Olivia wrote, “I want to be an animal behaviorist or specialist. Can you please tell me the difference between the two? Also I would like to know if there are any jobs out there that hire this kind of career to travel around the world and meet these animals up in person.”
An animal behaviorist (just a note–the term is not behavioralist) is someone who works with (or studies) animal behavior.
Most people think of the familiar situation where the person helps people solve problems with pets but there are those that work with wild animals, too. You can read a short summary about animal behavior careers in my Unusual Animal Career series.
In most cases, a specialist is someone who has an area of specialty. Usually this means their work is focused on a specific species or perhaps an area of behavior such as psychopharmacology.
In other situations, it could be an area of specialty interest and expertise but not the main focus of the individual’s career.
As far as traveling around the world and meeting animals–I am not sure what you mean. I’d need to have a clearer sense of what your second question concerns.
Usually animal behavior field work does not include animal interactions as it interferes with the outcome of the study.
When you see human-animal interactions it usually found in conjunction with other types of efforts such as animal rescue, relocation, data collection, or similar activities.
You can always travel and get involved with studies or programs after you are in your career. Some zoos will send their specialists on educational safaris or exchanges that allows them to get up close and personal with specific species and allows them to work with experts in other countries.
Travel may be included if you are working for a specific agency or group but isn’t all that common. In many cases the researchers or specialists have to come up with grants or other sources of funding to pay for the trip.
I found it entertaining to find researchers longing for a career like mine when I attended a primatology conference–they shared that they were always searching for funding and never knew if they projects would continue due to the instability.
Meanwhile, I was thinking how interesting it would be invigorating to go out into the field and participate in ground breaking studies.
It seemed funny that we were thinking the same things about our different career paths.
Anyway, I hope this has answered your question Olivia. Thanks for writing in.
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Keeping Pets Safe & Sane July 4th
Fireworks and other staples of the Fourth of July can pose a threat to pets. Many pets cower, quiver, behave frantically or become destructive in response to noise trauma. Fireworks, garbage trucks, thunder storms and other problems need behavior modification. Pet owners can temporarily address these problems quickly with a few July 4th pet precautions.
It amazes me that people don’t actually know that they can reduce their pet’s anxiety or stress during the 4th of July weekend. I always hope that there will be motivation to change behaviors prior to the holiday–but no such luck.
Good Samaritans who find animals and take them to the shelters are a blessing to those who lose animals–but there are preparations you can take prior to the holiday to prevent stress and to keep animals safe.
I’ve known of animals that have defecated in fear throughout their homes, others that have bolted through windows or escaped, and heard of some escapees that ran to their death on the roadway.
All of these are preventable. Below are some tips but you can also find previous press releases on the topic for safe and sane pets during July 4th or July 4th pet safety tips. Feel free to reprint and share–just please include a back link.
The biggest mistake pet lovers need to avoid is comforting the pet, although done with good intentions, petting and coddling can actually reinforce the fear and panic.
Voice communication does not reinforce the fear like cuddling, petting, holding, and trying to physically relieve the stress does…use that as an option if you can’t refrain from trying to sooth your pet.
The age of your pet, socialization, experience, and breed can also influence their reactions. Animals with an established history of problems will likely worsen. Elderly animals may get better simply because they lose their hearing.
There are ways to work through noise phobia exhibited before earthquakes, during thunderstorms and throughout firework displays, but it takes time and preplanning. In the meantime use some quick tips and tools to address the problem behavior, which escalates annually during the Fourth of July holiday.
July 4th Pet Tips
Finally, be alert if you have guests at home–since an open door can provide an opportunity for animals to bolt outside.