OFO No: 213101

What is an Animal Behaviourist?

People who study animal behaviour are divides into 2 categories:

Ethologist

• study what is known about the animal – like anatomy and how the animal behaves in its wild state

Behaviourists

• interested in what an animal can do and what can we do to change that behaviour to make the animal fit better into his home environment

CLICK HERE: Are you an animal lover?

As an Ethologist your tasks could include:

• watches the animal over days, months or even years
• collects statistics
• takes detailed notes and photographs
• collects specimens and samples for laboratory work
• writes reports
• attends conferences
• talks to other scientists

Are you … ?

• an animal lover?
• gentle and kind?
• observant?
• good with statistics?
• able to write reports?
• patient?
• willing to spend hours, days or even months on your own in remote places?
• able to work strange hours?
• willing to work under extreme weather conditions?
• able to sleep and live in very basic tents or shacks?
• willing to travel a lot?
• writes funding proposals
  

As an Animal Behaviourist your tasks could include:

• assesses the animal in its day to day life, as well as while it’s engaged in the problem behaviour
• communicates with the animal’s owner
• works with both animal and the owner on a solution
• liaises with vets
• writes reports

Are you . . . ?

• a caring person who is good at communication with people?
• an animal lover?
• gentle and kind?
• observant?
• able to write reports?
• patient?
• able to work strange hours?
• willing to travel?

How do I become an Ethologist or Animal Behaviourist?

Ethologist:

To become an Ethologist you need a 4 year Bachelor’s Degree in Science (BSc) or Animal Science. 

A Master’s Degree in Biology or Behavioural Science with Animal Behaviour is an advantage.

Some Ethologists might do a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) which will give them special medical skills as if they are studying illness in animal behaviour. 

Most universities in South Africa offer these degrees.

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. 

Animal Behaviourist:

To become an Animal Behaviourist you do not need to have a University degree or have attended Veterinary college. There are a number of institutions that offer courses, some up to Diploma level, that will give you a qualification in this specialised field.

• COAPE SA

Offers UK based Companion Animal (Dogs and Cats) Behaviour courses; from Pet Owner interest courses through to the internationally recognised, independently accredited Advanced Diploma.

• THE ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR CONSULTANTS OF SA

• THE ETHOLOGY ACADEMY

Offers both basic and advance courses in Animal Behaviour in four different companion animal species namely dogs, cats, horses or birds (eg parrots).

Minimum requirements:  a student must have completed Grade12 and be older than 18 years.

Some organisations offer specialised courses:

For example:  African Wild Dog Behaviour Course is for those who want to learn more about wildlife and wildlife conservation.

Students with no prior experience in this field may also enrol for these courses.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Animal Trainer … or … Animal Health Technician

Is becoming an Animal Behaviourist the right career choice for me?

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?

OFO No: 213103

Other names for Anatomist:

Embryologist
Neuroanatomist
Physiologist
Sports Physiologist

What is a Veterinary Anatomist? 

Veterinary Anatomists are veterinary specialists.  Veterinary Anatomists specialise in the biological animal structures and systems.
Most Veterinary Anatomists work in research laboratories or clinics. Some may work in pharmaceutical companies or for companies producing animal foods and products. 

What does a Veterinary Anatomist do?

• they do a lot of laboratory work
• they study, examine and dissect organs, tissues, cells etc
• they work with high-tech microscopes
• they take extensive notes
• they compare and analyse data

Are you . . . ?

• intellectual?
• passionate about animal medicine?
• dedicated?
• hard working?
• thorough and organised?
• a person with a great memory?
• analytical?

How do I become a Veterinary Anatomist? 

Most Veterinary Anatomists have a degree in veterinary science which they completed at the University of Pretoria.
Once you have this degree it’s advisable to get a Masters in Veterinary Anatomy or a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine or similar. 

PATH 1

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• University of KZN
• University of Limpopo
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Venda
• University of Zululand
• Walter Sisulu University

PATH 2

Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences

• University of KZN
• University of Limpopo
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Western Cape
• Walter Sisulu University

PATH 3

A relevant Honours qualification 

Workplace experience

Registration with the SACNASP (South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions ) as a professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat)

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. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Immunologist … or … Animal Care Attendant

Is becoming a Veterinary Anatomist the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Horse Trainer?

Horse Trainers are also known as equine trainers. 

They train horses for:  riding, harness, security, performance, obedience and assist persons with disabilities to ride. They get horses used to the human voice, touch and to listen to commands. 

HorseTrainers may prepare horses for racing, trail work, competitions or horse shows.  Horse Trainers also work with horses to correct bad behaviour or issues from abuse or trauma.  Some trainers may prepare horses to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team. 

Trainers talk with owners, farm managers, stable staff, jockeys and drivers.

What does a Horse Trainer do?

• builds relationships with horses
• introduces saddles, bridles etc to the horse
• trains apprentice jockeys
• manages stable staff
• cleans stables
• grooms horses
• designis and plans training and rest programs
• plans race calender
• studying and managing diet programs
• checks health of the horses
• talks to veterinarians on injuries and ailments
• talks to horse owners and farm managers
• goes to races and other horse-related events
• keeps accurate records
• manages budgets and accounts

Are you … ?

• a person who loves horses?
• patient and caring?
• a person who loves the outdoors?
• good at communication?
• organised?
• observant?
• dedicated?
• will to do physical work?
• willing to work long hours?

How do I become a Horse Trainer?

Working from the bottom up in stables is one way many Horse Trainers start their careers.  They usually start as a horse groomer.  They learn and perform stable chores, exercise horses, feed and groom horses and many other duties.

Good riding skills and a lot of knowledge about horses is often compulsory. Some horse training jobs have weight requirements.  Some horse trainers work as horse trainer apprentices.

Completing an equine (horse) studies program offered at  university of technology or some colleges, is another way to learn required skills. 

Courses may include subjects, like: horsemanship, equine biology and physiology, farm management, equine behaviour, animal ethics and welfare, equine nutrition and equine diseases.

For courses that might assist you, there are special equine colleges or colleges with equine-related diplomas:

• TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

National Diploma in Equine Studies

Minimum entry requirements:

National Senior Certificate meeting diploma entry

PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS

• BEAULIEU COLLEGE
  

Offers Equine Studies to pupils in Grade 8 to 12.  This forms part of the pupil’s National Senior Certificate (NSC) qualification.

• THE EQUESTRIAN ACADEMY 

Offers some courses too.  There are other institutions that offer equestrian subjects.

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. 

Subjects for school:  You can finish high school at the above colleges.  They will have equine (horse) subjects as part of their certificates.  A love of horses is necessary.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Farrier … or … Veterinary Nurse

Is becoming a Horse Trainer the right career choice for me?