Handle and control dogs
Overview
This standard is about the safe handling and control of dogs and is suitable for all persons who work professionally with dogs.
Users of this standard will need to ensure that their handling practices reflect current information, that the relevant handling techniques used are in accordance with the scope and remit of their role as well as within the relevant policies and procedures. They will work within the limits of their authority, accreditation, qualification and expertise of handling, and have a developed knowledge and experience within the given arena of their work, supported by suitable canine-specific studies, which are experience-based and compassionate.
The handling and control of dogs can in most instances become a dynamic process. This standard will ensure that users will have the necessary skills to be flexible and dynamic in their approach, having due regard for all the aspects of safe control and handling of dogs.
Meeting the legal responsibilities for providing a duty of care under the relevant animal health and welfare legislation is of paramount importance.
Users of this standard will need to be fully aware of the importance of health and safety in connection with this work
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, associated codes of practice and organistional policies
comply with the relevant animal health and welfare and animal related legislation, local policies and associated codes of practice relating to dogs, at all times
continually assess and make provision for the health and welfare needs of the dog
maintain hygiene and bio-security in accordance with workplace instructions, organisational policies and the relevant legislation
agree and confirm the purpose for which the dog is being handled and the desired outcome of the handling with all those involved in the activity
assess the suitability of the dog to be handled, based on information from a range of relevant sources
assess the dog’s physical condition and emotional state, with consideration for the life stage of the dog (i.e. puppy, juvenile, adult, senior), before and during handling, recognising signs of stress, anxiety, fears, phobias, aversions, aggression, pain, conflict and avoidance, and respond appropriately
select the required handling and control methods and resources, for the particular dog and the desired handling outcome
approach the dog in a way that takes into account the breed and an assessment of the dog’s current and known behaviour patterns
handle and control the dog in a way that minimise distress or injury
fit and use equipment safely, in accordance with the circumstances, the size of the dog, the purpose of using the equipment and the avoidance of maintaining or developing additional behaviour problems such as anxiety, fear, distress or aggression
check that the resources are used safely and safeguards the health and welfare of the dog
use handling and control methods safely in accordance with the relevant health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies relevant to the handling technique or location
handle the dog in a way that minimises the risk to the health and safety of the dog, yourself, other animals or those involved in or affected by your work
monitor the dog’s behaviour and response to handling, recognising any significant changes and taking appropriate action e.g. adjusting the handling method
monitor the effect of the handling on the dog's health and welfare and recognise if the handling, or a particular part of the handling, is likely to be detrimental in the short or long term
recognise when handling the dog may not be appropriate and identify alternative methods of achieving the desired outcome, e.g. with a dog that is fearful of other dogs, or a dog that is reactive to certain situations
recognise your own limitations and when to seek assistance, and refer the animal to an appropriate professional when necessary
maintain communication with colleagues and all those involved in, or affected by, your work
confirm that records are maintained and stored as required by the relevant legislation and organisational policy
work professionally and ethically and within the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
your responsibilities under the relevant animal health and welfare legislation, and dog-specific legislation, local policies and codes of practice, and the legal limitations of the current Veterinary Surgeons Act with regard to the diagnosis and treatment of disease or injury
how the welfare needs of the dogs you engage with may be assessed and addressed prior to and during handling
the importance of maintaining hygiene and bio-security and the methods for achieving this
the purpose for which the dog is being handled and the desired outcome of the handling
how to obtain and interpret information about the dog and any factors that may affect the handling technique, including temperament and usual behaviour patterns
the breed-specific behaviours and traits and their potential effect on handling, and the behaviours that could be presented as a result of such handling
the principles and techniques used in the handling of dogs, and the skills relevant to the desired goals or handling to be achieved
the different methods used to handle and control dogs and what to consider when selecting the most suitable method of handling for a particular dog or desired outcome e.g. current scientific evidence, previous experience, humane practices, legislation, the needs, abilities, capabilities, interests, aggression, traits, emotional and physical needs of the dog
how to develop a structured handling plan to achieve the required objectives
why it is important to monitor a dog’s response to handling and observe any signs of negative responses, when these should be reported, why, and the potential consequences of not reporting
the importance of recognising and assessing canine behaviour and condition before and during handling activities and reviewing and revising the handling technique where necessary
the functional anatomy and physiology of a dog and how to assess the potential short- and long-term effects of handling on the health and welfare of the dog, both physiologically and psychologically
the correct use and potential misuse of available control/handling equipment and the physical and psychological effects of these on the dog and its health and welfare
the legal, welfare and ethical considerations of the form of handling used, the implications of not handling in an appropriate manner, and the consequences of allowing a dog to be out of control
your responsibilities under the relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and any other policies or procedures relevant to the handling technique or location, and the importance of carrying out risk assessments prior to and during the handling process
how to implement health and safety measures to ensure safe handling practices are in place and followed during handling, including the measures required to prevent injury to other persons not involved in the handling of the dog
the suitable methods of safely handling dogs, including when one or more are displaying signs of aggression
how to ensure that the welfare of the dog is maintained throughout and that your behaviour does not cause adverse reactions, fear or distress
the factors that may affect the success of handling and how methods can be modified to improve the outcomes
how to recognise the limits of effective handling and control techniques and when they are appropriate to use
the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and the best way to do this
the importance of seeking advice and guidance from more experienced professionals, 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 handling and controlling dogs and the safe handling and storage of data, the importance of confidentiality and the requirements of current data protection legislation
the importance of appropriate insurance cover, including professional indemnity
Scope/range
Information about the dog to be considered when assessing suitability for the proposed training:
- life history
- physical condition and capabilities
- age and development stage
- health and medical history
- diet
- reproductive status
- hormonal stage
- current level of training
- temperament/characteristics/traits
- breed and parentage
- motivational drivers and effects
- environment – living, working, training or learning
- legislation
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
- reflect on own performance with regards to handling practices
- reflect on past experiences with handling
- remain calm and confident, respond logically and decisively in difficult situations
- respond to challenges rationally, with consideration to the emotions of the dog
- manage ambiguity and deal with uncertainty and frustration when handling the dog
- manage conflicting pressure and tension during handling of the dog
- resist pressure to make quick decisions where full consideration is needed
- remain focused and in control of all situations during handling.
Skills
Glossary
Dogs – all domesticated dogs including working dogs
the client
third party (e.g. veterinary surgeon)
observation
records
Refer – includes formal or informal referral to a professional body, individual or organisation
skeletal
vertebral
nervous and endocrine systems
Professionals
senior handler
canine behaviourist
veterinary surgeon
Links To Other NOS
LANCTB1 - Observe, assess and respond to the behaviour of dogs LANCTB3 - Plan and implement training programmes for dogs