How to Get A Good Job As An Animal Trainer

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By billips
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Get A Good Job As An Animal Trainer

Job prospects for animal trainers are excellent as the number of pet owners is increasing rapidly as is the realization that well behaved pets are safer and more enjoyable to live with.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Start young and get all the experience you can with animals. If you are still in high school, take all the science courses you can. Volunteer at your local pet shelters, the ASPCA, and any zoos or marine parks in your area or get a job in one of these areas. Ask your local ASPCA which trainers in your area are training well and compassionately and try to observe some training classes. Observe the behavior of all animals as they react to each other as well as their trainers and other humans.
Step 2

Decide if you have the right personality for the job. Successful animal trainers must of course love animals. They must also be extremely patient people, sensitive, compassionate, and assertive, as well as physically fit. They must be able to establish a bond with their pupils and be willing to work hard, sometimes in less than ideal conditions. Trainers must be aware that some animals, especially if they are tired or stressed, may bite, scratch, kick or trample. This is all part of the job.
Step 3

Think about what area of animal training you would be most interested in so you can get the best experience possible. Most animal trainers work independently though some may be hired by institutions.

Trainers that work with dogs may have group classes or work in the clients homes. They may train police dogs, show dogs, or service dogs for the blind or disabled.

Large animal trainers may work in zoos, game parks, and circuses. Some small monkeys are also trained as service animals.

Trainers of marine animals, such as dolphins and whales, work in both marine parks and in coastal waters.
Step 4

Understand what your duties as an animal trainer involve. Remember than most animal training strives to make animals more manageable or teach specific tasks. This is a very repetitious process and may take many months, so extreme patience and confidence on the part of the trainer are essential.

Trainers not only train animals, but are often involved in daily care, medical treatment, exercise, and mental stimulation. All this makes the animals more amenable to both the trainer and the training process.
Step 5

Get the best training you can afford. As with all professions, those with the best training and highest degree of skill are most in demand. To become an animal trainer, you need to start by obtaining your high school diploma or GED. Many trainers then receive on the job training with an experienced trainer, get some experience, and then move on to establish their own business. Establishing your own business may take several years. If possible, it is preferable to take an animal training program, one that offers certification on completion of the course. Certification is not mandatory but certainly is a testament to your abilities when you search for employment. Check the web for training programs in your area.
If you want to become a trainer of marine animals, you require at least a bachelor's degree in marine biology, animal sciences or a related field. You would also need to be a strong swimmer and have your certification in scuba diving. The demand for marine animal trainers is at present remaining fairly steady whereas the demand for other animal trainers is on the rise.
Step 6

Understand that good animal trainers never resort to violence or unkindness. Such trainers should not be allowed to work around animals. If you find yourself in a situation where you see, or are expected to employ, either violence or unkindness, leave the area and report what you have witnessed to the SPCA.

Comments

alltrails said

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on 11/18/2009 Terrific article on how to get a good job as an animal trainer. This sounds like a really interesting career for someone interested in animals. Thanks for the tips!