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ESCO occupation

dog trainer

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Dog trainers train animals and/or dog handlers for general and specific purposes, including assistance, security, leisure, competition, transportation, obedience and routine handling, entertainment and education, in accordance with national legislation.

5164.2.1.1 ISCO 5164 ESCO source
Competences
36
Groups
3
Essential
19
Optional
17

Competences and skills

36 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 8 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

5 competences
anatomy of animals

The study of animal body parts, their structure and dynamic relationships, on a level as demanded by the specific occupation.

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animal behaviour

The natural behavioural patterns of animals, i.e. how normal and abnormal behaviour might be expressed according to species, environment, human-animal interaction and occupation.

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biosecurity related to animals

Awareness of hygiene and bio-security measures when working with animals, including causes, transmission and prevention of diseases and use of policies, materials and equipment.

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physiology of animals

The study of the mechanical, physical, bioelectrical and biochemical functioning of animals, their organs and their cells.

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signs of animal illness

Physical, behavioural and environmental signs of health and ill health in various animals.

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Cross-sector

3 competences
animal 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.

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animal 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.
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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.

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Essential skills and competences 11 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

10 competences
advise on animal welfare

Prepare and provide information to individuals or groups of people on how to promote the health and well-being of animals, and how risks to animal health and welfare may be reduced. Provide recommendations for corrective actions.

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apply animal hygiene practices

Plan and use appropriate hygiene measures to prevent transmission of diseases and ensure an effective overall hygiene. Maintain and follow hygiene procedures and regulations when working with animals, communicate site hygiene controls and protocols to others. Manage the safe disposal of waste according to destination and local regulations.

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assess animal behaviour

Observe and evaluate the behaviour of animals in order to work with them safely and recognise deviations from normal behaviour that signal compromised health and welfare.'

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implement exercise activities for animals

Provide exercise opportunities that are suitable for respective animals and meet their particular physical requirements.'

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protect health and safety when handling animals

Protect health and welfare of animals and their handlers.

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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.'

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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.

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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.
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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.

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treat animals ethically

Carry out activities according to accepted principles of right and wrong, including transparency in work practices and conduct towards clients and their animals.

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Cross-sector

1 competence
monitor the welfare of animals

Monitor animals’ physical condition and behaviour and report any concerns or unexpected changes, including signs of health or ill-health, appearance, condition of the animals' accommodation, intake of food and water and environmental conditions.

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Optional skills and competences 17 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

17 competences
advise customers on appropriate pet care

Provide information to customers on how to feed and care for pets, appropriate food choices, vaccination needs, etc.

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advise on animal purchase

Advise clients and customers on the purchase of animals.

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advise on care products for pets

Provide advice on basic care products, such as supplements and vitamins, that can be used on various types of pets.

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assess animal's condition

Inspect the animal for any external signs of parasites, disease or injury. Use this information to determine own actions and report your findings to owners.

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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.

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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.

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bathe dogs

Prepare dog by removing excess hair, knots and tangles. Bathe and clean a dog’s coat and skin.

Scope note
The vast majority of animal groomers work as dog groomers exclusively.
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create animal records

Create animal records according to industry relevant information and using appropriate record keeping systems.

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design plans to address undesirable behaviour in animals

Gather information about the animal behaviour issues, interpret relevant information about the animal, assess the impact of external factors, and assess husbandry/management practices on the animal to develop a plan which tackles undesirable behaviour.

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design training programmes for individuals and animals

Develop programmes to train humans and animals work together. Set objectives and targets. Evaluate the implementation of the training programme and progress by both the person and animal concerned.

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develop an animal handling strategy

Develop plans and strategies to deal with the animal in order to achieve established goals and optimal results.'

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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.

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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.

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make decisions regarding the animal's welfare

Make a choice from several alternative possibilities that promote the animal's well-being.

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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.'

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select therapy animals

Identify the right animal with the right temperament appropriate for the therapy.

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work with veterinarians

Consult veterinarians and assist them in the examination and nursing of animals.

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Cross-sector

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.