Animal trainer

Reference Number: ST0398

Details of standard

Occupational profile: As an Animal Trainer, you plan, manage, deliver and review the training of the animals you are working with using positive, reward based training methods. This may involve training the animal to undertake specific tasks, or more general training. This standard also covers your interactions with the animal, developing training plans to reinforce desirable behaviours/reduce undesirable behaviours as well as reviewing and evaluating training to ensure goals are met and plans continue to be appropriate. Working patterns will involve irregular hours and in all weather conditions. You will have a professional approach to showing compassion, respect, patience and tolerance in all situations to people and animals. Typical Job roles include: zoo & safari park trainers, service animal trainers (including search and rescue), commercial animal trainers, assistance animal trainers, audio- visual industry animal trainers, animal obedience trainers, animal behaviour trainers.

Knowledge - An Animal Trainer will require a comprehensive understanding of:

1. current legislation, including health and safety and animal welfare, work place policies and procedures
2. the 5 welfare needs of animals:
   • its need for a suitable environment
   • its need for a suitable diet (and water)
   • its need to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
   • any need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
   • its need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
3. how to carry out risk assessments related to the training environment
4. how the needs of animals under your duty of care may be assessed and addressed
5. their responsibility, accountability and autonomy for duty of care of animals under the current animal welfare legislation
6. the natural behaviour patterns, body language and communication methods of the animal
7. the signs that indicate problems with animals’ health and welfare and the actions that should be taken
8. the suitability, action, welfare and ethical considerations of training aids/equipment and techniques for the species’ and animals’ physical and mental capabilities
9. how training will impact on animal welfare and how to analyse whether it is in the best interests of the animal involved
10. the factors which may affect the progress and success of training, such as exercise, nutrition, life stage
11. the importance of routine/preventative health/veterinary care
12. anatomy, physiology and health to include conformation, biomechanics, mental (behavioural) health; reproduction and common inherited abnormalities
13. the process of establishing measurable goals and objectives for the training of animals
14. how to formulate training plans based on the available resources and the objectives agreed between the trainer and others
15. the importance of reviewing and revising a training plan to meet the objectives
16. current and relevant terminology/theory including classical and operant conditioning
17. the need to guard against unintentional classical and operant conditioning creating undesirable behaviour
18. when training is inappropriate
19. appropriate enrichment methods and equipment for the species of animals concerned
20. socialisation and effects on animal learning and behaviour
21. the factors relating to the movement of animals
22. the human animal bond
23. human training skills and relevant theories including lesson plans, learning styles, feedback and coaching
24. problem solving tools to support solutions

Skills - An Animal Trainer will be able to:

1. continually assess, maintain and evaluate a safe working environment following relevant legislation, work place policies and procedures
2. continually assess, maintain and evaluate the 5 welfare needs of animals whilst under your care
3. Be responsible for minimising risks and dealing with potential incidents and emergencies including implementing appropriate controls
4. assess the risk of disease transmission and implement appropriate bio-security controls
5. carry out a dynamic risk assessment relating to the training environment and the animals’ welfare and act appropriately
6. approach all interactions with the animals in a manner that reinforces desirable behavioural patterns and avoids creating undesirable behavioural patterns
7. analyse data and review and implement plans accordingly and update records
8. prepare the animal, resources and environment for the training session to aid the achievement of agreed learning outcomes
9. obtain and interpret relevant information regarding the animals from the appropriate sources, i.e. life history, physical capabilities
10. assess the potential animal welfare consequences, of the training method and equipment such as physical and mental harm
11. create and implement a training plan based upon the individual animal with realistic targets for a desired behaviour based upon the principles of learning and the intended outcomes of the training
12. assess the progress of the training session against the plan at regular intervals and take action to resolve situations where training activities, methods or resources are found to be inappropriate
13. communicate training plans effectively to others, such as colleagues and clients recognising individual learning styles and relevant learning theories of delivery and support them to apply these plans in practice
14. solve problems using independent critical thinking to modify the training plan as needed to take into account the response of the animals and other factors
15. balance the conflicting demands of animal welfare, societal expectations and the safety of the public in deciding the future of animals under their care
16. make autonomous decisions that may impact on the future of the animal

Behaviours

Safe Working

Promote and monitor safe working practices, which must be adhered to at all times with constant situational awareness and adaptability to ensure the safety of the animals, themselves and others.

Work Ethic

Have a strong work ethic, be a good role model and mentor for others. Be respectful, punctual, reliable, trustworthy and diligent. Work effectively and encourage efficiency to meet time deadlines and organisational requirements. Take pride in their work showing commitment and loyalty whilst conducting themselves in a professional manner. Make the most efficient and effective use of materials, resources and time.

Responsibility

Assume a role of responsibility in the workplace. Organise themselves, delegate tasks, supervise and monitor others and the animals in their care. Show compassion, respect, patience and tolerance in all situations to people and animals. Work with methods that reduce risk of injury to the animals, themselves or others. Recognise own limitations and seek qualified professional advice as necessary/when required. The ability to operate as the advocate for the animal and to balance this against societal expectations and the safety of the public.

Team Work

Work independently and as part of a team, showing leadership and initiative as appropriate. Understand their role within the team and their impact on others and animals. Promote good working relationships, reduce, manage and report conflict within the team when necessary. Contribute to and support the training and development of others.

Communication

Respect the need for confidentiality and adhere to data protection policies. Confidently and respectfully communicate with colleagues, volunteers, visitors, clients, industry specialists and animals. Show good interpersonal skills and accurately report any concerns, incidents and abnormalities. Know when to ask for, offer and give advice and guidance. Use social media responsibly.

Professionalism

Have a strong and professional ethic including pride in their appearance and work. Attention to detail; integrity and time management; have a flexible attitude to work; have a safety mindset to self and others; demonstrate initiative. A commitment and willingness to learn and to contribute to their own continuing professional development. 

Qualifications

Apprentices without level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment.

Entry Requirements

Any entry requirements will be set by individual employers but, typically, they may look for evidence of prior experience of working within the industry.

Level

This standard is at Level 4

Duration

Typically, 18 months to 24 months

Review

After 3 years

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