How would I become an animal behaviorist?

How do i become an animal behaviorist?

• i am very interested in becoming and animal behaviorist,i want to work mostly with dogs first, then possibly widden my range with cats, and other animals, but mostly dogs. i live in pheonix, az, in the us, do you know of any good colleges for this career in this city, and about how many years does it take, and what kinds of classes am i looking at? thanks

• Answer:

  http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSEducation/programs-in-animal-behavior/ProgramsAnimalBehavior-Oct2007.pdf/view http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSAppliedBehavior/what-is-applied-animal-behavior-1 http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSAppliedBehavior/links-and-resources http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSAppliedBehavior/certified-applied-animal-behaviorists/the-animal-behavior-society-program-for-certification-of-applied-animal-behaviorists The Animal Behavior Society (ABS) is the leading professional organization in North America for the study of animal behavior. The Society recognizes that animal-oriented groups or agencies, businesses, and the general public seek professional advice about the animal behavior in general or about behavioral problems of animals. Certification is the means by which the ABS demonstrates to the public that certain individuals meet the minimum standards of education, experience and ethics required of a professional applied animal behaviorist as set forth by the Society. Animal behaviorists can be educated in a variety of disciplines, including psychology biology, zoology or animal science. A professional applied animal behaviorist has demonstrated expertise in the principles of animal behavior, in the research methods of animal behavior, in the application of animal behavior principles to applied behavior problems and in the dissemination of knowledge about animal behavior through teaching and research. Certification constitutes recognition by the Animal Behavior Society that, to its best knowledge, the certificant meets the educational, experiental and ethical standards required by the Society for professional applied animal behaviorists. Certification does not constitute a guarantee that the applicant meets a specific standard of competence or possesses specific knowledge. What are the Requirements for Certification? Associate Applied Animal Behaviorist The successful applicant must meet requirements of education, experience and endorsement to become certified as an Associate Applied Animal Behaviorist. Educational requirements include a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in a biological or behavioral science with an emphasis in animal behavior. The degree should include a research based thesis. Undergraduate and/or graduate coursework must include 21 semester credits in behavioral science courses including 6 semester credits in ethology, animal behavior and/or comparative psychology and 6 semester credits in animal learning, conditioning and or animal psychology (e.g., experimental psychology). Experiential requirements include a minimum of two years of professional experience in applied animal behavior. The applicant must demonstrate the ability to perform independently and professionally in applied animal behavior. Examples include performing independent studies, data analysis, formulation and testing of hypotheses and professional writing. Also required is evidence of significant experience working interactively with a particular species (such as as a researcher, research assistant, or intern working with a certified applied animal behaviorist) prior to working independently with the species in a clinical animal behavior setting. Endorsement requirements include the provision of a minimum of three letters of recommendation from regular ABS members affirming the applicant's professional experience in the areas listed above. Only two of these letters may come from the same institution. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Educational and experiental requirements include a doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in a biological or behavioral science with an emphasis on animal behavior, including five years of professional experience, or a doctorate from an accredited college or university in veterinary medicine plus two years in a university-approved residency in animal behavior and three additional years of professional experience in applied animal behavior. Any of these degrees must include the same coursework requirements as the Associate Applied Animal Behaviorist. The successful applicant must also demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the literature, scientific principles and principles of animal behavior, demonstrate original contributions or original interpretations of animal behavior information and show evidence of significant experience working interactively with a particular species as a researcher, research assistant or intern with a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist prior to working independently with the species in a clinical animal behavior setting. Endorsement requirements are identical to those of the Associate Applied Animal Behaviorist. Exceptions to any of the above requirements will be considered by the Board of Professional Certification upon receipt of a written statement explaining why and how the intent of the educational and experiential requirements are satisfied. http://www.certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com/ http://www.certifiedanimalbehaviorist.com/page7.html http://www.apdt.com/po/career.aspx http://www.indiana.edu/~animal/help/careers.html WHAT EDUCATION / TRAINING IS NEEDED ? Most scientists directly involved in animal behavior are found within two disciplines: Ethology and comparative psychology. These disciplines overlap greatly in their goals, interests, and methods. Ethologists usually are trained in departments of biology, zoology, entomology, wildlife, or other animal sciences, whereas most comparative psychologists are trained in psychology departments. Some jobs in animal behavior require only a bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a bachelor or Science (B.S.) degree. However, most careers in animal behavior require advanced degrees, sometimes a Master of Arts or of Science (M.A., M.S.) but usually a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.). Earning such advanced degrees requires a very good undergraduate background, good grades, high motivation, hard work, and intelligence. Many colleges and universities in North America offer graduate training programs in animal behavior. See our outline of job descriptions and educational requirements. http://www.aboutbioscience.org/animal_behaviorist.html College Teaching and Research: Most animal behaviorists teach and/or conduct independent research at colleges and universities. Many behaviorists have academic appointments in biology, zoology or psychology departments. Other behaviorists are employed in departments of anthropology, sociology, neuroscience, animal science, wildlife biology, entomology and ecology as well as in medical and veterinary colleges. Careers in college teaching and research usually require a Ph.D.; a few junior colleges require only a master’s degree. Most animal behavior jobs exist within larger academic departments, and animal behaviorists often teach in related disciplines such as physiology, ecology and evolution. Students who obtain a Ph.D. in programs offering training in the behavioral or biological sciences are more competitive in the job market — although animal behavior is a growing discipline, competition remains keen for jobs in teaching and research. http://www.arkanimals.com/ark/uac_animal_behavior_careers_6.html Domestic Animal Behaviorist This is a bit different from the roles necessary for work with wild or exotic animals. There is a board certification program that is available from the veterinary profession. There are also a variety of types of study programs that focus in on other related domestic animal issues. Working with domestic or companion animals will provide challenges that will involve genetic or breed traits, and accidental conditioning or training from the owner. Many times it will be advantageous to have practical training skills in order to accomplish both behavioral conditioning and more stable behavior beyond troubleshooting problematic behaviors. It will be necessary to be a good teacher in order to work with those who have no training or background in the field of animals. Training for this type of career can vary but can include a Master's or Doctorate degree in animal psychology, biological sciences, or veterinary studies with a behavioral focus. Practical teaching and animal experience in other areas is a plus. http://www.theabma.org/ http://www.theabma.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid=10075