RGRPSG402 — Assess greyhounds for suitability to transition to a pet

Elements & performance criteria

Performance evidence

• assessed three greyhounds as suitable/likely suitable for adoption – one greyhound in each of the following categories: requires minimal further behaviour modification; requires exposure to a typical domestic environment (and associated stimuli) in a gradual and controlled manner; requires structured behaviour modification on specific area of improvement identified for the individual greyhound
• assessed four dogs (greyhound or other breeds) as unsuitable for adoption for each of the following reasons: predatory behaviour towards other dogs; aggressive behaviour towards other dogs; maladaptive levels of fear and anxiety; aggression towards humans
• completed all required organisational documentation for each assessment conducted

Knowledge evidence

• general signs of greyhound health status
• safety working with greyhounds, including: risk assessments – environmental and dog behaviour; hazard identification; assessment environment – safe, fenced area; resources – muzzles, collars and leads; organisational procedures relating to safety and personal protective equipment
• identification of greyhounds, including physical features, microchipping and relevant documentation
• suitability assessment and predictive validity of temperament tests in dogs, covering: reaction to leash, general handling and kennel behaviour; coping behaviour – unfamiliar locations, novel objects, noise sensitivity, isolation; sociability – towards unfamiliar people, other dogs and companion animals; predation – small dog interaction; resource guarding
• real-time welfare assessment and handling skills for domestic dogs/animals used during assessments
• behaviours that may impact on greyhounds transitioning to pets, including: fearful or aggressive responses to people and/or other dogs; context-appropriate vs maladaptive behaviour; fears of specific stimuli; reactivity, including to a leash; overt signs of stress; high-risk behaviours – final stages of the predatory sequences directed towards inappropriate targets
• organisational assessment outcome tools, criteria and descriptions
• animal welfare principles and racing industry codes of practice
• state greyhound industry requirements relating to retiring greyhounds and adoption practices
• current state government and local council regulations, codes of practice or requirements relating to: specific breeds of dogs, including dangerous dog breeds; registration and microchipping of dogs; containment of dogs; use of muzzles and leashes in public; operation of animal shelters; companion animals

Foundation skills

• Reading: Interpret organisational procedures and tools for assessing greyhound suitability for transitioning to pets program
• Writing: Record information clearly and accurately to complete records and forms for internal and external purposes
• Oral communication: Use active listening and questioning skills to clarify and convey information; Use language and concepts appropriate for people from diverse backgrounds
• Navigate the world of work: Take responsibility for following organisational procedures and regulatory requirements for own role and area of work
• Get the work done: Plan, sequence and prioritise activities to achieve work outcomes; Seek clarification and assistance in decision making to ensure accurate suitability assessments; Use workplace technology and systems to complete records and reports

Unit content sourced from training.gov.au — © Commonwealth of Australia, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Auditori is not affiliated with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

Questions about assessing RGRPSG402