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Are you trying to train your pets
at home? World-renowned Ringling Bros. and Barnum &
Bailey® animal trainer Mark Oliver Gebel knows that
training and caring for animals is a 24-hour-a-day responsibility.
But did you know that many of the same training methods
used with elephants and tigers can also be used with your
own dog or cat? Here are some tips from Mark about how
you can apply his principles in your own home:
Tip 1: Be patient.
"When I am working with my animals to train them
how to do a new behavior, I'm always aware that each animal
has its own personality and way of learning. So you need
to remain patient.
"You may want your pet to learn
something faster, but it will learn better if you're patient
and remember to work at your pet's speed. You wouldn't
want your math teacher rushing through a month of lessons
in a day, would you?"
Tip 2: Use rewards.
"When training an animal, it's very important to
use reinforcement. Because you're not only training your
pet to shake hands or sit up, you're developing a lifelong
bond of trust and friendship with that animal. So build
the bond in a nurturing way with respect for your pet.
"If you see me in The Greatest
Show On Earth®, you'll notice that I often use whole
loaves of fresh bread as rewards for my elephants, as
well as using praise. Be careful not to use too many treats,
though. A balanced diet is important for your pet's health,
and you can always continue your training tomorrow!"
Tip 3: Use praise.
"An important part of positive reinforcement is praise.
Animals are very aware, and they want to please you. They
understand your tone of voice: If you speak to them harshly,
they will know it, so remember to pet them, praise them
verbally, and be kind.
"In the arena, I'm able to direct
three rings of elephants with just the sound of my voice!
It's most important to remember to respect your pet. That
animal will, in turn, respect and trust you."
Tip 4: Be consistent.
"When you're training any animal, whether it's a
house cat or a big cat like the tigers I perform with,
a puppy or an elephant, remember to be consistent. If,
for example, you are using a bell to signal your pet that
it's dinner time, be sure when that bell rings that dinner
is ready!
"Animals learn by repeating a behavior
over and over many times in the same way. Consistency
in your training is very important: The more consistent
you are, the less confused your pet will be and the better
it will learn."
Tip 5: Understand your pet.
"If you have a pet, then you understand that caring
for an animal is a 24-hour-a-day commitment. As you care
for your pet, pay close attention. See what it does when
it is hungry, content, tired or excited. Notice its behavior,
and not only will you be able to take better care of your
pet, you will become a better trainer.
"Through more than 130 years of
living with, working with and caring for animals in The
Greatest Show On Earth, we have found that the best way
to train an animal is to observe what it likes to do.
Then showcase that natural behavior, as well as its unique
personality.
"Work with your pet with love
and respect. Training an animal is a partnership between
you and your pet. When humans and animals work together
they can both learn a lot - and that's the best tip of
all!"
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