IMDT Grade Work sessions

IMDT Partnership grades

A Structured Pathway for You and Your Dog

The IMDT Partnership Grades are a progressive training and certification programme designed to help owners and their dogs develop practical life skills, strengthen their partnership, and work towards achievable training goals.

Created by the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), founded by renowned trainer and author Steve Mann, the scheme provides a clear and rewarding pathway from beginner to advanced levels. Each grade builds upon the skills learned previously, encouraging steady progress while developing a well-mannered, confident, and responsive dog.

Why Choose the IMDT Partnership Grades?

The programme is designed to focus on real-life training and the relationship between dog and handler. Rather than simply teaching commands, the grades help develop communication, reliability, focus, and teamwork in a variety of everyday situations.

Benefits of working through the grades include:

Clear and achievable training goals
A structured framework for ongoing development
Improved communication between you and your dog
Increased focus, confidence, and reliability
Practical skills that can be used in everyday life
A rewarding way to measure and celebrate progress
Suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds, and abilities

Whether you are just beginning your training journey or looking to continue developing your dog's skills, the IMDT Partnership Grades provide an enjoyable and motivating way to progress together.

Training and Assessment

We offer personalised one-to-one coaching sessions to help you and your dog prepare for each grade level. Training is tailored to your individual goals, ensuring both you and your dog can progress at a pace that suits you.

As qualified IMDT members, we are able to assess and award the Partnership Grades. Upon successfully completing each level, you will receive an official certificate and rosette to recognise your achievement and mark your progress.

Modern, Reward-Based Training

All IMDT trainers adhere to a strict code of conduct and are committed to using ethical, science-based, reward-focused training methods. This means you can be confident that your training journey will be positive, effective, and centred on your dog's welfare and wellbeing.

Start Your Journey

The IMDT Partnership Grades are a fantastic way to stay motivated, build new skills, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. If you would like to learn more about the programme or discuss which grade may be right for you, please get in touch—we would be delighted to help.

Get In Touch

“As a first-time dog owner, I am very grateful for all the advice and practical help Julia has given me to get my dog through the puppy and teenage stage. Over the last two years Julia has provided ongoing individual progression and training for a very lively Sprocker.” - Teresa Jones
I have been using The Surrey Dog Training Company since September 2019 for my not so little puppy Loki. Julia and Team are amazing with the dogs! We have done both puppy and puppy plus classes. They have been brilliant; we have both learnt so much! I highly recommend to anyone who’s looking for the best puppy class. Thank you, Julia and Team, for giving me such a gentleman of a dog. - Molly Silvester and Loki
“I can highly recommend Julia as a top-class dog trainer. She has helped with puppy socialisation, and 121 puppy training for my 4-month-old German Shepherd puppy. She obviously loves and understands dogs and can get the best out of our dogs. Julia was able to give me all the correct tools to go home and practice and has made training look effortless.”
“Julia and her team are hard to beat in the dog training world. Their approach is based on everyone having fun and the results are really impressive. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone with a dog in need of training!” - Sally & Toast
“Thank you, Julia, for your endless kindness and patience. We (I mean the dogs and me) love Fun Agility. It is sometimes challenging for us all, but never any pressure, and always fun. You have helped me to learn and understand more about my dogs and build a stronger relationship with them. I cannot recommend your classes highly enough, they are outstanding.” - Theresa, Patch and Mitzi
“I can highly recommend agility courses with The Surrey Dog Training Company. I started with my Springer Spaniel, Alfie, over 5 years ago and we are still there! Each time is different, but always lots of fun, even if there are distractions i.e. apples, which mean I have to work harder! We both thoroughly enjoy our agility sessions.” - Kim Peters and Alfie
“Just like to say my dog really enjoys the classes. So, if she could speak, she would say join up. Classes suitable for all. My dog is unpredictable, and Julia goes to great lengths to accommodate her. Classes medium, small or individual. Friendly, supportive advice. A great asset to the community.” - Monica and Lunar
“Julia and her team are all approachable and friendly people. Knowledgeable about all your dog’s behaviour delivered in a professional and non-condescending manner. Plenty of one to one during the classes. Whatever your needs are I’m sure Julia and her team will be able to help!” - Claire Crocker
“We have a crazy 2 year old Border Collie (Jackson) and found Julia at The Surrey Dog Training Company a couple of years ago. Julia has been a huge part of the progress we’ve made, and without her help we wouldn’t have the well behaved, wonderful dog we have today! She has always provided excellent advice and is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to dogs, their training, and their behaviour. Julia is always so patient and really cares for the dogs and people she works with. We would highly recommend” - Caroline and Steve Vallis
“I was recommended Julia by a friend of mine and I have to say how amazing she and her team have been with Cookie. We have had one to one sessions and group training and both have exceeded expectations. They are fun, motivating and encouraging. With the 1-1 sessions you get detailed follow up notes and reminders to support the learnings. Cookie is a much better behaved dog and has learnt some cool tricks as well. Thank you Julia and we look forward to Cookie progressing to the next level with you very soon.” - Ian & Ben Wallis & Cookie
“SDTC is absolutely amazing! Julia came to see our family at home to start training even before we had collected our new puppy from the breeder. She has been there for us every step of the way from puppy training to daily dog walking 5 years on. Julia and her brilliant team are the most lovely, most caring and most kind dog carers you will ever meet and we are so blessed that they are able to care for our precious little Pug on a regular basis. We absolutely love the entire team! Thank you SDTC!”