Animal Trainers

Train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or assisting persons with disabilities. Accustom animals to human voice and contact; and condition animals to respond to commands. Train animals according to prescribed standards for show or competition. May train animals to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team.

Job Task

• Instruct jockeys in handling specific horses during races.
• Organize and conduct animal shows.
• Conduct training programs in order to develop and maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding and related areas.
• Cue or signal animals during performances.
• Evaluate animals in order to determine their temperaments, abilities, and aptitude for training.
• Feed and exercise animals, and provide other general care such as cleaning and maintaining holding and performance areas.
• Observe animals' physical conditions in order to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.
• Train and rehearse animals, according to scripts, for motion picture, television, film, stage, or circus performances.
• Train dogs in human-assistance or property protection duties.
• Train horses or other equines for riding, harness, show, racing, or other work, using knowledge of breed characteristics, training methods, performance standards, and the peculiarities of each animal.
• Administer prescribed medications to animals.
• Advise animal owners regarding the purchase of specific animals.
• Arrange for mating of stallions and mares, and assist mares during foaling.
• Keep records documenting animal health, diet, and behavior.
• Place tack or harnesses on horses in order to accustom horses to the feel of equipment.
• Retrain horses to break bad habits, such as kicking, bolting, and resisting bridling and grooming.
• Talk to and interact with animals in order to familiarize them to human voices and contact.
• Use oral, spur, rein, and/or hand commands in order to condition horses to carry riders or to pull horse-drawn equipment.

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