Animal Trainers
Career Snapshot
People adore animals, and well-trained animals are even more adored. Professional animal trainers teach animals new habits, whether it's a complex routine at a live animal show, a search and rescue mission, or simply teaching a puppy not to jump up on guests.
Dogs, birds, and primates have been trained to assist people who are deaf, blind, or have limited movement. Many different sorts of animals can be trained to live and work with humans, but dogs are by far the most frequent.
Trainers employ a range of methods. The most basic is to reward correct behaviour with food or praise. The working circumstances are determined by the species of animal and the goal of the training. However, every trainer must be extremely patient and able to retain their cool when animals misbehave.
A love of animals may lead you to this area, but you must also like every element of their care and upkeep. Animal handling can be physically demanding, especially when dealing with large animals. Although some vocational institutions and universities provide coursework and degree programmes, apprenticeships to more experienced trainers are frequently required as well.
The salary is often poor; many trainers supplement their income by working at kennels, stables, and grooming businesses. Exotic occupations, such as those in live animal exhibitions, movies or television, zoos, and research centres, can be tough to come by. Some occupations them, like marine mammal trainer, may necessitate a bachelor's degree as well as extra talents like swimming and scuba diving.
Good communication skills - with owners and their furry or feathery friends - are essential for establishing a reputation and a career in animal behaviour management.