Animal training is one of the most difficult, yet rewarding, jobs available among the many jobs that work with animals. Animal trainer jobs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each requiring unique training and skills. Many animal trainer jobs are devoted to training service animals, which help humans perform daily tasks while remaining safe in their homes. Capuchin monkeys, service dogs, and even miniature horses are among the animals that animal trainers work with.
Dog training is one of the most popular animal trainer jobs. Dog trainers frequently specialize in one or more training areas. Many dogs are working dogs who assist in the herding of other animals. Some dogs are specially trained to help law enforcement and military personnel detect drugs and people. These dogs have also been taught to defend and attack if necessary.
Dog obedience training is a different type of dog training. This is a well-known job that many dog owners consider essential. Obedience trainers teach or condition dogs to respond to specific commands and behave properly.
Show dogs frequently receive specialized training from an animal trainer, and working in this field can be very lucrative. Show dogs must not only appear healthy, but they must also behave in the way that judges expect. These behaviors can be cultivated with the right training.
Other animal trainer jobs include training horses to compete in horse shows or race. Dressage is a series of tests that showcase the horse’s movements, such as walking and trotting. Trained horses can compete in dressage. Horses can also be trained for competitive events such as show jumping, rodeo, and other similar activities.
Lions, elephants, dolphins, and sea lions are among the animals trained wild animal trainers. Many of these animals have been trained for entertainment and can be seen performing at circuses, educational institutions, and amusement parks. The animals are sometimes even trained for television or film appearances.
Bird trainers and chicken trainers are two lesser-known animal training jobs. During educational presentations, bird trainers frequently train birds to perform, or at the very least behave, in a safe manner. Chicken training is actually used to improve the techniques of other animal trainers.
Before working as an animal trainer, most people have a background in zoology, marine biology, veterinary science, or a related field. Large facilities, such as marine parks, zoos, and amusement parks, employ a large number of animal trainers. Some animal trainers work for themselves or own a training company that offers contract services.