Read the scope, outcomes and full checklist guidance
The outcome:Every walker works within demonstrated competence, understands the dogs and environments they manage, and receives supervision proportionate to their role and risk.
EW2.1: Competence before unsupervised work
A person must not walk or transport dogs unsupervised until the business has verified practical competence for the service, dog numbers, environments, vehicles and equipment involved. Time in the industry or dog ownership alone is not proof of competence.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
A person must not walk or transport dogs unsupervised until the business has verified practical competence for the service, dog numbers, environments, vehicles and equipment involved. Time in the industry or dog ownership alone is not proof of competence.
What the Assessor Checks
Review each person's authorised scope and practical assessment.
Observe or use scenarios testing handling, lead management, recall decisions, group monitoring and public-space judgment.
Evidence
Qualifications where held, supervised walks, practical assessment, references and role matrix.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Assigning an evidently unprepared person to unsupervised high-risk work may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW2.2: Induction and supervised development
New walkers, assistants and contractors must receive documented induction covering these Standards, client instructions, canine body language, equipment, transport, routes, incidents, emergencies, privacy and role limits. Supervision must remain direct enough to prevent harm until competence is demonstrated. An assistant must not be counted as independent control capacity unless assessed as competent for that responsibility.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
New walkers, assistants and contractors must receive documented induction covering these Standards, client instructions, canine body language, equipment, transport, routes, incidents, emergencies, privacy and role limits. Supervision must remain direct enough to prevent harm until competence is demonstrated. An assistant must not be counted as independent control capacity unless assessed as competent for that responsibility.
What the Assessor Checks
Sample induction, supervision and competency sign-off records.
Check that actual responsibility matches assessed ability.
Evidence
Induction checklist, training plan, shadow walks, assessments, roster and interviews.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Leaving a trainee responsible for dogs beyond their capacity in a high-risk setting may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW2.3: Canine behaviour, handling and pack knowledge
Walkers must recognise common signs of fear, pain, fatigue, heat stress, respiratory compromise, predatory interest, escalating arousal, guarding and social conflict. A pack walker must be able to assess individuals and changing group dynamics, intervene early and reduce or separate the group before control or welfare is lost.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
Walkers must recognise common signs of fear, pain, fatigue, heat stress, respiratory compromise, predatory interest, escalating arousal, guarding and social conflict. A pack walker must be able to assess individuals and changing group dynamics, intervene early and reduce or separate the group before control or welfare is lost.
What the Assessor Checks
Question walkers using realistic dog, route and pack scenarios.
Observe whether attention remains on individual dogs as well as the group.
Evidence
Training, practical observation, scenario responses, incident learning and walk records.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Persistently ignoring clear escalation or distress that creates serious risk may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW2.4: First aid, emergency skills and continuing development
A person with current practical canine first-aid training must be immediately available on every walk. Lone walkers must hold that training themselves and carry or have prompt access to suitable supplies. Competence must be refreshed at the provider's interval or at least every three years, and learning reviewed after serious incidents, new services or material changes in recognised practice.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
A person with current practical canine first-aid training must be immediately available on every walk. Lone walkers must hold that training themselves and carry or have prompt access to suitable supplies. Competence must be refreshed at the provider's interval or at least every three years, and learning reviewed after serious incidents, new services or material changes in recognised practice.
What the Assessor Checks
Verify coverage and test response to heat stress, collapse, bleeding, choking and seizure.
Review refresher dates and incident-led learning.
Evidence
Certificates, roster, first-aid kit, scenarios, development log and meeting records.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Operating without competent emergency response or failing to act during an obvious life-threatening event may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________