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About Us

Melbourne Dog Training Services

Underdog Training and Behaviour Consulting is an award-winning Melbourne based dog training business, developed and run by nationally qualified dog trainer, Tamara Jackman. Together with her team of exceptional staff, Tamara is committed to improving the lives of dogs and their owners- ensuring the dog ownership experience is a positive one. ​

The services offered by Underdog aim to not just rehabilitate existing dogs, but to prevent problems in dogs through proper socialisation and training. ​Underdog’s training services target both ends of the leash, without blame or judgement to help everyone live in the best possible way with the dog that shares their home.

We were the first dog training organisation to offer consultations aimed specifically at preventing problems between dogs and babies and children- these When Freddy Meets Fido sessions resulted in Tamara winning in the Telstra Women’s Business Awards, Nokia Innovation Category 2009.

Underdog Training - Melbourne Dog Training & Behaviour Consulting

NDTF Certified Dog Trainers

Every Underdog Trainer possesses this nationally recognised dog behaviour and training qualification, having completed the Certificate III in Dog Behaviour and Training.

We have also completed additional units in the following specialised areas of training:

  • Assistance Dogs Training
  • Substance Detection Training
  • Complex Skills and Tricks
  • Class Instruction

Telstra Womens Business Award

Nokia Innovation Category Winner, awarded to Tamara Jackman for “When Freddy Meets Fido” sessions.

Meet the Team at Underdog Training

Tamara

Tamara has a special interest in the behaviour, management and rehabilitation of shelter and pound dogs and regularly gives seminars around Australia relating to these topics.

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Rowena

Rowena has felt a deep connection with animals all her life and in particular dogs. It had always been her dream to develop a career working with animals.

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Sandy

Sandy has been a dog trainer for many years, with her interest in dog behaviour commencing with the training of the family dog when she was 8 years old.

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Suzette

Suzette is an Animal Behaviour Trainer who specialises in child-pet relationships. She is currently living and breathing this experience with her two young children, dog Nellie & cat Violett.

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Sophie

Having always been passionate about dogs, she decided to combine her love for problem solving and critical thinking with her passion for dogs by studying Dog Training and Behaviour with the National Dog Trainers Federation (NDTF).

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Joanna

Joanna completed her double Bachelor’s degree in Zoology and Behavioural Studies in 2016 and then in 2017 she decided to focus on her love of dogs by completing her Cert III in Dog Behaviour and Training through the NDTF.

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Stewart

Having always had dogs as part of the family, Stewart can't imagine life without them around. Stewart decided to make this 'official' and in 2019 completed the NDTF Cert 3 course in Dog Behaviour and Training.

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Gita

Now consulting in Alice Springs!

Gita loves dogs! She believes good dog ownership is essential and is passionate about helping people achieve this.

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Kate

Profile coming soon!

Underdog Training COVID-19 Update:

Due to current government regulations, we are not permitted to operate our face-to-face services during Melbourne’s lockdown. However, bookings are still available for all services post-lockdown.

Click here to view class times and locations.

Tamara

Tamara has been training dogs since 2001 when she worked for the RSPCA in Western Australia as a volunteer and then as shelter staff before moving to Melbourne in late 2004 to complete the National Dog Trainers Federation course to become a qualified dog trainer. It was here that Tamara adopted Cosmo who quickly became her shadow and now regularly assists with clients dogs to help teach some manners!

Tamara has a special interest in the behaviour, management and rehabilitation of shelter and pound dogs and regularly gives seminars around Australia relating to these topics. As well as training and taking classes most days, Tamara works behind the scenes to ensure all Underdog classes run smoothly.

Tamara specialises in puppy pre school- ensuring all Underdog puppies get the best possible start and foundation to their lives. Tamara loves all breeds with a particular liking for herding and terrier breeds.

Rowena

Rowena has felt a deep connection with animals all her life and in particular dogs. It had always been her dream to develop a career working with animals. In 2014, she decided to make this dream a reality. Completing the National Dog Trainers Federation Course to become a qualified trainer, Rowena has not looked back since.

Currently working at with a leading Animal Welfare organisation, Rowena has the unique opportunity to utilise her varied skill set. Including working hands on with shelter animals , implementing and utilising rehabilitation programmes , conducting consultations with newly adopted dogs and their owners, and providing advice and education to the general public about varied issues they may have with their own pets.

Rowena is passionate about working with both dogs and people and is excited about being part of The Underdog Team.

Sandy

Sandy has been a dog trainer for many years, with her interest in dog behaviour commencing with the training of the family dog when she was 8 years old. She became an NDTF qualified trainer and behaviourist in 2013 after working with many dogs and owners prior to this time.

The NDTF qualification allowed her to expand her knowledge and ability and gain invaluable experience. Sandy is also a dog groomer during the day so sees a different side to dogs and their behaviour on a daily basis. Sandy looks forward to training you and your dog to increase the strong bond you have with each other.

Suzette

Suzette is an Animal Behaviour Trainer who specialises in child-pet relationships. She is currently living and breathing this experience with her two young children, dog Nellie & cat Violett.

Knowing that she wanted to work with animals from a young age, Suzette has a Bachelors in Equine Science minoring in Behaviour, a Cert III Dog Behaviour and Training through the National Dog Trainers Fed and has gained invaluable experience volunteering at Healesville Sanctuary, RSPCA Victoria and Melbourne Zoo. Previously Suzette worked as an Animal Behaviourist at RSPCA (Victoria) and Coordinator for Chihuahua Rescue Australia.

Suzette’s favourite part of her job is acting as a ‘translator’ between dogs and humans, helping families to communicate effectively with one another.

Sophie

In 2015 Sophie completed a double Bachelors degree in Marketing & Psychology, where she developed a love for problem solving and critical thinking. Having always been passionate about dogs, she decided to combine her love for problem solving and critical thinking with her passion for dogs by studying Dog Training and Behaviour with the National Dog Trainers Federation (NDTF). This has allowed Sophie the best of both worlds, by working alongside dogs and owners she can challenge herself to understand the underlying causes of behaviour, helping owners and dogs achieve desirable outcomes.

In an increasingly busy society, Sophie strongly believes that dogs help keep their owners happy and healthy everyday. Thus we must do all we can to keep our dogs healthy and happy ensuring their well-being and longevity. Sophie looks forward to a long career in dog training, and enjoys working with dogs of all breeds and across all aspects of dog training.

Joanna

Joanna has had a passion for animals for longer than she can remember. She has worked with a wide variety of wildlife including platypus, swans and sea turtles, however, dogs have always had a special place in her heart. Joanna completed her double Bachelor’s degree in Zoology and Behavioural Studies in 2016 and then in 2017 she decided to focus on her love of dogs by completing her Cert III in Dog Behaviour and Training through the NDTF.

Since then Joanna has worked for one of Victoria’s leading animal shelters, allowing her the invaluable opportunity to handle hundreds of dogs of all types, shapes, sizes and temperaments. Now, as a part of the Underdog Team, Joanna focuses her passion for dog training by preventing issues and improving the relationship between owners and their dogs through education and enrichment.

Stewart

Having always had dogs as part of the family Stewart can’t imagine life without them around. Always having a passion for training his own dogs and helping friends with theirs Stewart decided to make this ‘official’ and in 2019 completed the NDTF Cert 3 course in Dog Behaviour and Training.

Working with Underdog Training as part of the NDTF course Stewart was excited to be offered a position on their training staff. With a focus on improving the dog / owner relationship Stewart has a drive to help people better understand their canine companions to make dog ownership rewarding and fun for all involved.

Gita

Now consulting in Alice Springs!

Gita loves dogs! She believes good dog ownership is essential and is passionate about helping people achieve this.

Having grown up in country Victoria, Gita was fortunate to live next door to a boarding kennel and cattery. From the age of 10, she would visit the kennels, play with the puppies and help with the dog. This led to 11 years of work at the boarding kennels and solidified her love of working with dogs.

In 2016 Gita successfully completed the National Dog Trainers Federation course to become a qualified dog trainer, taking her career to the next level. Gita is overjoyed to be part of the underdog team and can’t wait to inspire owners to further their relationship with their canine companion