About Underdog Training Academy

Meet Joshua Lewis, Dog Trainer Serving Lorain and Medina Counties

Joshua Lewis founded Underdog Training Academy to help dog owners feel more confident, in control, and connected with their dogs. Serving Lorain County and Medina County, Josh takes a hands-on approach to private dog training that begins 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.

Josh from Underdog Training Academy with two dogs at a dog training event in Lorain county, Ohio
Josh from Underdog Training Academy standing with dogs during obedience training in Lorain and Medina Counties Ohio

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.

Lilly, Josh’s dog, sitting indoors and helping support dog training at Underdog Training Academy in Cleveland Ohio.

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.

Free Assessment

Serving Northeast Ohio

Trusted Dog Training Results in Cleveland, Ohio

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Puja Arora profile picture
Puja Arora
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We recently adopted a 3 year old mini Bernedoodle who was initially trained by Josh as a puppy and it was so impressive how much she retained from what he taught her. She is the most well behaved dog we have met and owe it to Josh! She doesn’t nip, bite at anything and easily started following commands again after a refresher with Josh. He really understand what dogs need and how to stay in command. He has come up with creative solutions for us and always trying to incorporate new toys and ideas. 10/10 would recommend for anyone with a recent puppy or older dog!
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La Law
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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.
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jim welsh
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Josh rocks! Josh the greatest do whisper I have met. He did wonders for our Tessa who can be highly energetic and hard to work with. Thanks to Josh, Tessa is a pleasure to walk and have a as part of our family .
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Erica W
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Josh was our 3rd time trying training for our Australian shepherd mix, and by far was the best. I am so happy that we decided to work with him. He is really informative and knowledgeable. He really taught us to understand we don't change our dog, but we change the way we react to different situations. I can't wait to continue with group classes to watch my boy let his guard down and become more socialized and enjoy himself. We cannot thank you enough for your help!
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Karen Petkovic
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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!!
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Mary McCarty
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When my two standard poodle puppies were about 3 months old, I registered them for training with Josh. Josh did a fantastic job with them. Both puppies trained together. In addition to the need for them to learn basic comnands, each puppy had specific behavior issues including food aggression. In 6 weeks they had learned basic commands and each specific issue had been remedied. They are friendly and know basic traini g but they are still puppies.They are now 6-month old puppies and I'm thankful for the training with Josh. It was money well spent. I am planning to have further training within the next year with them with the hope of canine good citizen certification. I highly recommend Josh as a trainer.
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Marilyn Daley
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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. We wish Loti could spend 1 day a week with him and help him train other puppies! Joshua truly cares for the dogs he trains and as an owner had our best interests at heart.
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alyssa patty
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Dont let Taz's cuteness fool you. He is a difficult stubborn breed to train and Josh was my 4th and last attempt. He is like a dog whisperer. I feel %100 more confident with Taz and his behavior has changed so much for the better. I HIGHLY recommend Josh. He understands the behavioral side of dogs and is very understanding and patient. I wish I would have found him first! Thank you so much ❤️
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