1 Welfare, care and needs of the dog This assessment tests your knowledge and understanding of canine welfare, care and needs of dogs in relation to their life stages from puppy to adult. the physical and emotional welfare of dogs and how to interact with and handle them safely and humanely the health of dogs throughout their life stages from puppy to senior the signs of a dog's healthy disposition and of contraindications such as anxiety and physical conditions how to assess and make provision for the health and welfare needs of dogs and recognise the limitations on your care and welfare advice ethical, veterinary and legal. 2 Anatomy and physiology This assessment tests your knowledge and understanding of canine anatomy (structure) and physiology (function). the structure of the dog and its variations across different breeds how structure influences movement and ability to perform training exercises how the brain and other organs impact on the dog s ability to learn and function normally factors that would help assess a dog s fitness to work or participate in training limitations of advice you are qualified to give and appropriate sources of
referral. 3 Behaviour of dogs This assessment tests your knowledge and understanding of the behaviour of dogs. You will need to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the: different behaviour problems, their causes and actions to overcome them problems arising from natural behaviours which may be perceived by owners as behavioural problems social development of dogs and the consequences of poor or inappropriate socialisation physiological and neurological responses in dogs and their effect on their behaviour, such as the influence of hormones and everyday bodily functions such as urination. 4 Everyday problem behaviours This assessment tests your knowledge and understanding of everyday problem behaviours of dogs. natural behaviours and ethology, breed traits and environmental factors that influence the stages of a dog s development and behaviour how dogs communicate with their body language, the sounds they make and why, as well as the senses and emotions that dogs use to interact how dog training can influence the relationship between humans and their dogs, and the beneficial tasks that are key to a harmonious relationship
between dogs and their owners how to identify problems that can arise from a lack of intervention by a dog owner and of the appropriate training techniques used to address these problems. 5 Training the dog This assessment tests your knowledge and understanding of dog training instructing methodologies and techniques. the key principles of dog training, including classical and operant conditioning selecting the most appropriate and effective motivational training methods and techniques how to recognise the influences that the environment has on training how to avoid or alleviate negative effects of training to maintain high welfare standards and promote positive relationships between dog and owner. 6 Living with dogs This assessment tests your knowledge and understanding of owning and living with dogs. establishing and maintaining good relationships between the dog and its family, including other animals how to use training and activities such as play to produce a well-mannered, and socially acceptable dog factors to consider when advising owners on selecting, obtaining and living
with dogs how to promote and teach effective life skills and control. 7 Professional business practices This assessment tests your knowledge and understanding of key professional business practices in respect of either running your own dog training instructing business, being employed, or involved on a voluntary basis, as a dog training instructor. the KCAI Scheme code of practice and relevant National Occupational Standards (NOS) relevant legislation and business practice relating to health and safety, including risk assessment, equality, record keeping, client confidentiality and other such good practice. 8 Teaching people This assessment tests your knowledge and understanding of the teaching knowledge, skills and experience needed to be a competent dog training instructor. the qualities, role and responsibilities needed to be a competent dog training instructor how to create a positive and effective learning environment that supports the needs of handlers and promotes responsible dog ownership
how good planning and preparation for teaching reflects on instruction, progression and positive outcomes of training programmes the importance of good two-way communication and feedback in helping you ensure that your advice is being clearly understood and actioned by handlers the importance of ongoing monitoring and evaluation of progress in tailoring your teaching to the changing needs of the handlers and their dogs. 9 Dog owners responsibilities This assessment tests your knowledge and understanding of responsible dog ownership, including the good care, welfare, management and control of dogs. best practice relating to the general care, health and welfare of dogs acting responsibly with regard to the day-to-day care and control of dogs legislation relating to animal health and welfare, dangerous dogs and other relevant legislation and/or published guidance.