Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:10 AM AWST
22/07/2026 7:10 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Maintain detector dog proficiency
Maintain detector dog proficiency
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPBORD304A
PSPBORD304A
State Code
C8072
C8072
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/07/2014
Field of Education
099905 - Security Services
Original Release Date
04/07/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to maintain a detector dog at maximum level of performance and readiness. This involves team (handler plus dog) in ongoing proficiency training. The unit includes developing a plan for proficiency maintenance training, implementing the training maintaining dog/handler team performance, and maintaining the dog's health and well-being.In practice, maintaining detector dog proficiency may overlap with other generalist or specialist workplace activities such as complying with legislation, working effectively, using teamwork, applying workplace safety procedures, etc.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Develop a plan for proficiency maintenance training
- 1.1 A detector dog's capability is assessed.
- 1.2 The needs of the dog/handler team are identified and assessed.
- 1.3 A tailored proficiency maintenance training plan is developed addressing the unique needs, strengths and weaknesses of the team.
- 1.4 The training is scheduled to meet priority needs within an agreed timeframe.
- 1.5 The training plan is regularly updated to reflect the changing needs of the team.
2. Implement proficiency maintenance training
- 2.1 Proficiency maintenance training is implemented in accordance with the schedule and available resources.
- 2.2 The dog's response to training is assessed immediately.
- 2.3 Training is modified as required to meet desired outcomes.
- 2.4 Custody, transport and utilisation of training aids is undertaken in accordance with legislation, policy and guidelines.
- 2.5 Training and other records are maintained in accordance with legislation, policy and guidelines.
3. Maintain dog/handler team performance
- 3.1 Performance standards for the detector dog team are identified and agreed with relevant personnel.
- 3.2 A plan for achieving team effectiveness is implemented.
- 3.3 The detector dog team's effectiveness is assessed against specific performance criteria.
- 3.4 Performance records are maintained for monitoring purposes in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and guidelines.
- 3.5 Team plans and working practices are reviewed and improvements are identified if required to achieve maximum performance.
4. Maintain dog's health and well-being
- 4.1 The detector dog's health is monitored on a regular and consistent basis.
- 4.2 The dog's needs and problems are identified and actions are taken to address them.
- 4.3 The detector dog is maintained at a high level of fitness.
- 4.4 Cleaning and maintenance of detector dog's quarters are undertaken/organised to the required standard.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
The dog's capability includes due consideration given to:
work area
performance
number of detections
number of finds
response
motivation to search
Assessment and tailoring of the plan should be undertaken with:
a training coordinator/instructor
another detector dog team member
senior handler
Proficiency maintenance training includes:
a planned set of exercises to:
enhance detection capabilities for a range of target odours
maintain the dog's intent
develop and maintain the dog's quality and duration of search
Legislation, policy and guidelines may include:
Customs Act 1901 and regulations
Quarantine Act 1908 and regulations
policies and procedures related to detector dog training, operational and training aid control
occupational health and safety
national and regional standing operating orders
work instructions
organisational policy and procedures
Training records include:
proficiency maintenance training records
daily diaries
database records
work log books
health records
Monitoring of the dog's health includes:
thirteen point daily health check
an annual veterinary health check
High level of fitness for the dog includes:
being clean
being fit
being healthy
being well-groomed
working well
Cleaning and maintenance may include:
ensuring contracted staff complete tasks to required standard
undertaken by handler
The dog's capability includes due consideration given to:
work area
performance
number of detections
number of finds
response
motivation to search
Assessment and tailoring of the plan should be undertaken with:
a training coordinator/instructor
another detector dog team member
senior handler
Proficiency maintenance training includes:
a planned set of exercises to:
enhance detection capabilities for a range of target odours
maintain the dog's intent
develop and maintain the dog's quality and duration of search
Legislation, policy and guidelines may include:
Customs Act 1901 and regulations
Quarantine Act 1908 and regulations
policies and procedures related to detector dog training, operational and training aid control
occupational health and safety
national and regional standing operating orders
work instructions
organisational policy and procedures
Training records include:
proficiency maintenance training records
daily diaries
database records
work log books
health records
Monitoring of the dog's health includes:
thirteen point daily health check
an annual veterinary health check
High level of fitness for the dog includes:
being clean
being fit
being healthy
being well-groomed
working well
Cleaning and maintenance may include:
ensuring contracted staff complete tasks to required standard
undertaken by handler
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPBORD303A Deploy detector dog
PSPGOV301B Work effectively in the organisation
PSPGOV302B Contribute to workgroup activities
PSPLEGN301B Comply with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS301A Contribute to workplace safety
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
detector dog proficiency maintenance in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) - re-qualification is periodically required
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures, guidelines and standard operating procedures/work instructions relating to detector dog proficiency maintenance
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when maintaining the proficiency of a detector dog team
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when maintaining detector dog proficiency, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
detector dog proficiency maintenance in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
periodic re-qualification
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
demonstration
observation
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPBORD303A Deploy detector dog
PSPGOV301B Work effectively in the organisation
PSPGOV302B Contribute to workgroup activities
PSPLEGN301B Comply with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS301A Contribute to workplace safety
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
detector dog proficiency maintenance in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) - re-qualification is periodically required
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures, guidelines and standard operating procedures/work instructions relating to detector dog proficiency maintenance
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when maintaining the proficiency of a detector dog team
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when maintaining detector dog proficiency, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
detector dog proficiency maintenance in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
periodic re-qualification
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
demonstration
observation
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWW54 | PSPBDR004 | Maintain detector dog proficiency | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J277 | PSP30212 | Certificate III in Government (Border Protection) | Qualification |