乐播传媒

Animal Training Courses

The certificate’s four courses build from the foundations of animal studies through animal behavior and animal-human interactions to the learning theory and techniques behind training itself, with projects focused on a species of your choice.

AB 101 Foundations of Animal Studies
In this course, you will examine different fields and occupations within the animal studies field and the types of work that are included in each of these industries. You'll also explore emerging perspectives in the field and the future of animal science in the global community.

AB 201 Animal Behavior
In this course, students will study animal behavior through biological and psychological lenses. Deep exploration into the behavior of a species of the student’s choosing will complement examples of many species through the coursework. Students will design and conduct an ethogram study on their species informed by factors that impact behavior, types and categories of behavior, applied behavior and animal emotion and cognition. The course project includes the ethogram study as well as an animal behavior timeline, behavior graphics and a behavior management plan all specific to their focus species.

AB 301 Animal-Human Interactions
In this course, students will study the history of animal-human interactions, current research in anthrozoology and the application to practices in domestic, wild and captive environments.  Students will also study the effects of animals on humans and of humans on animals with specific focus on animals and environments of the student’s choosing. Students will create an Evaluation of Animal-Human Interactions in Practice for a species and environment of their choosing.

AB 401 Animal Training
In this course, students will study the basic concepts of learning theory, associative and non-associative learning, classical and operant conditioning and social and observational learning as they apply to animal training. Students will explore the application of different training techniques to a variety of species and examine the effects of stress and environments on training goals. Students will complete a Training Manual for a species and environment of their choosing.

Faculty Spotlight

Taylor Rezvani, Ph.D, M.A.T.

Taylor Rezvani is an assistant professor at 乐播传媒 who has 20 years of experience working in veterinary practices and animal behavior education. With interdisciplinarity as an important and natural part of her educational trajectory, Rezvani earned her undergraduate degrees in media studies and human biology (focus: animal behavior- biology/psychology/sociology) from Pitzer College. After working in the veterinary field, Rezvani returned to pursue a masters' degree in teaching biology from Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling and an interdisciplinary Ph.D. integrating biology, education, and psychology from Washington State University. Rezvani is passionate about improving animal-human relationships and animal welfare through educational outreach, especially regarding the veterinary field and domestic dog preventative behavioral care. She co-founded a nonprofit school for future dog trainers and appreciates opportunities to support students in their application of course content. As an educator, Taylor strives to foster an inclusive environment and guide students in accessing their most authentic selves as lifelong learners and engaged global citizens. She has designed and delivered in-person and online curricula for high school, undergraduate, graduate, veterinary, major and nonmajor, and vocational learners. Rezvani appreciates the diverse narratives that 乐播传媒 students bring to their courses and is grateful for the opportunity to support them in their academic and career pursuits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you get an animal training certificate?

An animal training certificate from 乐播传媒 is the perfect complement to any animal-related bachelor's degree program or any degree you currently have. This certificate program allows you to understand the techniques and tactics required for animal training while also giving you the skills needed to succeed in this growing field.

How much does an animal training certificate cost?

At 乐播传媒, our animal training certificate requires students to complete 12 credit hours, keeping the total cost for the program under $5,500. It is an affordable option for those who are looking to specialize in the competitive animal care career field.

Can you make a living being an animal trainer?

Animal trainers are highly qualified and skilled professionals who often work directly with animals to correct problem behaviors and encourage them to learn specialized skills. You can absolutely make a living as an animal trainer, especially if you invest in your education and hone your skill set.  

What skills do you need to be an animal trainer?

In addition to having the technical skills needed to train animals, you also must be patient, confident, understanding, focused and persistent. Animal trainers must work with a wide range of animals at various levels, and they need to be able to effectively train them for different circumstances. If you want to work in this field, you will also need to be a skilled problem-solver and a creative thinker, particularly as you begin to adapt to the various personalities and natural instincts of the animals you work with. 

How do you become an animal trainer?

If you wish to become an animal trainer, you will find that most entry-level positions do not require you to have a degree or specialized certificate. While no education is necessary for this career field, a certification in animal training could certainly provide you with an advantage in the job market. By combining your certification with hands-on training, you should quickly be able to secure an animal trainer position.

is an animal training certificate the same as a professional dog trainer certification?

No. 乐播传媒’s certificate is an academic credential earned through four college courses. Professional certifications, such as those offered by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, are earned separately and typically require documented hands-on training hours and an exam. The certificate covers learning theory, animal behavior and training techniques, which are core topics in professional dog training.

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