A Career in Animal Behavior

Amanda Foss

Daniel Alburger

English III

6 December 2018

Amanda Foss
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Daniel Alburger

English III

20 November 2018

A Career in Animal Behavior

“Animals have come to mean so much in our lives. We live in a fragmented and

disconnected culture. What's one thing that we have in our lives that we can depend on? A dog or

a cat loving us unconditionally, every day, very faithfully” (Katz). For this reason and numerous

others, people yearn to have a deeper understanding of animals by studying animal behavior.

According to Mench, animal behavior refers to what animals do to interact with, respond to, and

control their environment. The early survival of humans depended solely on understanding

animal behavior. For example, men and women could escape from predators, keep domesticated

animals, and hunt wild animals successfully because of their knowledge of animal behavior. In

more recent times, scientists have discovered that understanding animal behavior leads to a

greater understanding of human behavior. Interestingly, exploring the many aspects of animal

behavior provides worthwhile information for future consideration as a career. This career

requires an extensive knowledge of the history of animal behavior research, an ability to

differentiate between innate and learned behavior, a thorough discussion of the varying thoughts

behind animal behavior, an awareness of the schooling and academics, a knowledge of the career

basics and demands, and an understanding of the future outlook and the benefits of the career

involving animal behavior.

The history of animal behavior includes the historical figures who shaped the idea of

animal behavior. Past figures associated with animal behavior research, John Ray and Charles

Darwin, play important roles in helping society understand animal behaviors. These men
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appreciated “the complexity and apparent purposefulness of the action of animals, and they knew

that understanding behavior demands long term observations of animals in their natural settings”

(“History”). John Ray helped develop the classification system of animals while Charles Darwin,

successfully explained how animals could develop from a process other than creation by a higher

power in his publications of On The Origin of Species (“History”). These approaches eventually

led to the sciences of animal including ecology, the study of the interactions between an animal

and its environment, and ethology, the biological study of animal behavior in a natural setting.

In the 1930s, when biologists began studying animals in their natural environments rather

than studying them in unnatural cage-like settings, the study of ethology took a great hold. Dutch

ethologist and ornithologist, Nikolaas Tinbergen, contributed greatly to the field of animal

behavior by stressing the idea that ethology, like any other branch of biology, consisted of four

categories of understanding: causation, development, function, and phylogeny (“Intro”).

Together, these four categories form the basis of the understanding of animal behavior.

In regards to causation, one needs to answer the question, “What makes the behavior

happen?” In order to better understand how an animal learns and makes decisions, one needs to

understand the physiological systems and functions involved. For example, with tail wagging,

the dog’s nervous system sends signals to the brain, and then its musculoskeletal system causes

the tail to wag. Furthermore, causation relies on the actual cognitive processes of the dog, his or

her feelings and intentions, that cause the dog to wag his or her tail...such as an approaching dog

or a pat on the head (“Animal Behavior” Encyclopaedia). Causation provides insight to the

reasons behind the behaviors.

When assessing development, one tries to understand how the behavior develops. In other

words, does the behavior remain constant from birth or does it change over time, and do
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experiences stimulate its development? Male zebra finches illustrate this development. At a

young age, male zebra finches listen intently to the songs of their fathers and other adult male

finches (“Intro”). Then they begin to practice singing, and eventually they develop their own

unique songs that bear many similarities to the songs of their father. Each finch develops a

unique song that remains unchanged throughout the rest of its lifetime (“Intro”). This mimicking

manner demonstrates how a behavior develops.

When evaluating function, one tries to understand how the behavior affects the animal’s

chances of reproduction and survival (“Animal Behavior.” Encyclopaedia). For example, male

guppies perform a sort of mating dance to attract other mates. By performing the dance, the

guppy increases its chance of reproducing and ultimately surviving. Likewise, the male great

horned owl performs a mating call to attract a female companion which again increases his

chances of reproduction. Both examples demonstrate the importance of understanding function

in regards to animal behavior.

Finally, one addresses phylogeny by learning about the evolution of the behavior, how it

compares to related species, and why it evolved the way it did. For instance, the playful tail

wagging behavior noticed in dogs could have developed from tail-raising in earlier wolves.

(“Animal Behavior.” Encyclopaedia). Initially wolves raised their tails when they felt excited or

in an attempt to submit to the more dominant wolves (“Do Wolves”). Dogs exhibit a similar

behavior. Dogs show submission and respect by wagging their tails (“Do Wolves”). Studying

phylogeny remains extremely important to learning the evolution of behavior.

In addition to grasping the four categories of understanding, another factor important to

animal behavior awareness relies on the ability to differentiate between innate behaviors and

those that form through experience. Innate behaviors occur naturally and without previous
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experience. For example, monkeys inherently grab objects immediately after birth, without any

teaching or experience from an adult (“Innate”). Newly hatched turtles naturally scamper in the

direction of the moonlight without any previous exposure.

Learned behaviors, on the other hand, occur as a result of experience. Teaching a rat to

press a lever in order to receive food provides one example. Similarly, chimpanzees learn

behaviors from one another such as leaf-clipping along with techniques for killing bodily

parasites (Choi). A recent analysis revealed that most behaviors consist of both innate and

learned components (“Intro”). Together, these innate and learned behaviors form the foundation

of animal behavior.

Of similar importance to understanding the history of animal behavior and the difference

between innate and learned behavior, a discussion of the differing thoughts behind animal

behavior plays a significant role in the development of a career as an animal behaviorist.

Initially, many believed animals could not fully understand and could not feel emotion.

Likewise, scientists thought that only humans could possess enough knowledge to create and use

tools.

However, recent studies, tests, and research have shown that animals can think, understand, and

feel emotions. This new recognition of animal cognition stimulated a number of canine cognition

laboratories to spring up all over the world. The following projects and labs remain the most

prominent: The Family Dog Project at Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, Hungary; the

Horowitz Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard College in New York City; the Clever Dog Lab a the

University of Vienna, Austria; and the Duke Canine Cognition Center at Duke University in

Durham, North Carolina (Miller). At facilities like these, animal behaviorists create training

programs that use stimulating games to train animals.

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Many of the programs mentioned focus on object, shape, and color discrimination. In

order to teach object discrimination, instructors offer items to animals while naming them.

Through the shape discrimination game, the trainer or owner uses shapes, similar in color and

size, but different in shape. They repeatedly hold up the different shapes and name them and

allow the dog to touch them (Miller). Finally, the owners teach their dogs to recognize different

colors by holding up specific colors, naming them, and repeatedly asking the dogs to touch them

(Miller). Over time, the dogs learn the names, shapes, and colors of each toy and develop skills

that allow them to distinguish between them. More recently, dog training programs have

introduced more difficult games that involve the canine understanding reading and

writing.Through these games, dogs learn how to read, count, and even write (Miller). Owners

and trainers teach the dogs these skills by holding identical signs with specific large words

(Miller). Then they verbally cue the dog to follow the command (Miller). Eventually, the dog

follows the commands by soley reading off the signs. Studies and tests such as these have helped

people realize the abilities that animals possess and the skills that they can develop.

Trish McMillan. Any documented experience in the field helps a student gain acceptance

into desired colleges and universities.

Once in college, a student should earn an undergraduates degree in psychology, biology,

animal behavior, zoology, or animal sciences. The undergraduate degree programs last

approximately four years. Students often will need to continue schooling to acquire an advanced

degree in biology, zoology or animal behavior (“How to Become”). These advanced degree

programs require two to three years of course work, and the classes become much more science

based. Once completed, students will end up with a Master of Science Degree. For example,

Trish McMillian, a certified dog behavior consultant (through CCPDT) and associated certified
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cat behavior consultant (through IAABC) at Loehr Animal Behavior in Weaverville, North

Carolina, obtained her Masters Degree in Animal behavior (McMillian). She spent a total of

seven years at the University of Exeter in England as a student (McMillian). Other students may

desire to continue on to earn a doctorate in veterinary medicine, wildlife or animal sciences or

comparative psychology. This training lasts another four to six years. Although quite extensive,

this additional education prepares students for higher level employment opportunities in the

future.

Throughout college, students must participate in internships and apprenticeships where

they can obtain real world experiences in animal behavior (“How to Become”). Students who

want to pursue a general undergraduate degree can apply to numerous schools around the nation.

However, according to CollegeValuesonline.com, the following colleges rank highest for a

bachelor's degree in animal behavior: Indiana University-Bloomington, Texas A&M University,

Franklin and Marshall College, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Canisius College,

Southwestern University, Bucknell University, Carroll University, Utica College, and University

of New England (“Best College”). These colleges and universities offer students the greatest

opportunities for research and studies.

Following college, graduates may want to obtain certification. This voluntary

certification benefits anyone who consults with the public or other professionals about behavioral

problems or animal behavior comprehension. Students have the option to earn certification from

a variety of associations that have different specializations. The American Veterinary Medical

Association (AVMA) offers certification to veterinarians. It requires two years of residency

under a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and requires a board exam (Kramer). The Animal

Behavior Society (ABS) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
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(IAABC) also offer certification as a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) (“Guide”,

McMillan). Finally, those who desire to specialize specifically with dogs can become certified

as dog trainers through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), The Certification Council

for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or other associations (Kramer, McMillan). Although not

mandatory, the certificates provide great credibility to the graduate. The education process gives

students great resources to help them succeed in their career.

After finishing the education process, the graduate has a variety of options and

specializations to choose from. His or her specific job requirements depend upon the work

setting and specialization he or she chooses. Animal behaviorists can work with a variety of

animals such as cats, dogs, fish, reptiles, horses and other farm animals (“How to Become”).

They can specialize in any of these areas or in other areas of animal behavior.

Some animal behaviorists specialize in research where they examine why animals behave

in specific ways. They often work in private research settings. They search to understand how

owners and animals form relationships. They also spend time understanding how to make the

relational development between a new owner and an animal stronger. These behaviorists might

also choose to work for livestock agencies or pest control companies where they can study

animal behaviors and figure out the methods that work best to help regulate those behaviors.

Other animal behaviorists in the research field work for pharmaceutical companies where they

perform tests on animals and work to ensure humane conditions for the animals (“Animal

Behaviorist”). Both types of animal behaviorists use research and evaluation to determine why

animals behave in distinct manners.

Some animal behaviorists focus more on the academia aspect of the research-based

problems. These behaviorists typically work in biology or psychology departments. They might
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teach courses on animal behavior or perform research on animal behavior and on animal-human

interaction. They might also use their comprehension of animal behavior to enhance methods of

training dogs to become therapy dogs or companion animals for the disabled.

Besides the research based setting, other pet behaviorists choose to focus more on the

practical applications of animal behavior. They work with the pets and the owners in private

settings or clinical settings, such as veterinary clinics or hospitals. Here they work to help change

an animal’s behavior or help a pet adapt more easily and smoothly to a family’s life and

situation. They also work with the owners and consult with them about problems that they notice

in their beloved animals. These specific pet behaviorists evaluate the animal’s problems by

investigating the animal-animal and human-animal interactions (“How Much”). After

understanding the interactions and problems, the behaviorists address the issues such as

aggression, excessive chewing, tail chasing, or barking. Then they attempt to fix the behavior by

developing a treatment plan (“How Much”). These behaviorists can work in animal shelters or

with humane societies and rescue organizations. They train rescue animals, educate the public

about animal welfare, and provide training programs for potential pet owners.

Finally, animal behaviorists may choose to work in the public sector for zoos or national

parks instead. In the zoos, they can specialize in training the animals by using verbal and hand

commands. They also focus on monitoring the health and behavior of the exhibited animals. On

the other hand, behaviorists that work in national parks focus less on counseling and training and

more on developing ways to educate the public about the different types of animals, their

habitats, and conservation methods.

Most animal psychologists, regardless of the specialization, earn a typical salary of

between $40,000 and $60,000 a year (“How Much”). In order to make a sufficient salary and
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have a rewarding job experience, the animal psychologist should gain the proper schooling and

have a large heart for animals. The variety of specializations allow graduates to focus on their

areas of interest and accomplish their specific goals.

The outlook for the animal psychology career and other related careers expects to remain

consistent. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) calculates that employment in

animal care, including animal trainers, will most likely grow at a rate of about eleven percent

from 2014 to 2024 (“Animal Trainer”). On the other hand, jobs in animal sciences will most

likely grow at the rate of about five percent from 2014 to 2024 (“Animal Trainer”). Predictions

show that employment in this field will most likely continue to grow in the years to come.

The deep understanding of animal behavior provides future benefits. Through examining

animal behavior, scientists gain knowledge about the environment (“Animal Behavior” The

Nature). This allows them to understand and solve conservation problems. For example,

scientists who evaluate the quality of the environment can design correct habitats for animals. In

addition, scientists can potentially save endangered animals by helping to reduce the human and

societal related threats. Fighting for the ratification of animal protection laws provides one

solution to the related threats. Overall, society can solve issues through the knowledge of animal

behavior.

In addition, the positive human and animal interactions strengthen the health of

individuals, the animals, and the community. Through obedience training, owners and animals

learn to trust each other. Studies have shown that close and trusting relationships with animals

improves the emotional, physical, and social health of the owners (“Benefits”). Likewise, therapy

dogs have a positive effect on lowering people's pain levels and increasing their sense of

contentment (“Benefits”). These service animals actually decrease stress and enhance the moods
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of the patients. Furthermore, when children with autism spend time with service animals, their

social behaviors improve (“Animal Behavior”, Psychology). Human and animal bonds lead to

less pain and worry and allow animals and their owners to have better lives (McMillian).

Recognizing the importance of these bonds can lead to healthcare cost savings and overall

improved health of the society.

Finally, understanding the behavior of animals helps society have a deeper understanding

of human beings and their conditions. This endeavor, known as comparative psychology, studies

animal behavior in order to further learn about the human condition (Cherry). For instance,

researchers can evaluate animals in aggressive situations in order to find solutions for people

potentially in the same situations. By examining how the animals react to these stressful

situations, the researchers can supply useful information for people dealing with similar health

disorders such as anxiety, stress, or depression (“Animal Behavior”, Psychology). Moreover,

studying animal behaviors lead to a further understanding of genetics by helping to answer the

debate between nature and nurture (“Animal Behavior”, Psychology). The study of animal

behavior contributes greatly to society by allowing a further comprehension of human behavior.

Historical figures have laid a great foundation for animal behavior. The development of

specializations in this field have brought great benefits to society. Through the rigorous

schooling and certification processes, animal behaviorists have gained guidance and knowledge

to make a greater impact. Most importantly, people have begun to realize that animals positively

affect many aspects of the human life from helping them lower their pain and stress levels to

providing unconditional love and company. As society gains an even stronger understanding of

how animals think, comprehend, and feel emotions, people should begin to treat animals with

even greater respect and dignity. More changes and improvements in society must still take
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place, and becoming an animal behaviorist will help carry out this movement.

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