guide dog training methods
The methods that are used to train dogs to guide people who are visually impaired.
Guide dog instructors train dogs to be responsible in guiding blind people to travel effectively. They plan the training sessions, match guide dogs with their clients and ensure overall routine care of the training dogs. Guide dog instructors also provide advice to the blind people in the use of techniques that facilitate dogs' travel skills and mobility.
Competences and skills
36 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 4 competences
Occupation specific
1 competenceSector-specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Cross-sector
3 competencesanimal welfare legislation
The legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.
- Scope note
- National and EU legislation relevant to occupation, regulatory body and codes of conduct. This may include . , health and safety, risk assessment requirements and codes of conduct, especially in the areas of animal welfare, health and public health, food and environmental safety in relation with clients.
dog behaviour
Natural behavioural patterns of dogs, how normal and abnormal behaviour might be expressed according to dog breeds, environment, human-animal interaction and occupation.
visual disability
Impairment of the ability to naturally discern and process viewed images.
Essential skills and competences 12 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
9 competencesadvise customers on appropriate pet care
Provide information to customers on how to feed and care for pets, appropriate food choices, vaccination needs, etc.
assess the compatibility of individuals and animals to work together
Ensure work harmony between humans and animals, regarding to physical characteristics, capacity, temperament and potential.
control animal movement
Direct, control or restrain some or part of an animal's, or a group of animals', movement.
- Scope note
- "Restrain" includes physical and mechanical means, and/or the use of chemical means under veterinary direction.
create animal records
Create animal records according to industry relevant information and using appropriate record keeping systems.
evaluate dogs
Assess whether certain dogs are ready to work as a guide dog or not, whether certain dogs should be withdrawn from the training programme, need extra training or a different approach, etc.
implement exercise activities for animals
Provide exercise opportunities that are suitable for respective animals and meet their particular physical requirements.'
protect health and safety when handling animals
Protect health and welfare of animals and their handlers.
provide animal training
Provide training in basic handling, habituation, and obedience to enable the completion of day-to-day tasks while minimising the risks to the animal, the handler, and others.
train animals and individuals to work together
Train animals and individuals to work together, including the match between individuals and animals, the design of integrated training programmes for people and animals, implementation of integrated training programmes, evaluation of integrated training programmes for people and animals against agreed outcomes and evaluating the compatibility between individuals and animals in relation to physical characteristics.
Cross-sector
3 competencesassist social service users with physical disabilities
Help service users with mobility problems and other physical disabilities such as incontinence, assisting in the use and care of aids and personal equipment.
communicate with customers
Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.
deal with challenging people
Work safely and communicate effectively with individuals and groups of people who are in challenging circumstances. This would include recognition of signs of aggression, distress, threatening and how to address them to promote personal safety and that of others.
Optional knowledge 4 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
2 competencesanatomy of animals
The study of animal body parts, their structure and dynamic relationships, on a level as demanded by the specific occupation.
physiology of animals
The study of the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical and biochemical functioning of animals, their organs and their cells.
Cross-sector
2 competencesanimal welfare
Universally recognized animal welfare needs as applied to species, situation and occupation. These are: need for a suitable environment need for a suitable diet need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns need to be housed with, or apart, from other animals need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
green
assistive instruments
The field of dealing with people in need of service animals and the working of assistive devices and technologies.
digital
Optional skills and competences 16 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
13 competencesadvise on animal purchase
Advise clients and customers on the purchase of animals.
assist in transportation of animals
Assist with the transportation of animals, including the loading and unloading of animals, the preparation of the transport vehicle, and maintaining the wellbeing of the animal throughout the transport process.
design training programmes for animals
Assess the training needs of the animal and select appropriate methods and activities to meet training objectives.
instruct on animal care
Provide employees in animal care with information on how to treat the animal, the animals eating habits, nutrition and medical condition and needs.
interview people
Interview people in a range of different circumstances.
maintain animal accommodation hygienic
Make sure animal enclosures such as habitats, terrariums, cages or kennels are in the appropriate and hygienic condition. Clean the enclosure and provide new bedding material if called for.
manage a small-to-medium business
Manage the organisational, financial and day-to-day operation of a small-to-medium enterprise.
provide an enriching environment for animals
Provide an enriching environment for animals to allow the expression of natural behaviour, and including adjusting environmental conditions, delivering feeding and puzzle exercises, and implementing manipulation, social, and training activities.'
provide first aid to animals
Administer emergency treatment to prevent deterioration of the condition, suffering and pain until veterinary assistance can be sought. Basic emergency treatment needs to be done by non-veterinarians prior to first-aid provided by a veterinarian. Non-veterinarians providing emergency treatment are expected to seek treatment by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
- Scope note
- Administer emergency treatment to prevent deterioration of the condition, suffering and pain until veterinary assistance can be sought.
provide nutrition to animals
Provide food and water to animals. This includes preparing food and water for animals and reporting any changes in the animal feeding or drinking habits.'
support individuals to adjust to physical disability
Assist individuals to adjust to the implications of physical disability and to understand the new responsibilities and level of dependency.
tolerate stress
Maintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.
work with veterinarians
Consult veterinarians and assist them in the examination and nursing of animals.
Cross-sector
3 competencesadminister appointments
Accept, schedule and cancel appointments.
maintain professional administration
File and organise professional administration documents comprehensively, keep customer records, fill in forms or log books and prepare documents about company-related matter.
stay alert
Stay focused and alert at all times; react quickly in the case of unexpected events. Concentrate and do not get distracted performing a task over a long period of time.