Animal training has been part of human civilisation for thousands of years. Evolving from a necessity for survival to a refined art encompassing entertainment, companionship, and conservation.
Ancient Times
In ancient Egypt, we can see the earliest known examples of taming and training a variety of animals, including cats, birds, and monkeys. Baboons were reportedly trained to perform specific tasks, such as fruit picking. This type of training would involve teaching the monkeys to associate certain commands or signals with tasks like climbing trees and retrieving fruit. Similarly, in ancient Persia, kings and nobles trained falcons and hawks to hunt game birds and other animals. A tradition that spread across the Middle East and Europe. The Mongols, under Genghis Khan, also used trained birds for hunting. In ancient Rome, animal trainers entertained the masses in the Colosseum. These trainers, known as “venatores,” were skilled in handling and training wild animals like lions, tigers, and bears for gladiatorial combat and other spectacles.
Medieval and Renaissance
During the medieval period, animal training maintained its importance, especially in hunting with dogs and horses. The training of hunting dogs became more refined, with breeds developed for specific tasks, such as sight hounds and bird retrievers. Horses were trained for war, hunting, and later for tournaments, where their agility and ability to respond swiftly were critical. The Renaissance brought a renewed interest in natural sciences and more systematic approaches to animal training. Leonardo da Vinci was fascinated by animal behaviour, and is believed to have kept detailed notes on the training of birds and other animals. This period also saw the rise of animal acts in travelling circuses.
The Modern Era
In the modern era, animal training has become more diverse and humane, focusing on positive reinforcement and a deeper understanding of animal behaviour. A leading figure in this approach is Grisha Stewart, an American dog trainer known for developing Behaviour Adjustment Training, which emphasises empowering dogs to make their own choices and reducing reactivity in stressful situations. Another significant equine figure is Monty Roberts, an American horse trainer known for his nonviolent training techniques called “Join-Up.” Roberts’ methods emphasise communication with horses through body language, advocating for a gentle and cooperative approach to training. From ancient Egypt’s revered monkey trainers to modern advocates of positive reinforcement, animal training has evolved alongside human society. The bond between humans and animals remains strong, demonstrating our enduring fascination with understanding and working with the natural world.
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Author: Karen Boyce for Love Wrexham Magazine
Karen Boyce is the owner of Beastly Thoughts Professional Dog Service (BTPDS), the largest pet dog training establishment in Wales. BTPDS specialise in puppy training and reactive dogs, but offer a whole host of obedience training classes, lectures, webinars and online training hubs and groups. Karen was named Animal Star Awards Dog Trainer/Behaviourist of the Year in 2019. Tel: 07970 488 395 Email: info@beastlythoughts.co.uk Additional Instagram profile: beastlythoughtsdogservices
