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| Animal Trainer (not dogs) |
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An animal trainer is a person whose services specialize in training an animal or animals to perform tasks whether it be work, entertain or serve as companions. Regardless of if it is a horse trainer, pet trainer, dolphin trainer, leopard trainer, orangutan trainer, hippo trainer, cheetah trainer or more, the animal trainer uses a program based on repetition and reward to teach the animals to obey their commands, compete in shows or races, assist in law enforcement, protect homes, perform tricks and guide blind of visually impaired individuals. While some animal trainers work with a wide array of animals, many specialize in a specific animal. |
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There are specific traits that an animal trainer should have in order for them to be successful in their career. Animal trainers must have patience and have a strong understanding of animals and wildlife behavior. Animals must have strong physical conditioning because the job of training animals is often physically demanding and requires athleticism and also endurance. In addition to working with animals, the animal trainer also works with humans – mainly the animal's owner – and strong communication skills and a patient, easy-going manner is important for building those relationships and work well with both parties.
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| As far as education goes, Zoos and aquariums require animal trainers to have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field for them to be eligible to apply for employment. Circuses, however, most often require only experience before considering an animal trainer. Racehorse trainers must be licensed to perform their job. Many animal trainers, or those working in animal trainer-related fields, take animal psychology courses that help then understand the way things work in the animal world. The greater the understanding an animal trainer has, the more successful they will be in their line of work. |
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There are some animal trainer certification organizations that exist in some countries. But they do not all share the same goals or requirements of what is expected and required for one to become an animal training. In the United States, animal trainers are not required to have any type of certification or psychological screening. But companies may require certain things from the animal trainers they employ. The type of training that an animal trainer conducts is often determined by the animal's motivation, background and psychological makeup. A pet trainer takes different approaches than an animal trainer working with a wild animal. |
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Animal trainers try to use positive reinforcement when training animals. Doing this means rewarding an animal for carrying out a desired task, or even taking steps toward the correct action. They use negative punishment, such as withdrawing something the animal wants when the animal displays behavior that is undesirable. Animal trainers working with seeing-eye dogs and assistance monkeys work to get their animals to use their sensory and social skills to bond with a human and perform a wide range of skills to help their owner compensate with a disability that would normally hinder them in their everyday life. |
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