How to Be Animal Trainer/Clown - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 7, 2020   /   5 Minutes Read   /   By Albert
  • How to Become
  • Job Descriptions
  • Skill & Competencies
  • Interview Questions
  • Common Tools
  • Professional Organizations
  • FAQ
  • Links

    • Cause: Becoming an animal trainer/clown requires a combination of technical skills, knowledge of animal behavior, and the ability to entertain. Effect: Those who possess these attributes can find success in a variety of settings, such as circuses, zoos, aquariums, and petting zoos. Animal trainers/clowns must constantly monitor the behaviors of their animals, be aware of their needs, and be prepared to adjust to any unexpected situations.

    They must also be able to interact with the public in a professional manner, as they are often responsible for educating visitors about animal care and safety. they are expected to be creative and inventive when it comes to developing new routines that keep the animals and audience engaged. Finally, animal trainers/clowns must maintain a high level of physical fitness to keep up with the demands of their job.

    Steps How to Become

    1. Obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent. Animal trainers typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent to gain employment.
    2. Consider enrolling in an animal care college. Enrolling in an animal care college can provide aspiring animal trainers with additional skills, knowledge, and experience that can prove beneficial in the field.
    3. Gain experience working with animals. Working with animals as a volunteer or in an entry-level position can help aspiring animal trainers gain experience and demonstrate that they are capable of working with animals.
    4. Develop a portfolio of your work. Developing a portfolio of your work can demonstrate to potential employers that you are knowledgeable about animals and have real-world experience working with them.
    5. Find a job as an animal trainer/clown. Research potential employment opportunities and send out resumes and cover letters to demonstrate your interest in the field.
    6. Network with other professionals in the industry. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and reaching out to other professionals in the field can help you make connections and gain insight into the field.
    7. Continue your education in the field. Animal trainers should stay abreast of new developments in the field and consider taking courses or workshops to learn new skills and stay current on best practices.

    When looking for a reliable and qualified animal trainer or clown, it is important to consider several factors. Researching the individual's credentials, experience, and reputation is key. seeking out reviews from past clients and seeing examples of their work can help in making an informed decision.

    It is also essential to ensure that the trainer or clown is familiar with the specific breed or species of animal they will be working with, in order to guarantee the safety of all involved. Finally, it is important to check that they have the necessary insurance coverage and licenses in order to protect both you and the animal trainer or clown. By taking the time to research these elements, you can ensure that you are hiring a reliable and qualified animal trainer or clown for your needs.

    You may want to check Clinical Clown, Party Clown, and Birthday Party Clown for alternative.

    Job Description

    1. Animal Caretaker
    2. Animal Trainer
    3. Animal Behaviorist
    4. Animal Nutritionist
    5. Circus Clown
    6. Clown Performer
    7. Party Entertainer
    8. Comedy Juggler
    9. Stilt Walker
    10. Balloon Artist

    Skills and Competencies to Have

    1. Knowledge of animal behavior and psychology
    2. Ability to handle a variety of animals safely and with respect
    3. Familiarity with basic animal training techniques
    4. Creativity and imagination in developing new routines and tricks
    5. Patience and understanding when working with animals
    6. Good physical strength and stamina
    7. Excellent communication and people skills
    8. Ability to work well with children
    9. Ability to follow instructions and safety protocols
    10. Knowledge of legislation related to animals
    11. Experience in performing in front of large audiences
    12. Good improvisational skills
    13. Excellent comic timing
    14. An outgoing and entertaining personality

    Having the right skills is essential to being a successful animal trainer or clown. Patience is a key trait, as working with animals and performing for children requires the ability to remain calm in any situation. Being organized and able to multitask is also important, as trainers and clowns need to manage multiple tasks at once.

    Knowledge of animal behavior and experience with public speaking are also essential, as trainers need to understand how animals interact and clowns need to be able to communicate with their audience. Furthermore, having a creative mind is necessary in order to come up with exciting new ideas for performances and activities. Finally, having a good sense of humor is essential for both trainers and clowns, as it helps to create an enjoyable atmosphere for both the participants and the audience.

    Stilt Walker/Clown, Parade Clown, and Balloon Artist/Clown are related jobs you may like.

    Frequent Interview Questions

    • What experience do you have training animals?
    • What methods do you use to ensure a safe environment for animals and people when you are working?
    • How do you deal with difficult animals or situations?
    • What techniques do you use to encourage animals to learn?
    • How do you make sure your training sessions are fun and enjoyable for the animals?
    • What type of clowning skills do you have?
    • How do you create a unique and entertaining show?
    • How do you handle difficult audience members or situations?
    • How do you keep your performance fresh and up-to-date?
    • What safety protocols do you follow when working with animals and humans?

    Common Tools in Industry

    1. Clicker Training. A form of operant conditioning used to train animals, where the animal is rewarded for doing a desired behavior. (eg: A dolphin trainer uses a clicker and treats to teach a dolphin to jump. )
    2. Training Treats. Delicious treats used as rewards for animals during training. (eg: A dog trainer uses small pieces of hotdog to reward a puppy for sitting. )
    3. Animal Training Cues. Verbal or visual cues used to trigger a desired behavior from an animal. (eg: A horse trainer uses a whistle to cue a horse to stop. )
    4. Trick Props. Items used to teach animals tricks. (eg: A parrot trainer uses a hoop to teach a parrot to fly through it. )
    5. Juggling Balls. Items used by clowns to perform juggling tricks. (eg: A clown juggles three colorful balls in front of an audience. )
    6. Magic Tricks. Illusions used by magicians or clowns to entertain audiences. (eg: A clown pulls a rabbit out of a hat to the delight of children. )

    Professional Organizations to Know

    1. Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
    2. International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)
    3. International Clowns Association (ICA)
    4. Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH)
    5. International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
    6. American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)
    7. American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK)
    8. International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA)
    9. The International Circus Clowns, Jugglers and Acrobats Association (ICJA)
    10. The National Association of Circus Arts (NACA)

    We also have Comedy Juggler/Clown, Poet/Clown, and Childrens Party Clown jobs reports.

    Common Important Terms

    1. Animal Training. Animal training is the process of teaching animals specific responses to certain stimuli. This can include behaviors such as following commands, understanding body language, and responding to visual cues.
    2. Animal Behavior. Animal behavior is the study of how animals interact with their environments, and each other. It includes both instinctive and learned behaviors.
    3. Animal Welfare. Animal welfare is the physical and mental well-being of animals. It is a priority for animal trainers, as a healthy and happy animal is more likely to be responsive and to learn.
    4. Positive Reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a training method that uses rewards or praise to motivate an animal to behave in a desired way.
    5. Clicker Training. Clicker training is a form of positive reinforcement training that uses a clicker or other sound-emitting device to mark desired behaviors and reinforce them with rewards.
    6. Operant Conditioning. Operant conditioning is a form of learning in which an animal's behavior is modified by its consequences. This can include positive reinforcement, as well as negative reinforcement and punishment.
    7. Trick Training. Trick training is the process of teaching animals to perform behaviors that are not naturally occurring. This can include simple behaviors such as waving or shaking hands, or more complex behaviors such as riding on a skateboard or balancing on a ball.
    8. Circus Training. Circus training is the process of teaching animals to perform behaviors for use in circuses or other entertainment venues. This can include behaviors such as walking across a tightrope or performing tricks on command.
    9. Clowning. Clowning is the art of making people laugh through physical comedy, jokes, and situational gags. Clowns often use props and costumes to enhance their acts, and often have trained animals as part of their performance.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What qualifications are needed to become an Animal Trainer/Clown?

    To become an Animal Trainer/Clown, you typically need a high school diploma, experience working with animals, and knowledge of basic circus and clowning techniques.

    How much does an Animal Trainer/Clown typically earn?

    The average salary for an Animal Trainer/Clown is around $30,000 per year, although salaries can vary greatly depending on experience and location.

    What types of animals do Animal Trainers/Clowns typically work with?

    Animal Trainers/Clowns typically work with common circus animals such as elephants, horses, monkeys, and tigers.

    What are the primary duties of an Animal Trainer/Clown?

    The primary duties of an Animal Trainer/Clown include training animals to perform specific tricks and routines, providing care and handling for animals, and entertaining audiences with clowning abilities.

    What are some common safety precautions taken by Animal Trainers/Clowns?

    Common safety precautions taken by Animal Trainers/Clowns include using protective gear such as gloves, maintaining a safe distance from animals, and following all safety protocols when working with potentially dangerous animals.

    Web Resources

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    Reviewed & Published by Albert
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