Obedience Training

Term from Animal Care industry explained for recruiters

Obedience Training is a fundamental skill in the animal care industry, primarily focused on teaching pets (especially dogs) to respond to commands and behave appropriately. It's similar to being a teacher, but for animals instead of people. Trainers use positive reinforcement and other methods to help pets learn basic commands, correct behavioral issues, and develop good habits. This field might also be called "pet training," "dog training," or "animal behavior training." Think of it as teaching pets to be well-mannered members of their families and society.

Examples in Resumes

Conducted group and individual Obedience Training classes for over 200 dogs annually

Specialized in Dog Training and Behavior Training for difficult cases

Developed customized Pet Training programs for clients with special needs pets

Typical job title: "Pet Trainers"

Also try searching for:

Dog Trainer Pet Behavior Specialist Animal Trainer Canine Behavior Consultant Pet Training Specialist Dog Obedience Instructor Animal Behavior Trainer

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle aggressive behavior in dogs and what methods do you use to assess risk?

Expected Answer: A senior trainer should discuss their systematic approach to evaluating aggressive behavior, safety protocols, and various treatment methods. They should mention the importance of recognizing trigger points and developing management plans.

Q: How do you develop training programs for other trainers to follow?

Expected Answer: Should explain their experience in creating standardized training protocols, mentoring other trainers, and adapting methods for different skill levels while maintaining consistency in approach and results.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What methods do you use to address common behavioral issues like leash pulling or excessive barking?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain different training techniques, demonstrate knowledge of positive reinforcement methods, and discuss how they adjust approaches based on individual animals.

Q: How do you handle difficult clients or situations where the owner isn't following training recommendations?

Expected Answer: Should discuss their communication skills, ability to educate owners, and strategies for ensuring compliance with training programs while maintaining professional relationships.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic commands you teach in a beginner obedience class?

Expected Answer: Should be able to list and explain how to teach basic commands like sit, stay, come, and heel, along with the progression of teaching these skills to both pets and their owners.

Q: How do you use positive reinforcement in training?

Expected Answer: Should explain the basics of reward-based training, including proper timing of rewards, types of rewards used, and why positive reinforcement is effective.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Teaching basic commands
  • Running group classes
  • Using positive reinforcement methods
  • Basic understanding of dog behavior

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Handling behavioral issues
  • Private consultation skills
  • Advanced training techniques
  • Client communication strategies

Senior (5+ years)

  • Behavior modification expertise
  • Program development
  • Staff training and mentoring
  • Working with aggressive animals

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No formal training or certification in animal behavior
  • Using outdated or harmful training methods
  • Poor communication skills with pet owners
  • Lack of experience with different breeds and temperaments