Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Welcome!

Hi guys!
     This blog's purpose is to show those interested in becoming dolphin trainers just what it takes to get there. It will also give readers a peek into what the day-to-day work consists of for these marine mammal lovers. As much as I love dolphins and want to become a trainer, I know there are those who oppose the idea and feel as if these animals shouldn't be in captivity. There is a lot of information out there regarding any and all topics 'dolphin' but I will explore all sides and opinions of the field in order to give a well rounded, personal opinion on the topics.

Best.

Work Hard, Study Harder: Animal Behavior Schooling

     Nowadays, a large majority of young adults follow the trend of attaining a college degree. There are even older adults who are already established that go back to school in order to receive a better education and get a new job. Degrees are looked upon highly and are a norm in today's standards. However, there will always be some careers that do not necessitate their employees to have an education, animal behavior happens to be one of these careers. While an education definitely helps, it is not always the all-important requirement for some positions in the field of animal behavior.

     A degree in Animal Behavior will not only give you a background knowledge and idea of what to expect in your future career, but can help open up new opportunities for you to choose from. There are many different schools and course paths to choose from, so you must not only choose the school because you like it, but because you like their 4 year plan for a major in Animal Science or Animal Behavior. Some schools focus more on certain species of animals, and others have more broad courses. You can also choose from a university or online school, as the Animal Behavior Institute is online. In choosing Animal Behavior, as with any other major, there are both required courses and electives. I've listed classes below to give a general idea of the amount of work that goes into a college degree in Animal Behavior/Science.

Required Courses:
Animal Minds and Emotions, Animal Enrichment, Animal Training and Animal Behavior, Biology, Chemistry, Animal Physiology, Animal Reproduction, Animal Nutrition, Genetics, Organic Chemistry, and Calculus

Electives:
The Human Animal Bond, Behavior and Training of Marine Mammals

     Receiving degrees in the areas of Biology and Animal Sciences tend to be credit intensive majors and minors, therefore leaving little room to take classes for pleasure in a four-year college plan. They require one's full determination to the courses and to studying. So one must make sure that this is the right choice for them because if they are not fully committed to a future here, the effort will not be there.