Design and evaluate training programmes for individuals and animals to work together

This standard is about the design and evaluation of training programmes for individuals that work with animals.
The standard includes designing and developing training programmes for individuals working with animals by setting objectives and targets. It also includes evaluating the implementation of the training programme and the progress of both the person and animal concerned.
All activities should be carried out in accordance with the relevant legislation.
Users of the standard will need to be suitably trained and confirm that their practice upholds humane standards and policies, and that they work within the limits of their authority, expertise, training, competence and experience.
This standard is suitable for those with responsibility for the design and evaluation of training programmes for individuals that work with animals.

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1. work professionally and ethically and within the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
2. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
3. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
4. assess how to provide for the welfare needs of the animals you are working with
5. confirm the purpose and intended outcomes of the training with those involved
6. obtain and interpret information about the animal from the relevant sources, this could be the owner, keeper or veterinary professionals
7. assess the capabilities and potential of the individuals wanting to work with animals
8. assess the training needs of the individuals and animals and establish training objectives
9. design a training programme relevant to the required objectives of the individual aiming to work with animals
10. evaluate environmental influences and select suitable training activities and methods to achieve the desired outcome
11. specify the resources necessary for the training activities
12. discuss and agree the training programme with the individuals wanting to work with animals, taking care to confirm that they understand their role in the agreed outcomes and targets
13. assess the potential welfare consequences on the animal as a result of the training method and chosen equipment, and rectify any issues
14. obtain feedback on the progress of the training, including the animal's health and behaviour and modify the training programme if necessary
15. evaluate and record the outcome of the training against the programme at regular intervals, and take action to resolve situations where training activities, methods or resources are found to be unsuitable
16. maintain communication with colleagues and all those involved in, or affected by, your work and seek professional advice when necessary, referring cases on when required
17. confirm that records are maintained and kept as required by the relevant legislation and organisational policy
18. plan, record, evaluate and reflect upon your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and work within the requirements of the relevant professional organisation

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1. 2. your professional responsibilities when designing and evaluating training programmes and the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
2. your responsibilities under the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation, associated codes of practice and the legal limitations of the current Veterinary Surgeons Act
3. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
4. the importance of insurance cover, including professional indemnity
5. how the welfare needs of the animals you work with may be evaluated and addressed
6. how to check that the animal’s welfare is maintained throughout the training programme and to recognise when your behaviour or that of those involved in your work, may cause adverse reactions, fear or distress in the animal
7. the intended purposes of the training programme and how to identify the objectives of the training programme in order that individuals can work with animals
8. how to obtain information about the animal and how this information may affect the design of a training programme
9. the normal behaviours, body language and communication methods of the animal requiring training
10. the importance of assessing the individuals wanting to work with animals and how to select suitable methods of assessment
11. how individuals and animals learn and the physical, psychological and environmental factors that affect the learning
12. how to design a training programme with realistic training targets in conjunction with the individuals involved
13. the process of establishing measurable goals and objectives for the training of individuals working with animals
14. how to select relevant training activities, methods and resources for the training, and the importance of assessing the suitability of the individuals and animals and rectifying any issues
15. the principles and practical application of learning theory
16. the importance of monitoring and evaluating the training progress and how to revise the training programme where necessary
17. how to recognise when training outcomes may indicate that the individuals and/or the animals are not suited for the activity or to work together
18. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and the best way to do this
19. where to obtain professional advice and guidance and the role of professional bodies and associations
20. the records that need to be kept in relation to designing and evaluating training programmes and the importance of completing these in accordance with the relevant legislation and organisational policy
21. your professional responsibilities and the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain professional competence

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Relevant information about the animal:

1. life history
2. physical capabilities
3. age
4. health
5. diet
6. reproductive status
7. hormonal stage
8. current level of training
9. temperament/characteristics
10. species, breed and parentage
11. medical history
12. motivational drivers and effects
13. environment – living, working, training/learning
14. legislation

Capabilities and potential of the individuals:

1. physical needs of the person
2. learning needs of the person
3. psychological needs of the person

Resources:

1. personnel
2. training aids/equipment
3. handling aids/equipment
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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Animal welfare legislation could be the:

• Veterinary Surgeons Act
• England and Wales, Animal Welfare Act
• Scotland, Animal Health and Welfare Act
• Northern Ireland, Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland)

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1

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2025

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Current

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Original

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Lantra

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LANAnC53

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Animal Training and Behaviour, Animals in Education and Entertainment, Dog Training and Behaviour, Veterinary Para-Professional Activities

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6129

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animal; training; people

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