Animal Trainers
What is an Animal Trainer?
Animal trainers are professionals who work with animals to teach them specific behaviors or tasks, often for the purposes of performance, companionship, or service. They typically specialize in a particular type of animal, such as dogs, horses, marine mammals, or exotic animals. Their work can vary widely, from training pets for obedience and agility competitions to preparing animals for roles in movies or theme parks. Animal trainers use a range of techniques, including positive reinforcement, clicker training, and behavioral modification, to establish a rapport with the animal and encourage desired behaviors. This profession requires not only a deep understanding of animal behavior but also strong communication skills to effectively interact with animals and their owners. Trainers may also engage in educational programs to raise public awareness about animal care and training methods.
Tasks
- Cue or signal animals during performances.
- Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.
- Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.
- Feed or exercise animals or provide other general care, such as cleaning or maintaining holding or performance areas.
- Observe animals' physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.
Technology Skills
-
Data base user interface and query software
- Database software
- Oracle Database
- Tracks Software
-
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
-
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- SAP software
-
Project management software
- Atlassian JIRA
- Microsoft Project
-
Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools Used
- Domestic pet training kits
- Harnesses or its accessories
- Pet grooming products
- Reins
- Leashes or leads
Knowledge
-
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
-
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
-
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
-
Instructing
Teaching others how to do something.
-
Learning Strategies
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
-
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
-
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Abilities
-
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
-
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
-
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
-
Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
-
Less than high school diploma
-
Some college, no degree
Work Activities
-
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
-
Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
-
Training and Teaching Others
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
-
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
-
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Detailed Work Activities
- Train animals.
- Direct productions or performances.
- Care for animals.
- Clean facilities or work areas.
- Maintain facilities.
Work Interests
-
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
-
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$28960.0 - $65320.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.