COVID-19 Update
Last updated July 10, 2020
To our valued clients. Due to the situation regarding COVID-19, all group classes are currently cancelled or postponed. However, Puppy School via video link, as well as face-to-face private training are still operating.
Please contact us if you would like further information on these services.
We would like to that everyone for their patience and understanding. Stay safe and we will keep you updated when the situation changes.
– The team at Underdog Training
COVID-19 Update
Last updated June 2, 2020
Underdog Training Resumes Group Classes!
We are excited to announce that the easing of restrictions has allowed us to resume some of our group training offerings. If you are interested in group training options, please ensure you carefully read the information below and enquire for the class most suited to you and your dog.
Please note: it is our current understanding that even as restrictions ease, the requirement for social distancing will remain. This requirement for indoor gatherings requires 4 square metres per person and as a result, some indoor venues will remain unavailable for training OR have very restricted numbers. For all the classes listed below, only one handler may attend per dog/ puppy.
In addition, we are releasing the below training dates in advance, based on the easing of relevant restrictions from May 31st, 2020. However, if the easing of restrictions is changed/ slowed, we will be unable to proceed as planned. If you have booked for a class that cannot run, you will receive a full refund or deferral to the first available course if you prefer, the choice will be yours.
When in attendance at any class, the following rules will apply in addition to our normal policies:
- Upon arrival, please take the time to sanitise your hands. Hand sanitiser will be available at every venue.
- Please do not shake hands with trainers or other class participants
- Please maintain a distance of 1.5 metres between you and other participants. An easy way to keep this in mind at a dog training class is to measure your lead- most leads are 1.5- 1.8metres in length. Stay a lead’s length from other people.
- If there is any interaction between dogs, please ensure social distancing is maintained again by using the length of your lead as a guide. Your trainer will only allow interaction between dogs if owners demonstrate they are able to maintain a “12 and 6” clock face position themselves rather than both standing at “2 and 4” for example.
- If an Underdog trainer handles your dog, they will use their own lead. The trainer will connect the lead to your dogs’ collar or harness and then ask you to remove your lead. Upon returning your dog to you, the trainer will ask you to reconnect your lead before removing theirs. If you would prefer a trainer does not handle your dog, as always- this is absolutely fine.
- We ask that you immediately leave the space at the conclusion of your class so that the next class can safely enter. If there is a class before yours, please wait for others to leave before entering the space.
COVID Catch Up Course
This course is specifically designed for dogs who unfortunately missed puppy pre school or junior dog classes or had classes interrupted due to COVID-19. We encourage dogs to attend this course if they are aged between 16 weeks and 9 months of age and have completed their course of vaccinations as recommended by your veterinary practitioner. This 4 week course will be a hybrid of our puppy pre school classes and Novice group obedience classes and cover content including but not limited to-
- Socialisation
- Environmental Enrichment for Young Dogs
- Age appropriate obedience exercises
- Dealing with Mouthing and Jumping Up
- Manual Handling for Grooming and Vet Visits
- Loose Lead Walking and Dealing with Distractions
- Foundation Exercises for the Development of Reliable Recalls
We are taking enrolments for the following COVID CATCHUP classes:
Underdog Puppy Pre School
Our Puppy Pre School courses are designed for puppies aged 8-16 weeks who have had at least their first vaccination. Please note, at our Brunswick East location we require puppies to be 12 weeks of age and have received TWO vaccinations in their lifetime. This is an additional precaution because the nature of our Brunswick venue sees higher levels of dog traffic (all dogs are fully vaccinated). Our Puppy Pre School classes cover content including but not limited to-
- Socialisation with people and dogs.
- Critical Period socialisation exercises
- Manual handling, grooming and calming puppy massage exercises.
- Dealing with Mouthing and Jumping Up
- Toilet Training
- Getting your pup used to their collar and lead.
- Responsible Dog Ownership.
- Introducing Basic Obedience
We are taking enrolments for the following PUPPY PRESCHOOL classes:
LANGWARRIN
Langwarrin Veterinary Clinic (to take place in the outdoor car park)
Tuesday 4th August 7pm
BRUNSWICK EAST
Andy’s Doggy Daycare
Saturday 8th August 9am
HAWTHORN EAST
Hawthorn East Vet
Wednesday 12th August 7:30pm
CLIFTON HILL
PETstock Clifton Hill
Friday 17th July 9:30am
Saturday 15th August 9:30am
KEW
Kew Vet Clinic
Saturday 25th July 4:45pm
PATTERSON LAKES
Patterson Lakes Vet
Wednesday 29th July 7:30pm
ELSTERNWICK
Private Residence, Address to be Provided upon Booking.
(The history of the area where class is conducted is well known over 25 years with minimal dog traffic and is believed to be extremely low risk for puppies who have only had their first vaccination. If you have concerns regarding this, we recommend contacting your veterinarian.)
Sunday 9th August 3:30pm
BRAESIDE
Playful Pups Dog Daycare
Tuesday 7th July 7:45pm
Underdog Novice Group Obedience Classes
Our Novice Group Obedience classes are available to all fully vaccinated dogs. For dogs with reactivity or aggression issues, a private consultation should be completed prior to enrolment in group classes. Our Novice Group Obedience classes cover content including but not limited to-
- Sit
- Drop
- Sit / Stay
- Loose Lead Walking
- Recall (come when called)
- Improving Reliability of ALL Obedience exercises
- Dealing with Distractions and Creating Engagement
- Self-Control Exercises
- Go to a bed or Mat
- Greeting people and other dogs
- Targeting
- Dealing with reactivity and excitability
- Problem Solving Games
We are taking enrolments for the following NOVICE GROUP OBEDIENCE classes:
HAWTHORN EAST
Sinclair Avenue Reserve
Sunday 12th July 10:15am (WAITLIST available)
Sunday 9th August 10:15am
LANGWARRIN
Langwarrin Veterinary Clinic (to take place in the outdoor car park)
Monday 20th July 7pm (WAITLIST Available)