Animal Training
Overview
Programs in animal training prepare people to work with animals, usually pets, and their owners.Animal training programs cover topics such as:
- How to teach skills to animals
- Animal psychology
- Human-animal interaction
Most animal trainers work with dogs, teaching them basic obedience skills.
Schools
Several career and technical schools offer certificate programs in animal training. Some colleges may offer courses in their animal science or equestrian studies programs. These courses typically cover animal behavior or animal psychology.
Many animal trainers attend workshops and seminars where they learn a variety of training techniques. Trainers can also take courses to study the needs of exotic animals or about different dog breeds and associated behaviors.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Animal Grooming
- Animal Husbandry and Production
- Animal Physiology
- Animal Sciences, General
- Equestrian Studies
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Animal Breeders
- Animal Caretakers
- Animal Control Workers
- Veterinary Assistants
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program of study by getting your high school diploma or GED.
You can volunteer or work part time at a veterinarian's office or zoo to gain skills. In that experience, you may develop clients of your own. If you want to train horses, you need to be proficient in riding and caring for them. If you want to train dogs, it can help to volunteer with a local obedience club.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Accounting
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Animal Science
- Biology
- Safety and First Aid
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Animal Anatomy and Physiology
- Animal Behavior and Performance
- Animal Disorders and Diseases
- Animal Handling
- Animal Nutrition
- Client Relations
- Computer Business Applications
- Positive and Negative Reinforcement
- Training Methods and Techniques
Things to Know
Volunteering at local animal shelters or veterinary offices provides good experience.
Work as an animal trainer is also good experience if you decide later to go to veterinary school.
For information about local educational programs in animal training, check with veterinary offices, your county's extension service office, the Humane Society, and zoos or marine exhibits.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Northwest School of Animal Massage
- FUNdamentals of Massage Workshop
Spokane Area
Cat Tales Zoological Training Center
- Zoological Technology & Nonprofit Operations Program