About Underdog Training Academy
Meet the owner of Underdog Training Academy
Joshua Lewis founded Underdog Training Academy to help dog owners feel more confident, in control, and connected with their dogs. Serving Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, Josh takes a hands-on approach to dog training that starts with understanding each dog’s temperament, behavior, and relationship with their owner.
Instead of forcing every dog into the same program, Josh begins with a free assessment that includes a temperament test and engagement drills. From there, he works with each owner to build a realistic training plan based on the dog’s needs, the owner’s goals, and the behaviors that need to be addressed.
Owner-led dog training in Cleveland, Ohio.
Personalized plans based on your dog’s behavior.
Focused on obedience, manners, and confidence.
Experience with reactivity, anxiety, and aggression.
Free assessments before training begins.
Josh helps families with everything from basic dog obedience to more challenging behavior concerns like leash pulling, jumping, barking, reactivity, separation anxiety, resource guarding, and aggression. His goal is to give owners clear, practical tools they can use at home, on walks, and in public settings.
At Underdog Training Academy, training is built around trust, structure, and communication. Josh believes every dog has the ability to improve when they receive the right guidance, consistency, and leadership.
Meet my sidekick, Lilly
Lilly is Josh’s personal dog and the role model dog for Underdog Training Academy. As a graduate of our Therapy Dog Prep Program, Lilly helps demonstrate calm behavior, confidence, engagement, and reliable dog obedience skills. She plays an important role in showing other dogs what structure, focus, and positive social behavior can look like during training. Lilly is a happy-go-lucky dog who loves working, learning, and helping make training feel more approachable for both dogs and owners. She is always excited to meet new families and help welcome dogs into the Underdog Training Academy environment.
Real Dog Training Success Stories
"Josh is a gem - feel so lucky to have found Underdog Training Academy - Beau learned so much and his behavior much improved - we will continue to train with Josh!"
Karen Petovic
"Fritz went to Josh for puppy training. We did a one week board and train and then additional follow up in home sessions. Josh and Lilly did a great job working Fritz on his nipping, biting and manners."
La Law
"We cannot thank Joshua enough for working with our puppy, Loti. We got her when she was 5 1/2 months old from a breeder. Joshua really helped us to fine tune her behaviors. Joshua truly cares for the dogs he trains and as an owner had our best interests at heart."
Marilyn Daley
Book your Free Assessment
Start With a Free Dog Training Assessment
Every dog begins with a temperament test and engagement drills. This helps us see how your dog responds, where they need support, and what type of training plan makes the most sense. After the assessment, we will talk through your goals, expectations, recommended next steps, pricing, and time frame.