Caretakers need to train animals to actively participate in their own care using the principles of operant conditioning. Most species do not adapt easily to close human contact and the sights and sounds of a facility. Managing wildlife in captivity poses some special challenges. Behavioral management goes well beyond simple obedience training. Some technicians have developed behavioral specialties, learning to work with owners to structure the home environment in ways that improve behavior and increase their pet's welfare. A solid foundation in training and enrichment allows veterinary staff to identify and correct many of these problems. Many owners may be creating health or behavioral problems simply because they don't understand their animals. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians deal with behavioral issues daily, whether they work in an office setting, a lab, a zoo, or the field. Groomers, pet sitters and doggie daycare owners also need to be able to manage the behavior of their animals. Dealing with problem behaviors often requires changes to the environment or providing new outlets for natural behaviors being performed in inappropriate ways. They also need a deep toolbox of techniques that can be used to modify behaviors. Trainers working with dogs, cats, parrots or other companion animals need to have a detailed knowledge of animal behavior. What Fields Incorporate Animal Training & Enrichment? Together they constitute a crucial component of animal welfare these tools are used by a wide variety of animal professionals. Behavioral enrichment enhances the quality of life by reducing stress and encouraging a range of healthy, species-typical behaviors. Animal training can greatly improve animal husbandry, facilitating the voluntary cooperation of animals in everything from veterinary procedures to feeding to breeding. Both institutions recognize the importance of proper behavioral management.
![animal breeder apprenticeships animal breeder apprenticeships](https://www.pig-world.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Evie-Wilkes-Hart-Farm-Apprentice-e1580829204811.jpg)
Training and enrichment play a central role in animal care, as evidenced by the requirements for licensure by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
![animal breeder apprenticeships animal breeder apprenticeships](https://assets.thespinoff.co.nz/1/2020/06/Horse-breeding-415x250.jpg)
Who needs to know about training and enrichment? Everyone that works with animals! Once considered an "extra", behavioral enrichment and animal training are now considered an indispensable part of animal welfare.
![animal breeder apprenticeships animal breeder apprenticeships](https://www.employinganapprentice.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/animal-care-and-welfare-assistant-1200x800.jpg)
Taken together, these tools allow us to create outstanding training plans and to develop a more comprehensive approach to behavioral management. Animal enrichment refers to the structuring of an animal’s environment to provide choices and promote natural behaviors. Animal training emphasizes the shaping of desired behaviors through positive reinforcement.