So, You’ve Just Adopted a Dog: 5 Smart Steps to Get Started with Training Using Underdog Training Principles

Pound Paws
Sep 5
2 min read

Welcoming a new furry family member is both joyous and a little overwhelming—especially if training’s on your mind. If you're looking for a reliable, science-backed, and compassionate training approach, Underdog Training & Behaviour Consulting in Melbourne might be your guiding light. Founded by nationally qualified trainer Tamara Jackman, Underdog offers a blend of group classes, private sessions, and creative tools to help you effectively shape your pup’s future from day one.

1. Embrace Early Socialisation with Puppy Pre-School

Underdog’s Puppy Pre-School is designed for pups aged 8–16 weeks—a critical window for socialisation. The message? Great behaviour doesn’t come with age—it comes with deliberate training. This pre-school helps your puppy build confidence, settle into routines, and establish positive interactions early on.

2. Build Habitual Learning with the Primary Phase

Once your pup hits about 4–12 months, the Underdog Primary course takes the baton. It progressively introduces structure, engagement, motivation, and reinforcement—even amid distractions. Expect exercises like loose-lead walking, recall, and using marker/release cues—all wrapped in playful motivation-based approaches.

3. Pair Progress with Structure Through Novice & Elementary Classes

As your dog matures past initial puppyhood, Underdog’s Novice and Elementary classes help reinforce good habits:

Novice: A gentle four-week program focusing on foundational commands such as sit, drop, stay, and building owner-canine communication
Elementary: Takes it up a notch with more challenging distractions, off-lead reliability, heel, targeting, and targeting higher obedience levels

4. Leverage Personalized Training—Private Sessions & Behaviour Consultations

While group classes are fantastic, every dog is unique and may benefit from one-to-one support:

Private Obedience Training: Ideal if your pup needs custom attention to work through behaviour like leash pulling, jumping, or toilet training.
Behaviour Consultations: For deeper issues such as aggression, separation anxiety, or aggression—you’ll work individually with a trainer to build multi-faceted, long-term strategies.

Plus, if you’re facing a big life change like bringing home a baby, Underdog’s When Freddy Meets Fido sessions help ensure a smooth and safe transition

5. Stay Educated with Training Tools and Ongoing Support

Underdog goes beyond classes, with options like:

A Daily Dog Video Library: Featuring tips on everything from anxiety, shaping games, trick training, multi-dog dynamics, to park etiquette.
High-quality training equipment—like treat pouches, martingale collars, and tug toys—for better engagement and success in training routines.
A team committed to ongoing education—trained by industry experts and constantly updating their practice with new insights