For EVERYBODY who trains dogs!
Practical Skills - Species Swap
The Dog Trainer’s Species Swap is a hands‑on, skills‑focused practical course designed to help dog trainers refine their training fluency by working with a completely different learner. By training a non‑dog species of their choice, students gain a fresh perspective on environmental setups, practical training skills and establishing functional behaviours - all of which translate directly back to dog training, multi‑animal households and professional casework
Through four comprehensive video lectures, guided observation tasks, and practical training sessions with a chosen species, students will explore how cross‑species work sharpens mechanical skills, encourages creative problem‑solving, and deepens understanding of learning and behaviour. The unfamiliarity of a new species invites trainers to slow down, observe more intentionally, and design clearer, more thoughtful training loops. The Species Swap offers a unique, engaging way to stretch your skills and see training through a new lens, without needing prior experience with other species
COURSE DETAILS
Students will require regular access to a non‑dog species for their practical tasks and will be asked to capture and submit video of their training sessions. Individual feedback, guidance and support are provided by IMDT Tutors
COURSE STRUCTURE
Students begin with four in‑depth video lectures, each packed with real‑world examples, case studies and practical demonstrations. The four lecture topics are:
Video One: Foundations of Cross‑Species Training & Practical Skills
Students learn why training a non‑dog learner sharpens timing, mechanics and observation. The video covers species selection, sensory differences, protected contact setups and the essential building blocks of clear markers, reinforcement delivery and environmental design
Video Two: Training Focus & Follow Behaviours Across Species
This video explores how to teach focus and follow behaviours across species, adapting shaping, capturing and criteria to suit different motivators and movement patterns. Students see familiar behaviours taught to unfamiliar learners, offering a fresh lens on clarity and timing
Video Three: Station Training Across Species
Students learn how to introduce a station, build duration, shape position and design supportive environments. The video highlights how small adjustments in setup, reinforcement and criteria dramatically influence stationing success across species
Video Four: Case Studies, Long‑Term Training Success & Skill Transfer
Real case studies show how cross‑species training builds adaptability, thoughtful progression and compassionate troubleshooting. The session then connects these insights back to dog training, demonstrating how Species Swap skills directly enhance coaching, casework and professional practice
PRACTICAL ASSIGNMENT
Once students have completed the lecture content, it’s time to put their learning into practice. Each of the four lecture videos includes a practical task linked to the Species Swap Assignment, which consists of four short‑answer sections and five short video submissions
Students should allow approximately 6 hours to complete the course - this includes including watching the lectures, practising their training skills and completing the assignment
This course is worth 6 hours of CPD for IMDT Members
Enrol now and get started stratight away!
What happens when you book your course?
You will receive a Confirmation Email so you know your course is booked ...
Once you have enrolled in the course, you can immediately access the video lectures and assignment documents within your IMDT Account
To access the videos:
Sign in to your IMDT Account
Select 'MY ACCOUNT'
Then 'ONLINE COURSES'
To access the assignment documents:
Sign in to your IMDT Account
Select 'MY ACCOUNT'
Then 'ACCOUNT DETAILS'
Select 'MY FILE DOWNLOADS'
Any quesstions? email [email protected] and you'll be in touch with an IMDT Practical Skills Tutor
CPD = 6 Points
Course Feedback
No feedback for this course yet.
Listen to a selection of songs performed by Practical Skills - Species Swap.
