National Unit Specification: general information UNIT Sheepdog Handling: Introduction (Intermediate 2) NUMBER D25V 11 COURSE SUMMARY This unit will be suitable for candidates who have some basic knowledge of sheepdogs and who want to develop a more in depth knowledge of the history and development of both sheepdogs and working collies. The unit can be used as an introduction for other sheepdog handling units. OUTCOMES 1 Outline the key stages in the development of sheepdogs and working collies in the last 100 years. 2 Identify the breeds and characteristics of sheepdogs and working collies. 3 Explain the criteria for the selection of a working dog. 4 Explain and establish the animal/handler bond. RECOMMENDED ENTRY Access statement: no access requirements. CREDIT VALUE 0.5 credit at Intermediate 2 level. CORE SKILLS Information on the automatic certification of any core skills in this unit is published in Automatic Certification of Core Skills in National Qualifications (SQA, 1999). Administrative Information Superclass: SH Publication date: September 1999 Source: Scottish Qualifications Authority 1999 Version: 01 © Scottish Qualifications Authority 1999 This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes provided that no profit is derived from reproduction and that, if reproduced in part, the source is acknowledged. Additional copies of this unit specification can be purchased from the Scottish Qualifications Authority. The cost for each unit specification is £2.50 (minimum order £5.00). National Unit Specification: statement of standards UNIT Sheepdog Handling: Introduction (Intermediate 2) Acceptable performance in this unit will be the satisfactory achievement of the standards set out in this part of the unit specification. All sections of the statement of standards are mandatory and cannot be altered without reference to the Scottish Qualifications Authority. OUTCOME 1 Outline the key stages in the development of sheepdogs and working collies in the last 100 years. Performance criteria a) The development of dogs for use with livestock is clearly explained. b) The evolution of specialised working dogs is outlined. c) The role of the International Sheepdog Society in the development of sheepdogs is outlined. Note on range for the outcome Livestock: sheep; cattle. Working dogs: hill & in-bye; cattle herders. Evidence requirements Please refer to Evidence requirements for the unit at the end of the Statement of Standards. OUTCOME 2 Identify the breeds and characteristics of sheepdogs and working collies. Performance criteria a) Breeds of sheepdogs and working collies are correctly identified. b) The physical characteristics of the breeds are clearly identified. c) The characteristics of each breed relative to their purpose are clearly identified. Note on range for the outcome Breeds: Border Collie; Bearded Collie; Old English Sheepdog; Welsh Border Collie; Welsh Hillman; Welsh Black & Tan; Shetland Sheepdog; Rough Collie; Corgi; Lancashire Heeler; Imported Breeds. Physical characteristics: coat; temperament; physical size. Characteristics: working ability; lifespan. Sheepdog Handling: Introduction (Intermediate 2) 2 National Unit Specification: statement of standards (cont) UNIT Sheepdog Handling: Introduction (Intermediate 2) Evidence requirements Please refer to Evidence requirements for the unit at the end of the Statement of Standards. OUTCOME 3 Explain the criteria for the selection of a working dog. Performance criteria a) The characteristics of the dog are explained with relevance to its working environment. b) The animal is appropriately selected for its intended purpose. c) The breeding line of the animal is correct for the intended purpose. Note on range for the outcome Physical characteristics: coat; temperament; physical size; colour. Purpose: sheep; hill; in-bye; cattle. Breeding line: parentage; genetic history. Evidence requirements Please refer to Evidence requirements for the unit at the end of the Statement of Standards. OUTCOME 4 Explain and establish the animal/handler bond. Performance criteria a) The importance of the animal/handler bond is discussed. b) The animal/handler bond is correctly established. c) the animal/handler bond is correctly maintained. d) The importance of the adaptation of the animal/handler bond is correctly explained. Note on range for the outcome Maintenance: grooming; feeding; practical exercises. Adaptation: bond transfer; bond re-establishment. Sheepdog Handling: Introduction (Intermediate 2) 3 National Unit Specification: statement of standards (cont) UNIT Sheepdog Handling: Introduction (Intermediate 2) Evidence requirements Please refer to Evidence requirements for the unit at the end of the Statement of Standards. EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE UNIT Outcomes 1, 2 and 3 Written and/or oral evidence which satisfy all Performance Criteria. Outcome 4 Performance evidence with oral questioning to support the range. Sheepdog Handling: Introduction (Intermediate 2) 4 National Unit Specification: support notes UNIT Sheepdog Handling: Introduction (Intermediate 2) This part of the unit specification is offered as guidance. The support notes are not mandatory. While the exact time allocated to this unit is at the discretion of the centre, the notional design length is 20 hours. GUIDANCE ON THE CONTENT AND CONTEXT FOR THIS UNIT This is an introductory unit to other units on sheepdog handling. It allows the candidate to gain a useful background knowledge both of the history behind the development of these dogs and the necessary criteria for selecting the correct dog for any given purpose. Outcome 1 This outcome should be of interest to all those involved in breeding or working with sheepdogs. An in- depth knowledge is not required, only a general overview of the history and development of sheepdogs. The role of the International Sheepdog Society in promoting and improving the working ability of sheepdogs should be emphasised. Particular reference should be made to the role of the International Sheepdog Society in the eradication of hereditary conditions and in the registration of working dogs. Outcome 2 The range of breeds includes some which are no longer regularly used for work. These should be discussed and their physical appearance and lack of working ability compared with that of the breeds that are commonly used to work. Each breed should be discussed relative to the actual work commonly required of it; the relative age of maturity & longevity in work should be compared and contrasted. Outcome 3 The importance of the examination of both parents prior to the selection of a dog should be emphasised. This should include freedom from hereditary defects and their breeding lines being acceptable. Outcome 4 Emphasis should be placed on the establishment of a dog and handler as a team by the creation of a partnership bond. Inclusion of recognised training methods in establishing the animal/handler bond requires an explanation of canine hierarchy between dog and handler and between dog and other animals in the kennel. The development of the “team” once hierarchical structures are in place should stress the value of feeding, handling, grooming, practical exercises and training. GUIDANCE ON LEARNING AND TEACHING APPROACHES FOR THIS UNIT Wherever possible practical demonstrations should be used. Sheepdog Handling: Introduction (Intermediate 2) 5 National Unit Specification: support notes UNIT Sheepdog Handling: Introduction (Intermediate 2) GUIDANCE ON APPROACHES TO ASSESSMENT FOR THIS UNIT Outcome 1 Short answer restricted response questions would be appropriate for all PC’s. Outcome 2 Breeds could be identified using a matching exercise that could also encompass the physical characteristics and the purpose of the breed. Outcome 3 A written exercise covering three scenarios, to include hill sheep, in-bye sheep and cattle (either hill or dairy). Outcome 4 A practical exercise in the form of a diary may be appropriate in some circumstances. Simulation could also be used. SPECIAL NEEDS This unit specification is intended to ensure that there are no artificial barriers to learning or assessment. Special needs of individual candidates should be taken into account when planning learning experiences, selecting assessment instruments or considering special alternative outcomes for units. For information on these, please refer to the SQA document Guidance on Special Assessment and Certification Arrangements for Candidates with Special Needs/Candidates whose First Language is not English (SQA, 1998). Sheepdog Handling: Introduction (Intermediate 2) 6.