Animal Trainer
OFO No: 516402
Other names for Animal Trainer:
Dog Handler
Horse Trainer/Breaker
What is an Animal Trainer?
Animal Trainers use different techniques to train animals for riding, security, performance, obedience, or assisting people with disabilities.
What does an Animal Trainer do?
- gets animals used to human voice and contact
- trains animals to respond to commands
- trains using positive, yet gentle reinforcement
- provides animals mental stimulation and exercise
- designs training programs
- researching new techniques and training
- tests animals for personalities traits
- supplies equipment (eg harnesses, leashes, etc)
- networks with Animal Behaviourists so they can refer any problem cases
Are you … ?
- animal lover?
- working closely with animals and their owners?
- interested in understanding how animals learn?
- patient and sensitive?
- a good communicator?
- gentle?
- organised?
- a problem-solver?
How do I become an Animal Trainer?
Although most Animal Trainers need to have a high school Grade 12 pass or equivalent, some Animal Trainers must have a Bachelor’s Degree and additional skills.
Marine mammal trainers, for example, need a Bachelor’s Degree in biology, marine biology, animal science, psychology, or a related field.
Most South African universities offer any one of these courses.
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
For specialised dog training (security, attack, service etc etc):
- BRAVEHEART BIO-DOG ACADEMY
For other animal training courses:
- THINKING PETS
Offers courses on Puppy training and how to set up a puppy school, adult dog training, clicker training as well as how to set up and run a Kitten school.
Minimum requirements: a student must have completed Grade12 and be older than 18 years.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Horse Trainer … or … Animal Care Attendant
Is becoming an Animal Trainer the right career choice for me?