Being an animal trainer and behaviourist is more than just a job—it’s a passion that allows me to connect deeply with animals and their unique personalities. Whether I’m working on obedience training or addressing more complex behavioural issues, each day presents new opportunities and challenges. Watching animals grow, learn, and overcome obstacles is endlessly rewarding, even when the path isn’t always straightforward.

The Positives: Communication, Connection, and Behavioural Insight

One of the greatest joys of being both a trainer and behaviourist is the opportunity to communicate with animals in ways that enrich their lives. Training isn’t just about teaching commands; it’s about understanding an animal’s behaviour, instincts, and emotions. This dual focus allows me to help not only dogs and cats but also exotic species, such as birds and reptiles, who require a different kind of behavioural approach.

As a behaviourist, my work goes beyond surface-level training. I dive into the “why” behind an animal’s actions. Whether it's a dog struggling with separation anxiety or a parrot showing signs of stress, getting to the root of the problem is key. The challenge of understanding these behaviours and figuring out how to adjust them is both fascinating and deeply satisfying.

Seeing the results of training combined with behavioural modification is incredibly rewarding. When an animal overcomes fear, aggression, or anxiety, it’s not just about following commands—it’s about improving their overall well-being and creating a better bond between the animal and their human.

The Challenges: Patience, Problem-Solving, and Emotional Investment

As much as I love my work, there are definitely challenges that come with being both a trainer and behaviourist. Patience is essential, especially when working with animals that are slow to learn or have deep-rooted behavioural issues. It takes time to unlearn negative behaviours or to rebuild trust in animals who have had traumatic experiences. This process can be emotionally demanding, but the results are always worth it.

Understanding the behavioural needs of exotic animals adds an extra layer of complexity. These animals, such as reptiles or exotic birds, often require specialised training and environmental enrichment. Unlike dogs or cats, their instincts and triggers can be vastly different, and it’s up to me to adapt my approach to ensure their psychological needs are met.

Another challenge is addressing behaviour in pets who may have had negative experiences with humans or other animals. Helping these animals regain confidence and trust takes skill and empathy. The progress can be slow, but watching an animal transform is incredibly rewarding.

Why I Love It: Improving Lives and Building Connections

At the core of what I do is my desire to improve the lives of animals and strengthen the bond between them and their owners. As a behaviourist and trainer, I have the chance to shape an animal’s emotional and behavioural health, which directly impacts their happiness and quality of life. This combination of problem-solving and relationship-building keeps me passionate about what I do every day.

Each challenge I face—whether it’s figuring out why a dog is fearful or helping an exotic animal become more comfortable in its environment—pushes me to grow as a trainer and behaviourist. It’s not just about teaching animals to follow commands; it’s about understanding their needs and making their lives better.

In the end, the reward is in the journey. Whether I’m helping a family dog become more well-behaved or guiding an exotic bird to trust its owner, the progress I witness is a constant reminder of why I love being an animal trainer and behaviourist. It’s the connections we build and the problems we solve together that make every challenge worth it.