Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland)