1. Module A1 Guide Module A1 KCAI109/A1/CAT VERSION 2 October 2014
The following guide will help you fill out Module A1.
The highlighted areas on each picture should help you navigate the form.
Use the notes to help you calculate your LUK scores.
Use the JEL guide at the end to work out your JEL scores.
Module A1 KCAI109/A1/CAT VERSION October 2014

2. Introductory element – the role of the dog in society
Lower band (1-3 points)
Broadly aware of what is available and knowledge of where to find out more. Will have some understanding of why and how everyone has a role to play, through exposure and passive learning.
Middle band (4-6 points)
General understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved, with the knowledge of how they fit in and relate to each other. Knowledge will have been gained through active research, personal contact and practical experiences, mainly on a local level.
Higher band (7-9 points)
In-depth understanding through personal involvement with the running of the organisations involved. Will have extensive practical experience and/or made significant contribution to the networking role, aims, objectives and achievements of the various individuals/bodies, on both a local and national level.
Introductory element – the role of the dog in society
How much do you think you know about the role of the dog in society? If you are broadly aware of this subject; maybe you have kept dogs either as pets or working dogs and would know where to refer others should anyone ask you for information, then you would score yourself a 1, 2 or 3.
If you have done some research on this subject, whether for general interest or for the purpose of instructing or behaviour work, you would fit into the middle band. Can you describe the role of dogs in society? Can you explain the effects on the welfare of the dog and why this is of paramount importance? If so, score yourself a 4, 5 or 6.
If you have an in depth understanding of the role of the dog in society; that is you may have studied at a higher level or had extensive practical involvement in the subject. Maybe you have written or made a contribution relating to this issue to the canine world? If so, score yourself 7, 8 or 9.
Module A1 i

3. Organisations involved with dog training and canine behaviour
Lower band (1-3 points)
Broadly aware of what is available and knowledge of where to find out more. Will have some understanding of why and how everyone has a role to play, through exposure and passive learning.
Middle band (4-6 points)
General understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved, with the knowledge of how they fit in and relate to each other. Knowledge will have been gained through active research, personal contact and practical experiences, mainly on a local level.
Higher band (7-9 points)
In-depth understanding through personal involvement with the running of the organisations involved. Will have extensive practical experience and/or made significant contribution to the networking role, aims, objectives and achievements of the various individuals/bodies, on both a local and national level.
Organisations involved with dog training and canine behaviour
Do you know much about organisations relating to dog training and canine behaviour? Maybe you are just starting out and have only superficial awareness of some organisations but you would know where to look should anybody ask you (even knowing where to look on the internet.) The fact that you are aware of the KCAI Scheme and the aims and objectives of the Scheme will ensure you can score yourself even at the low end of the scale (1, 2 or 3).
To gain scores in the middle band, the scheme only asks that you are aware of the most popular and useful organisations, and have a rough idea of their policies from discussion with their members. You may have considered membership or registered with one or more. Many trainers / instructors / advisors already benefit from the knowledge, help, events and facilities that these organisations offer and are willing to share.
Higher band scores would reflect involvement with one or more of these groups and committee level, working on its/their behalf within the national organisational network of training and behaviour.
Module A1 ii

4. Organisations involved with canine welfare and rescue
Lower band (1-3 points)
Broadly aware of what is available and knowledge of where to find out more. Will have some understanding of why and how everyone has a role to play, through exposure and passive learning.
Middle band (4-6 points)
General understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved, with the knowledge of how they fit in and relate to each other. Knowledge will have been gained through active research, personal contact and practical experiences, mainly on a local level.
Higher band (7-9 points)
In-depth understanding through personal involvement with the running of the organisations involved. Will have extensive practical experience and/or made significant contribution to the networking role, aims, objectives and achievements of the various individuals/bodies, on both a local and national level.
Organisations involved with canine welfare and rescue
The scoring levels for this section are very similar to ii, in that a person scoring themselves in the lower band would have an awareness of some organisations but would know where to look should anybody ask.
For middle band scores, the scheme asks you to be aware of the services offered in your area and how they fit the national framework. Maybe you are aware or involved with centres that run volunteer schemes for dog walking, giving practical opportunities with a variety of dogs. Some organisations hold fund raising and open days. Some host seminars; give talks; produce posters and guidance sheets. If you are aware of or involved in anything like this, you would score yourself within the middle band.
Higher band scores will indicate personal involvement (s) at a committee, working or employment level. Increasing scores will be supported by contribution at national or even international level.
Module A1 iii

5. Organisations involved with assistance, working and service dogs
Lower band (1-3 points)
Broadly aware of what is available and knowledge of where to find out more. Will have some understanding of why and how everyone has a role to play, through exposure and passive learning.
Middle band (4-6 points)
General understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved, with the knowledge of how they fit in and relate to each other. Knowledge will have been gained through active research, personal contact and practical experiences, mainly on a local level.
Higher band (7-9 points)
In-depth understanding through personal involvement with the running of the organisations involved. Will have extensive practical experience and/or made significant contribution to the networking role, aims, objectives and achievements of the various individuals/bodies, on both a local and national level.
Organisations involved with assistance, working and service dogs
Once again, you would score yourself in a similar way to ii. and iii, having a broad awareness of the above organisations to score yourself in the lower band.
For middle band scores, again the scheme asks you to be aware of the services offered in your area and how they fit the national framework. Again, to justify middle band scores you will be aware or involved with centres that open days or seminars for assistance, working or service dogs. Many of you will have seen demonstrations, discussed the training of the dogs and / or worked with disabled people
Higher band scores will be looking for organisational involvement (s) at a committee, working or employment level.
Module A1 iv

6. The Kennel Club: its role, aims, activities, services, involvement
Lower band (1-3 points)
Broadly aware of what is available and knowledge of where to find out more. Will have some understanding of why and how everyone has a role to play, through exposure and passive learning.
Middle band (4-6 points)
General understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved, with the knowledge of how they fit in and relate to each other. Knowledge will have been gained through active research, personal contact and practical experiences, mainly on a local level.
Higher band (7-9 points)
In-depth understanding through personal involvement with the running of the organisations involved. Will have extensive practical experience and/or made significant contribution to the networking role, aims, objectives and achievements of the various individuals/bodies, on both a local and national level.
The Kennel Club: its role, aims, activities, services, involvement
The Kennel Club is the leading body on all matters canine and it has worked hard to establish itself at the highest levels, where it can do most good on behalf of all dogs.
The website ( also provides a huge amount of information which is worth looking at.
Signing up to the free E-newsletter online for a regular update might be worthwhile to keep you up to date. This would be sufficient to score yourself in the lower band.
Middle band scores will reflect your interest and knowledge of the various Kennel Club activities, for example the Good Citizen Dog Scheme amongst many others.
For higher band scores, the Assessors will be looking for actual involvement with the Kennel Club, as a Member, committee representative or at working level.
Module A1 v

7. Role of Dog Training Clubs, Instructors and Advisors
Lower band (1-3 points)
Broadly aware of what is available and knowledge of where to find out more. Will have some understanding of why and how everyone has a role to play, through exposure and passive learning.
Middle band (4-6 points)
General understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved, with the knowledge of how they fit in and relate to each other. Knowledge will have been gained through active research, personal contact and practical experiences, mainly on a local level.
Higher band (7-9 points)
In-depth understanding through personal involvement with the running of the organisations involved. Will have extensive practical experience and/or made significant contribution to the networking role, aims, objectives and achievements of the various individuals/bodies, on both a local and national level.
Role of Dog Training Clubs, Instructors and Advisors
This elements asks you about your knowledge of different training activities and the range of support available. If you have a basic knowledge of what training clubs, instructors and advisors have to offer, you would score in the lower band, 1-3 points.
Those scoring 4-6 points would have a strong awareness and perhaps be involved in more than one club or significant involvement in one club as an officer or committee member.
Members filling out their module with more than five years instructing experience will most definitely be in the higher band for this section, as this is the one area all members are involved in.
Module A1 vi

8. Role of other professionals (vet, groomer, walkers, kennel staff etc)
Lower band (1-3 points)
Broadly aware of what is available and knowledge of where to find out more. Will have some understanding of why and how everyone has a role to play, through exposure and passive learning.
Middle band (4-6 points)
General understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved, with the knowledge of how they fit in and relate to each other. Knowledge will have been gained through active research, personal contact and practical experiences, mainly on a local level.
Higher band (7-9 points)
In-depth understanding through personal involvement with the running of the organisations involved. Will have extensive practical experience and/or made significant contribution to the networking role, aims, objectives and achievements of the various individuals/bodies, on both a local and national level.
Role of other professionals (vet, groomer, walkers, kennel staff etc)
This element covers the roles of those you will have knowledge of directly or indirectly through your clients. If you are just starting out but again, have a broad knowledge of these professionals and the role that they play, you would score yourself in the lower band.
For the middle band you would be aware of their role in welfare issues as well as the standards they are either legally or morally expected to work to. If you are a fairly experienced instructor, you will have knowledge of this through your clients and general research.
Higher band scores will indicate that you have personal involvement(s); maybe you are also a groomer, dog walker or veterinary nurse. If this was the case you would also use these activities in section B.
Module A1 vii

9. Role of Breed Clubs and Show Societies
Lower band (1-3 points)
Broadly aware of what is available and knowledge of where to find out more. Will have some understanding of why and how everyone has a role to play, through exposure and passive learning.
Middle band (4-6 points)
General understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved, with the knowledge of how they fit in and relate to each other. Knowledge will have been gained through active research, personal contact and practical experiences, mainly on a local level.
Higher band (7-9 points)
In-depth understanding through personal involvement with the running of the organisations involved. Will have extensive practical experience and/or made significant contribution to the networking role, aims, objectives and achievements of the various individuals/bodies, on both a local and national level.
Role of Breed Clubs and Show Societies
This element asks you to demonstrate your knowledge of Breed Clubs and Show Societies. A basic awareness of Breed Clubs and Show Societies will gain scores in the lower band.
Maybe you are an active member of a breed or a show society and will have some knowledge of what they do. (Some of these societies are more active than others so it is worth talking to several.) Discover Dogs in London, the DD area at Crufts and similar areas at larger canine events are a huge source of information where you should be able to find out all the information required to support middle band scores.
Increasing scores to the higher band would indicate an involvement at committee, working or research level.
Module A1 viii

10. Module A1 ix Role of Breeders
Lower band (1-3 points)
Broadly aware of what is available and knowledge of where to find out more. Will have some understanding of why and how everyone has a role to play, through exposure and passive learning.
Middle band (4-6 points)
General understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved, with the knowledge of how they fit in and relate to each other. Knowledge will have been gained through active research, personal contact and practical experiences, mainly on a local level.
Higher band (7-9 points)
In-depth understanding through personal involvement with the running of the organisations involved. Will have extensive practical experience and/or made significant contribution to the networking role, aims, objectives and achievements of the various individuals/bodies, on both a local and national level.
Role of Breeders
This is of interest to the majority of members, especially those involved with companion dog training and behaviour modification. Questions often arise on choosing a puppy, not just on specific breeds but increasingly on how the puppies are reared. The Accredited Breeder’s Scheme (ABS) is providing breeders with a route to assure the public of their desire to establish good practice. An awareness of the scheme or basic knowledge of dog breeding would give a lower band score.
For a middle band score, you would be aware of the many breeders that are pro-actively dealing with early training, thorough and sympathetic socialisation, careful placement with the most suitable new owners and new breeders by at least being aware of the availability of advice. You would be able to explain the role that these play generally and in canine welfare.
Higher band scores will be claimed by those with considerable research into, or practical experience of the role of breeders. It may include those who have bred several litters, possibly those who have been involved in rescue or those who help with more formal puppy assessments etc.
Module A1 ix

11. Role of canine health schemes e.g. hips, eyes.
Lower band (1-3 points)
Broadly aware of what is available and knowledge of where to find out more. Will have some understanding of why and how everyone has a role to play, through exposure and passive learning.
Middle band (4-6 points)
General understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved, with the knowledge of how they fit in and relate to each other. Knowledge will have been gained through active research, personal contact and practical experiences, mainly on a local level.
Higher band (7-9 points)
In-depth understanding through personal involvement with the running of the organisations involved. Will have extensive practical experience and/or made significant contribution to the networking role, aims, objectives and achievements of the various individuals/bodies, on both a local and national level.
Role of canine health schemes e.g. hips, eyes.
This module is included as a welfare issue to give awareness of important health matters that you may encounter. Health screening is a more widely available service these days and a considerable amount of effort is being made to prevent pain and suffering from being passed on through the generations. A general awareness of this practice, and knowledge of where to refer others to would ensure a lower band score.
In order to score yourself within the middle band, you would be able to explain the importance of these generally and within canine welfare, and be able to list examples of available health schemes and explain how they can affect dogs in life.
For higher band scores, you would be involved in some way and be able to discuss the more technical and veterinary aspects of these schemes, with research into the health effects and related medical conditions, inheritance / general and specific health genetics.
Module A1 x

12. To finish this module, enter your lowest LUK score from elements i to x in this box
Then, add all the LUK and JEL scores together from this module and divide the total by 2. Put that figure in this box
Module A1

13. Points allocation guide for ALL sections
JEL
Points allocation guide for ALL sections
JEL stands for ’Justifying Experience Level’
This score will reflect the time involved in gaining knowledge and expertise, through experience, exposure and learning, and by developing and applying your ideas.
For each LUK score you claim, use this chart to match the years of your involvement to a JEL score.
For the A Modules it is your time INVOLVED, not your time as an instructor.
The top row indicates the number of completed years of experience that you have.
FOR EXAMPLE – Module A1 i: Introductory Element – the role of the dog in society.
I rate my knowledge as a 6 and have 5 years of experience to back it up. Therefore my JEL score would be 6
(If you have an intermediate number of years experience i.e. 6 years, you should round down to 5 years)
Module A1 JEL Scores