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

Sep 26, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Being a circus animal trainer is a demanding job. It requires patience, dedication, and a lot of hard work. To be successful, trainers must have a deep understanding of animal behavior and be able to effectively communicate with the animals.

If trainers are able to do this, they can create strong relationships with the animals and ensure their safety, well-being, and performance in the circus. As a result, trainers must spend a great deal of time observing and interacting with the animals, developing positive reinforcement techniques, and creating training plans that are tailored to each animal. They must also keep detailed records of their interactions and progress with each animal, as well as maintain a clean and safe environment for their animals.

circus animal trainers must adhere to strict regulations and safety standards to ensure the safety of audience members. With the combination of these skills, trainers can build strong relationships with their animals, make sure their performances are safe and enjoyable, and help create an unforgettable experience for circus-goers.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many animal trainers have a college degree in animal science, zoology, animal behavior, or a related field; however, a high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement for entry into the field.
Take courses in animal care and handling. Animal trainers need to know how to properly handle animals, and it's important to understand animal behavior and how to safely interact with different species. Courses can be found both online and in-person.
Acquire experience with animals. Animal trainers must have hands-on experience with animals, whether that be from working at a pet store, volunteering at an animal shelter or wildlife center, or working on a farm.
Get certified as an animal trainer. Many organizations offer certification programs for aspiring animal trainers. These programs provide in-depth training in animal behavior, safety, and handling techniques.
Find a job as an animal trainer at a circus. Once you have the necessary experience and certification, you can apply for available positions at circuses and other entertainment venues that use animals in their shows.

Being a skilled and competent circus animal trainer requires a great deal of dedication and knowledge. It is important to understand the psychological needs of the animals and to be able to create a safe environment in which they can learn new tricks. trainers need to understand the physical needs of their charges, such as proper nutrition, exercise, and rest.

trainers must be able to read body language and anticipate potential behavioral issues before they arise. Furthermore, trainers must be able to work with an array of different animals, ranging from horses and lions to monkeys and parrots. With patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of their craft, a circus animal trainer can gain the trust and respect of their animals and create a successful act that audiences will always remember.

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Job Description

Prepare animals for performances, including training, grooming, and caring for them
Instruct animals using positive reinforcement techniques
Ensure safety of audience, animals, and trainers during performances
Troubleshoot behavior problems in animals
Develop and execute entertaining routines for animal shows
Ensure the proper feeding, exercising, and general care of animals
Maintain records of animals' health and behavior
Monitor animal health and administer appropriate treatments
Provide educational presentations about animals for the public

Skills and Competencies to Have

Animal handling and training
Knowledge of animal behavior and psychology
Patience and dedication
Ability to safely manage multiple animals at once
Understanding of how to properly use a variety of training equipment
Ability to create and maintain a safe environment for the animals
Ability to recognize signs of stress, fatigue, and distress in animals
Knowledge of basic animal husbandry and nutrition
Familiarity with relevant regulations and laws
Excellent communication and organizational skills

Circus animal trainers need a wide range of skills in order to be successful. The most important skill for any animal trainer is the ability to build trust and form strong relationships with their animals. This requires patience, understanding, and the ability to read and interpret animal behavior.

It is also important for trainers to be knowledgeable about animal care, nutrition, and training techniques. With this knowledge, they can create safe, supportive environments for their animals while also teaching them new behaviors. trainers must possess excellent communication skills to effectively instruct their animals and motivate them to perform.

Finally, circus animal trainers must be physically fit and able to handle the physical demands of the job. All these skills combined allow trainers to ensure the safety of their animals while providing an entertaining experience for the audience.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with Circus Animal Training?
How do you handle difficult or unpredictable animals?
How do you ensure the safety of both the animals and trainers?
Describe your methods for developing trust with animals.
How do you deal with animal behavior issues?
What techniques do you use to train animals?
How do you develop an effective training plan?
What challenges have you faced while training circus animals?
How do you keep yourself and the animals motivated during training?
How do you ensure that the animals remain healthy and happy?

Common Tools in Industry

Training whip. Used to direct an animal and get its attention. (eg: A trainer waves a whip in the air to get the elephant's attention. )
Clicker. A device used to reward an animal for performing a desired behavior. (eg: The trainer clicks the clicker when the elephant performs a trick correctly. )
Whistle. Used to signal an animal to start or stop a behavior. (eg: The trainer blows a whistle to signal the elephant to stop performing the trick. )
Treats. Used to reward an animal for performing a desired behavior or as a reward for obeying commands. (eg: The trainer rewards the elephant with a treat after it performs the trick correctly. )
Props. Used to help an animal perform a trick or maneuver. (eg: The trainer uses a ring of fire to help the elephant balance on its hind legs. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Professional Circus Arts (AAPCA)
International Circus Arts Association (ICAA)
Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC)
Circus Fans Association of America (CFAA)
International Jugglers Association (IJA)
National Circus Project (NCP)
United States Professional Jugglers Association (USPJA)
Unicycle Society of America (USA)
Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD)
Alliance of Professional Animal Trainers and Educators (APATE)

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Common Important Terms

Animal Husbandry. The care and management of animals, including feeding, grooming, and medical treatment.
Animal Training. The practice of teaching animals to carry out specific behaviors on command.
Behavioral Modification. The alteration of animal behavior through positive reinforcement and/or negative punishment.
Obedience Training. The practice of teaching animals to respond to verbal commands and physical cues.
Trick Training. The practice of teaching animals to perform specific behaviors for entertainment purposes.
Positive Reinforcement. The use of rewards to encourage desired behaviors in animals.
Clicker Training. A type of animal training that uses a handheld clicker device to reinforce desired behaviors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Circus Animal Trainer?

Generally, to become a Circus Animal Trainer, one must have experience working with animals, knowledge of animal behavior and handling, and a high level of patience.

How long does it typically take to train a circus animal?

The amount of time it takes to train a circus animal depends on the animal's species, breed, and individual temperament. Generally, it may take weeks or months for an animal to learn basic commands and behaviors.

What type of animals are commonly used in a circus?

Common circus animals include horses, elephants, camels, tigers, lions, bears, dogs, and cats.

What kind of training techniques are used to work with circus animals?

Training techniques used to work with circus animals include positive reinforcement, clicker training, target training, shaping, luring, and operant conditioning.

Are there regulations in place to ensure the welfare of circus animals?

Yes, many countries have laws and regulations in place to ensure the welfare of circus animals. These include restrictions on how long an animal can be trained each day, what kind of performances they can take part in, and the living conditions they must be provided with.