Higher Occupational Certificate: Dog Handler - Military and Law Enforcement

Purpose

The purpose of Higher Occupational Certificate: Dog Handler - Military and Law Enforcement is to prepare a learner to function as a Dog Handler: Military and Law Enforcement.

This qualification equips learners with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required to operate effectively as professional dog handlers within military and law enforcement environments.

A Dog Handler: Military and Law Enforcement is a member of the military and law enforcement organisations responsible for, caring, handling, training of a working dog that matches the discipline that the handler has been trained in.

A qualified learner will be competent to

• Take care of a working-dog
• Handle a working-dog.
• Train a working-dog.
• Maintain the proficiency of a working-dog.

Typical learner attributes

• Honesty.
• Discipline.
• Self-confidence.
• Observant.
• Consistency.
• Empathy and compassion.
• Trustworthiness.
• Integrity.
• Respect and curtesy.
• Patience.
• Punctuality.
• Ability to work independently.

Rationale

The role of dog handlers in military and law enforcement is vital as working dogs are increasingly used in crime prevention and security tasks. However, there is a shortage of qualified handlers with the skills needed to manage these dogs effectively and ethically, which impacts operational efficiency and public safety.

The Dog Handler: Military and Law Enforcement qualification provides a structured, National Qualifications Framework (NQF)-aligned training programme that develops the professional competencies required for this demanding role. It ensures handlers are equipped with practical skills, canine behaviour knowledge, ethical handling practices, and an understanding of the legal framework governing the use of working dogs. Moreover, with the rise in complex security threats, there is a growing reliance on K9 units, making standardized, high-quality training essential to maintain operational readiness and public trust.

By acquiring this qualification, learners will be equipped to manage advanced dog-training functions, contributing to improved community safety and bolstering public trust in law enforcement.

The qualification aligns with national priorities by fostering safer environments and promoting economic growth through the protection of individuals and businesses.

Typical learners

Mostly State Law Enforcement Employees, however, it does not exclude learners from other nationalities that meet the requirements of the respective government departments.

Collaboration with relevant stakeholders

• Training providers from the respective Law Enforcement Departments.
• Academics.
• Assessors.
• Training material developers.

List typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate

• Dog Trainers.
• Dog Handlers.
• Kennel Managers.
• Dog Breeders.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for Access to Training/Exemption

Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification.

Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

RPL for exemption from modules

For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.

Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications is approved by the QCTO.

Entry Requirements

• An NQF Level 4 qualification.

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules.

Knowledge Modules

• 516402-002-00-KM-01, Occupational Health and Safety, NQF Level 4, 2 Credits.
• 516402-002-00-KM-02, Legislation, NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.
• 516402-002-00-KM-03, Working Dog Breeds, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 516402-002-00-KM-04, General Care of a Working Dog, NQF Level 4, 2 Credits.
• 516402-002-00-KM-05, Communication, NQF Level 4, 2 Credits.
• 516402-002-00-KM-06, Principles of Working Dog Training, NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.
• 516402-002-00-KM-07, Working Dog Behaviour, NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.
• 516402-002-00-KM-08, Safety Precautions When Handling a Working Dog, NQF Level 4, 2 Credits.
• 516402-002-00-KM-09, Working Dog Training Equipment, NQF Level 4, 3 Credits.
• 516402-002-00-KM-10, Ethics and Integrity, NQF Level 4, 2 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 26

Practical Skill Modules

• 516402-001-00-PM-01, Provide in the Elementary Need of a Working Dog, NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-02, Provide Working Dog Specific First Aid on Demand, NQF Level 4, 2 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-03, Apply Working Dog Specific Safety Precautions, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-04, Handle, Use, and Inspection of Working Dog Handling Equipment, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-05, Physical Maintenance of a Working Dog, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-06, Pre-Deployment Activities, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-07, Socialise and Habituate a Working Dog, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-20, Perform Conclusion of Duty Activities, NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-21, Develop a Working Dog Training Schedule, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-34, Remedial Training and Further Training of a Working dog, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.

Total credits of the compulsory modules: 41

Category A - Dog Handling Specialisation (Select One, 10 Credits)

• 516402-001-00-PM-08, Handle a Guard Dog, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-09, Handle a Patrol Dog, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-10, Handle a Narcotic Detection Dog, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-11, Handle an Arson Detection Dog, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-12, Handle Human Scent Tracker Dog, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-13, Handle a Search and Rescue Dog, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-14, Handle an Explosives Detection Dog, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-15, Handle a Protected Species Detection Dog, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-16, Handle a Biological Body Fluid Detection Dog, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-17, Handle a Currency Detection Dog, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-18, Handle a Carcass and Hide Detection Dog, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-19, Handle a Substance Detection Dog for a Specific Certificate, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.

Category B - Dog Training Specialisation (Select One, 22 Credits)

• 516402-001-00-PM-22, Train a Guard Dog, NQF Level 5, 22 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-23, Train a Patrol Dog, NQF Level 5, 22 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-24, Train a Narcotic Detection Dog, NQF Level 5, 22 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-25, Train an Arson Detection Dog, NQF Level 5, 22 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-26, Train a Human Scent Tracker Dog, NQF Level 5, 22 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-27, Train a Search and Rescue Dog, NQF Level 5, 22 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-28, Train an Explosives Detection Dog, NQF Level 5, 22 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-29, Train a Protected Species Detection Dog, NQF Level 5, 22 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-30, Train a Biological Body Fluid Detection Dog, NQF Level 5, 22 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-31, Train a Currency Detection Dog, NQF Level 5, 22 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-32, Train a Carcass and Hide Detection Dog, NQF Level 5, 22 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-PM-33, Train a Substance Detection Dog for a Specific Certificate, NQF Level 5, 22 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 73

Work Experience Modules

• 516402-001-00-WM-01, Processes and Procedures to Train a Working Dog, NQF Level 5, 6 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-WM-02, Processes and Procedures of Taking Care of a Working Dog, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-WM-03, Processes and Procedures to Handle a Working Dog, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 516402-001-00-WM-04, Processes and Procedures to Maintain the Proficiency of a Working Dog, NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 21

1. Care for a working dog by adhering to ethical standards and following a professional code of conduct.
2. Handle a purpose-trained dog by applying key terminology, rules, concepts, established principles, and relevant theories.
3. Train a working dog for a specific purpose by making informed decisions, taking responsibility for the dog's actions, and proactively addressing any shortcomings that arise during training.
4. Maintain the proficiency of a purpose-trained dog by adapting and applying standard solutions to implement minor adjustments, while considering the consequences of related actions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Care for a working dog by adhering to ethical standards and following a professional code of conduct.

• Discuss the elementary needs of a working dog in terms of accommodation, feeding, grooming and hygiene.
• Discuss working dog safety precautions versus ethics and integrity.
• Discuss working dog behaviour in terms of pack hierarchy, sexuality, natural instincts, and drives.
• Discuss physical maintenance of a working dog in relation to the day-to-day handling of a typical working dog.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Handle a purpose-trained dog by applying key terminology, rules, concepts, established principles, and relevant theories.

• Identify, select, inspect and fit Equipment to manage a purpose trained working dog in accordance with organisational prescripts.
• A handler socialises with a purpose trained working dog in accordance with organisational prescripts.
• Conduct exercises with a purpose trained working dog in accordance with organisational prescripts.
• Prepare a purpose trained working dog for deployment in accordance with organisational prescripts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Train a working dog for a specific purpose by making informed decisions, taking responsibility for the dog's actions, and proactively addressing any shortcomings that arise during training.

• Plan and prepare training of a specific purpose working dog in accordance with organisational prescripts.
• Select a suitable working dog to be trained for a specific purpose in accordance with organisational prescripts.
• Apply working dog training techniques to elicit a desired outcome in accordance with organisational prescripts.
• Discuss socialising and habituating a working dog in in terms of different environments, other animals, traffic, noise and scent.
• Evaluate a trained working dog against the desired functions/training plan.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

ELO 4: Maintain the proficiency of a purpose-trained dog by adapting and applying standard solutions to implement minor adjustments, while considering the consequences of related actions.

• Discuss working dog's specific first aid in terms of legislation and organisational prescripts.
• Discuss the safety requirements for a working dog in terms of equipment, accommodation and deployment in public.
• Discuss retraining and further training of a working dog in terms of behaviour, physical training, specialized skills, and bond reinforcement.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessments

Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment.

Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained.

Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

Summative Assessments

Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed.

An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification.

Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g. applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc.

The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA.

External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner.

For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating:

• The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules.

Or

• The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge and Application Components.