Underdog Training Academy

Underdog Training Academy offers four core program types: Foundational Obedience (6 sessions, group or private), Behavior Modification (addressing root causes of misbehavior), Public Access Training (indoor and real-world venue practice), and Tasks & Work (mentally stimulating job training). Programs can be delivered as intensive board-and-train (2–4 weeks), private in-home sessions, or group classes. Training includes distraction work using Lilly, the trainer’s dog, and emphasizes owner education to maintain progress at home.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is structured around training packages including 2-, 3-, and 4-week board-and-train programs, private sessions, and group classes. Specific rates are not listed publicly; clients are encouraged to schedule a free assessment for personalized pricing. Josh is described by clients as affordable and value-driven.

Underdog Training Academy is a dog training business based in Northeast Ohio, founded by Josh, who specializes in building strong bonds between dogs and their owners through education and positive relationship-based training. They offer foundational obedience, public access training, behavior modification, and tasks & work programs tailored to help dogs thrive in home and public environments. Services include private in-home training, group classes, and board-and-train programs lasting 2, 3, or 4 weeks. Josh uses his own dogs—Lilly and Clory—as training models and incorporates distraction training with them during sessions. The academy emphasizes love-based methods, rejecting fear-based tactics, and teaches owners how to lead with trust and understanding. They serve all of Northeast Ohio and pride themselves on never giving up on dogs or their owners.

Their training philosophy centers on the belief that there are no “bad dogs,” only misunderstood behaviors. Clients receive hands-on education to reinforce training at home, ensuring long-term success. The business is rooted in real-life experience with five special dogs, including Lilly and Clory, who completed all their training programs and helped shape their curriculum. Josh is known for his patience, affordability, and ability to address complex issues like resource guarding, reactivity, and separation anxiety.

Additional services include free assessments, follow-up in-home sessions, and public venue training to generalize skills. Testimonials highlight dramatic improvements in obedience, behavior, and owner confidence.

Underdog Training Academy is not a breeder, groomer, or boarding facility, but focuses exclusively on training and owner education.

Accomplishments

Josh has trained five personal dogs—Lilly, Clory, Henry, Gabby, and Lady—who have all completed Underdog’s full training programs and directly influenced the development of the academy’s methods. Lilly and Clory are central to the training model, with Clory proving that older dogs can learn new tricks. Clients consistently report transformative results, including improved obedience, reduced aggression, and stronger owner-dog bonds.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must schedule a free assessment through the website’s contact page to begin the process. This initial evaluation helps determine the best training program based on the dog’s needs, behavior issues, and owner goals.