I’ve had a wonderful career as an Animal Trainer so far (with hopefully many more adventures to come).
I’ve been very blessed to make some amazing connections and be inspired by some great people. These experiences have changed the course of my life.
When I was young I had no idea how to get into Animal Training, however, the people I have met have shown me the way. They have been my teachers. They have been my mentors. I found continual guidance in their wisdom. They aided my development. And they assisted in making me into the trainer I am today.
There is one teacher that stands out above all the rest. If I hadn’t absorbed his wisdom, I’d be half the trainer I am today. But this teacher isn’t a regular looking mentor. This teacher had a 2-meter wingspan and 750 pounds per square inch of closing pressure in his talons.
This teachers Name was Bob the Wedge Tail Eagle. He was the first animal I ever trained and the lessons Bob taught me, still guide me today.
(VIDEO) Learn about Bob’s story and what you can do to get started in animal training.
Bob the Eagle may have got me started, but, there were many elements involved in making me a good trainer. I’ve read a lot of books. I’ve been to a lot of conferences. I’ve networked extensively. I’ve studied many courses and qualifications. I’ve traveled internationally to seek out opportunities. This has been my odyssey. Of course, if someone asked me “how to get into animal training?” I wouldn’t necessarily say you have to do what I did. Rather I would say plot your own path, challenge yourself and never stop learning.
Here are three ideas you can focus on that might help you get started…
- Teach yourself before you teach our animals.
- Spend time learning. Read books, go to conferences and absorb all the content on the Animal Training Academy website.
- Find a shelter, zoo or vet clinic nearby and inquire as to volunteer opportunities in your local community.
- This allows you to observe the management of animals live and to also get crucial hands-on experience.
- Find a Mentor.
- This was actually one of the most important elements for me when I first started training.
- Having people to bounce ideas off, provide encouragement and be a source of inspiration was crucial to my success.
Volunteering & Internships opportunities
Depending on where you are located and how far you are willing to travel there are some AMAZING opportunities available. I will link to three podcasts episodes below where my guests talked about some unique volunteer and internship opportunities they offer…
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- CLICK HERE to listen to the Hilary Hankey podcast episode
- In this episode, Hilary gives advice to people just getting started in their animal training careers at 6:58. Additionally at 18:52 Hilary talks about internship opportunities available via her business Avian Behavior International situated near San Diego USA.
- CLICK HERE to listen to the Anna Oblasser-Mirtl podcast episode
- At 18:04 Anna shares advice for those people just getting started and don’t really know what to do. In this part of the podcast, she also shares information about internship opportunities available at the Animal Training Center in Austria.
- CLICK HERE to listen to the Jenifer Zeligs podcast episode
- Listen in at 38:25 as Jenifer talks about volunteer and internship opportunities available via Animal Training and research international.
- CLICK HERE to listen to the Hilary Hankey podcast episode
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- Lesson 1 – Getting started in animal training Course
This lesson, shares my story and touches on how to get into animal training.
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