Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Public Education Programs • Visitor Impact Assessment • Animal Training Programs

Target Training

Term from Zoological Management industry explained for recruiters

Target Training is a positive reinforcement method used in zoos and aquariums to teach animals specific behaviors that help with their care and medical procedures. It's like teaching a pet dog to sit, but on a much larger scale - animals learn to move to specific spots, present different body parts for examination, or participate voluntarily in medical procedures. This makes animal care safer and less stressful for both the animals and their caregivers. Similar terms you might see include "positive reinforcement training," "operant conditioning," or "behavioral training."

Examples in Resumes

Implemented Target Training programs for large carnivores, resulting in improved veterinary care access

Developed Target Training and Behavioral Training protocols for marine mammals

Successfully used Target Training techniques to train elephants for voluntary blood draws and foot care

Typical job title: "Animal Trainers"

Also try searching for:

Zoological Trainer Animal Care Specialist Animal Behavior Specialist Marine Mammal Trainer Wildlife Training Specialist Animal Training Coordinator

Where to Find Animal Trainers

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a target training program for a newly acquired, potentially dangerous animal?

Expected Answer: Should discuss safety protocols, initial assessment, gradual approach steps, positive reinforcement techniques, and team coordination strategies. Should emphasize importance of reading animal body language and maintaining staff safety.

Q: Describe how you would train other staff members in target training techniques.

Expected Answer: Should explain teaching methods, safety protocols, documentation procedures, and how to adapt training styles for different learning levels. Should mention importance of consistency across team members.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What steps would you take if an animal stops responding to target training?

Expected Answer: Should discuss checking for health issues, environmental factors, reviewing recent changes in routine, and strategies for re-engaging the animal's interest. Should mention documentation and communication with team.

Q: How do you maintain training records and track progress?

Expected Answer: Should explain documentation systems, progress tracking methods, communication with team members, and how to use this information to adjust training plans.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is target training and why is it important in animal care?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic concepts of positive reinforcement, how targets are used to guide animal behavior, and benefits for animal care and medical procedures.

Q: Describe the basic tools used in target training.

Expected Answer: Should identify common training tools like target poles, clickers, whistles, and rewards, and explain their basic use in training sessions.