Does species matter? A meta-analysis of caregiver training across learner species

The purpose of the current study was to quantitatively analyse outcomes of 25 eligible single-case research design (SCRD) studies on human- and canine-related caregiver training. In this effort, Tau-U effect sizes were computed, and studies were grouped according to the interventions used (i.e. packages, written instructions, oral instructions, feedback and modelling). Results showed that SCRD caregiver-training interventions were highly effective (Tau-U 0.86 [95% CI 0.49-0.74]) in facilitating caregiver and/or learner behaviour change, irrespective of learner species. Potential implications for caregiver training (e.g. effectiveness of single interventions) and future research are presented.