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Animal Training & Enrichment

This program is ideal for trainers that would like to work with a variety of different animals. Rather than focusing on any particular species, this certificate program offers an innovative, in-depth study of animal training, environmental enrichment, and behavioral management. Students will learn how to modify behavior while maximizing animal welfare. 

Outcomes

​Your training will allow you to:

  • Incorporate behavioral science into training and problem solving.

  • Use fundamental & advanced training techniques

  • Understand animal cognition & emotions

  • Interpret animal body language & vocalizations

  • Eliminate aggression or other undesirable behaviors

  • Incorporate cognitive challenges, enrichment and choice into your training plan.

  • And much, much more!

Program

The Animal Training & Enrichment certificate requires the completion of five online courses (15 academic credits) and a field requirement consisting of 40 hours of hands-on experience as an employee, intern or volunteer at an approved institution of your choice.​

Choose one elective:​

  1. ABI 232  The Human Animal Bond

  2. ABI 238  Therapy Dog Training

  3. ABI 251  Behavior & Training of Marine Mammals

  4. ABI 271  Canine Behavior & Enrichment

  5. ABI 272  Feline Behavior & Enrichment

  6. ABI 281  Avian Training  

Courses

​Required courses:

  1. ABI 126  Animal Minds & Emotions

  2. ABI 222  Animal Enrichment

  3. ABI 233  Animal Training 

  4. ABI 331  Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach

Careers

Upon graduation, students may begin using the designation CATEP, Certified Animal Training and Enrichment Professional. Many of our graduates start their own businesses after obtaining their certificate, working as independent animal trainers or behavioral consultants. Other graduates find work in zoos and aquariums, entertainment, shelters, kennels, veterinary practices, sanctuaries and other animal-related industries.

 

The field of animal care and service workers, which includes animal trainers, is expected to grow at 15% over the next decade. Opportunities in training have never been greater!

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Our Approach

Students at the Animal Behavior Institute participate in a highly interactive online classroom, engaging in regular dialog with their professors and student colleagues. You'll receive feedback each week, completing collaborative projects while working with your own animals. This collaboration, coupled with the weekly mentoring each student receives from their instructors, ensures that you will receive a very personal education.

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