Liz Cleaves

Liz Cleaves is Auntie Dog. Liz and her staff provide private boarding, training and Training Camp. Liz opened Auntie Dog in 2005 after a successful career in print and marketing. Dogs have always been a passion for Liz, but she knew that love of dogs was not enough. Liz chose to dedicate years of training and hard work to advance her new career.

To learn the art of successful dog training and behavior rehabilitation, Liz chose to take an apprenticeship with Julia McDonough in 1999 at Doberman Rescue Unlimited, where Julia was the Training Director. This hands-on experience with dogs of all temperaments and backgrounds was instrumental in giving Liz the background necessary to be a truly effective trainer and handler, while her work in the office and shelter itself gave her practical skills in the day-to-day management of a dog business. When Liz opened Auntie Dog, she had accumulated years of real life work with dogs.

As the boarding business at Auntie Dog grew, so did the number of training requests. Casual tips about behavior as Guests checked out turned to calls and email requests for training and more serious advice. Liz began teaching classes for puppies and beginner obedience and found her reputation as an effective trainer growing immediately. Liz moved her practice to Derry, NH in 2009 to join her friend and mentor. She returned to Tewksbury in 2011 and reopened the Auntie Dog Training Studio.

Liz doesn’t just talk about training. She lives it. Her personal dogs all have advanced AKC Obedience titles. Two have UKC titles. She actively competes with her German Shepherd, Jaeger von Olympia, CGC, THD, CD, CDX, RN, U-CD and her Boston Terrier, Newman von Tude, CGC, CD, U-CD. Her late Doberman, Panzer der Grosseretterhund, CGC, THD, CD is perhaps her greatest success story. Panzer went from being an extremely dog aggressive animal to competing successfully and titling in the very distracting environment of the AKC ring. This previously out of control dog became a gentle and much beloved ambassador for his breed as a Therapy Dog. Newman and Jaeger visit Tewksbury State Hospital weekly to carry on Panzer’s work.

While the obedience titles are impressive, Liz believes that the true test of a dog’s working relationship with his owner is in the real world. It is that same philosophy that drives her teaching. Don’t let the warm and fuzzy title of “Auntie” mislead you. Liz is patient but serious and is very invested in each student’s success. As a former student said, “Auntie’s way is firm, fair and consistent.” The results prove the point. She challenges her students to deal with big distractions, to build a deep bond of trust and respect between dog and handler, and to always aim for solid communication on leash and off leash. Liz wants you and your dog to have the same wonderful experiences she does with her own dogs out in the real world: safe, confident and fun.

In this day of online certifications there are many self proclaimed dog trainers opening up shop. When choosing a trainer, be sure and ask to see their dog off leash and working around distraction without treats or extra training aids. Or, better yet—ask to meet a student dog and handler who can do the same. Liz is glad to show you her dogs and her students jump at the opportunity to do a demo.

Liz is an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, a Certified Pet Care Technician and a member of the Weston Dog Training Club and Dog B.O.N.E.S. Therapy Dogs of Massachusetts. She has attended seminars taught by Fred Hassen, Behesha Grist and Cap & Babette Haggerty. Liz actively competes in AKC and UKC obedience trials with her personal dogs and is coaching many of her students in the same pursuits.

Tammy Maglio

Tammy Maglio began working with dogs in 1995 at Country Road Kennels in Brentwood, NH. She moved to North Valley Animal Hospital in Plaistow, NH in 1998. Tammy has taught puppy programs and assisted with obedience classes in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Tammy coordinates and teaches the Auntie Dog Puppy Basics program. She also instructs private puppy students and Puppy Boarding Camp students. Tammy assists with Group Obedience and all drop-in classes. She brings a wealth of handler experience to the training room. Her no nonsense, hands on approach delivered with a “side” humor provides clear direction in an enjoyable format. Her patient instruction style makes her the perfect trainer for new handlers, nervous puppy parents and challenging dogs.

Tammy enjoys competing in AKC Obedience and Rally with Luger vom Boulder Run CGC,THD, RN,RA,RE,CD. Luger is a certified Therapy Dog and received his THD distinction from the AKC after completing over 50 therapy visits. She is preparing Fyn vom Ledgemere, CGC for Schtzhund and AKC Obedience.

Tammy is a member of the Monadnock Hundesport Club, Dog B.O.N.E.S. Therapy Dogs of Massachusetts and the German Shepherd Dog Club of America. She is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator.