Testimonials

“We first joined the Auntie Dog Studio shortly after Harper turned one. Harper was projected to be over 90 lbs, larger than most Weimaraners, and with his enthusiasm to make new friends everywhere he went, we knew that he had to be well trained. 

After completing the group obedience class, we went to our first grad school class, and wow, that was a truly eye-opening experience. We were floored to see so many dogs sit-stay for a long time with their handlers far away or heel perfectly off-leash, while there were 20 other dogs in the room. Just when we thought we were “done” training, we were introduced to a brand new world of bonds that dogs and handlers can foster through further training. When we tried out for Canine Good Citizen, Liz encouraged us to come to her competition classes. Novice to any dog sport, I was incredibly nervous to go to these classes and then later trials, but at every corner Liz and her students are there to support and encourage me and Harper. Now we have two titles and hopefully a few more! 

Recently we got Harper trained on e-collar. This additional training provided me with even clearer ways to communicate with Harper and strengthened our bond. This tool has given us much confidence and freedom in running, hikes and beach trips and I am excited that off leash trail running might not be too much in the distant future.  

The studio was first only a place to train and exercise Harper, but quickly became a community that I look forward to going to every week, where we all cheer for each other’s growth and celebrate accomplishments. It has been an incredible journey to witness what Harper and I can accomplish together. I am grateful to the entire studio for this great community!”

Aya and Derek Kelly
Tewksbury, MA

“Our love for dogs started during childhood. We always had dogs growing up as family pets and they were all great in their own way but no matter how hard we tried or what we did, we could not get them to behave well enough to take them into public places without the fear of creating chaos or causing high stress situations. For the most part, they were always contained to the house, a fenced in yard and the neighborhood streets. We would be amazed when we saw dogs in public at how obedient and well behaved they were. We thought those dogs were special because our dogs were not like that, or high-level training was some kind of wizardry magic. We believed we never had the “right dog” for that level of obedience.

Fast forward a few years into adulthood as we welcomed our new family member “Little Guy”. We wanted to give him the best start we could, so we signed up for basic training programs at the big box stores. Those programs yielded some success, but we felt like something was missing and we wanted more. We continued our search and found Auntie Dog Training Studio. We were skeptical at first because the curriculum was so different than the basic training programs we were used to. We enrolled and committed to Auntie Dog knowing it was different, but different results were what we wanted. During the evaluation process, they listened to our goals, understood our dog’s behavior, and then built a program around us. Recognizing Liz’s passion for training and truly caring for our success with the program, we knew quickly that we were in the right place. It did not take long to understand why Auntie Dog training is widely recognized and why dog owners travel from afar knowing there are other training alternatives closer to them. Auntie’s training programs and their focused engagement extend far beyond other private or group programs that so many other programs stop at. We have witnessed many small dogs, large dogs, and reactive dogs go through their highly sought after Camp program and achieve very noticeable results during their stay. Without judgement or pressure to compete, Auntie Dog also offers Therapy dog certifications, Obedience, and Rally programs where you and your dog receive professional training in a relaxed and casual environment. Whether you want your dog to be the best family pet, or if you aspire to raise a competition dog, all of their no-pressure training programs are structured to be fun for both, you and your dog.

Positive results are a priority and efforts by the entire team make sure they are achieved, but Auntie Dog is so much more. Liz has created a very friendly community and a client following that cannot be found anywhere else. You are warmly welcomed at the very beginning, from being nervous at your first class to when everyone is there to celebrate with you as you achieve success. A community we were not expecting when we started training, but we have grown to embrace it and are now proud to be a part of.

Less than seven months training with Auntie Dog, we now recognize that the lack of obedience from our childhood dogs was never because of the dog, it has always been about us as handlers lacking proper education and structured training. The Auntie Dog team has proven that practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. While we have already achieved more obedience success than ever before, we know this is only the beginning and we have a lot more work to do to reach our goals. Training is a journey, and we know Auntie Dog will always be there by our side. We are excited to share lifelong experiences with our “Little Guy” in ways we never thought possible. A sincere thank you to the Auntie Dog team and the community of friends we have made along the way.

If you are thinking about training with Auntie Dog, be ready to drop your leash and have stress-free commanding control of your dog. We look forward to welcoming and cheering you on!”

Todd Rigoli & Tiffany Meehan
Billerica, MA

“Our fur son, Jeri, has always been a silly, loving pup but was not very well behaved when we adopted him. He is a strong little guy and would pull on walks, jump up, be mouthy when playing and would bark incessantly at anyone who dared to walk past our home. We made the then difficult decision to invest in the Auntie Dog 4 week Camp. We were nervous to leave him but knew we needed to do it for Jeri to be the best version of himself and for us to give him a safe and happy life. 

We were very nervous to pick him up. Would they have broken his awesome “spirit”? Would he not remember us? Would he be scared to go back?  All we can say is, it was the best decision we’ve made for him and us. The team at Auntie Dog treat Jeri (nicknamed by them Jerald) with care and love. He is more excited to see them when we go to Graduate School than he is to see us when we get home from work! That’s a testament to how well they treated him. 

We can honestly say that Jeri is a different dog than when we dropped him but in all the best ways. He’s excellent on walks, he listens and obeys commands, and he is more  confident! He still has his moments but now we have the tools to correct the bad behavior. We full-heartedly recommend Auntie Dog for training and hope you decide to make the decision to invest in your pup and their happiness and safety. ”

Jess and Justin Veri
Wilmington, MA

“Liz and her team are amazing! Barron is a good 18 month old German Shepherd. He loves humans but he is not a big fan of animals, especially dogs. When we first adopted Barron, he was not friendly around other dogs. As soon as he saw another dog he would become reactive and fiercely protective. He would lunge, bark and snap in the direction of most dogs. We were nervous  taking him on walks. We were at the point where we knew we had to do something to correct the behavior but we were not sure what. Luckily we found Auntie Dog!

We started by taking Private Classes with Liz when Barron was around a year old. Liz educated us on Barron’s cues and helped us develop confidence. Currently, we are in Graduate Drop-In School with Barron. I remember when Liz first invited us to Graduate class. We thought Barron would not do well since the class averages 20 dogs per class, and he only lasted a few minutes. Now we’re able to stay the full hour with ease. 

As Liz says, it takes time and parents need to do their homework to instill change in their dog! I can say, with Barron, this statement is true! We have made progress but still have areas we need to work on. With that said, we are seeing his behavior change and so are our loved ones. Our family, friends, and neighbors constantly mention how much he has progressed since we started taking classes. We are very grateful for Liz and her team!! They are amazing. They will train your dog (as well as you!) and give you the tools you need to build a stronger bond with your dog!!”

Amanda and Nick Imlach
Chelmsford, MA

“After bringing Hachey home last May, we knew we wanted to give him the best start possible.  A few months later we contacted a trainer that was recommended by a family friend.  Things started off well, but over time our trainer became unreliable and unresponsive.  We were very disappointed.

We live in Tewksbury, so we were aware of Auntie Dog.  We knew that Officer Waffles was trained there as well.  We decided to give them a try.  From the first meeting with Liz, we knew Auntie Dog would be the place for Hachey. 

We enrolled him in weekly private lessons with Liz.  Before Auntie Dog, Hachey wouldn’t respond to commands and would pull us on walks.  Now he responds to our commands and does so much better on walks.  As first time dog owners, we are so thankful to Liz for her guidance.  We had so many questions and what we learned we apply on a daily basis. 

Our older son is on the Autism spectrum and was fearful around Hachey at first.  Liz was patient with him and let him participate in training at his own pace.  Now our son interacts so much more with Hachey and is becoming a great big brother to him.  Our younger son participated fully in the training and enjoyed going to class.  He makes sure we continue to apply what we have learned during class at home.  He definitely keeps us in line! 

Liz is kind, supportive and thoughtful.  She made our classes fun as well as informative.  Her vast knowledge of and experience with Boston Terriers was an added bonus for us.  We learned so much and are very thankful to Liz.  We wholeheartedly recommend Auntie Dog to anyone.  Thank you Auntie Dog!”

Dan and Sheila Butler
Tewksbury, MA

“I can’t thank Auntie Dog enough for the amazing change in my Beagle puppy, Callie.

Callie was one of the 4,000 beagles rescued due to the deplorable conditions in a research and breeding facility in Virginia by the Humane Society of the United States and distributed to shelters around the country for adoption. We were lucky enough to adopt Callie as a tiny five month old. Attempting to train her was a challenge to do on our own. Everything was new to her after being in a cage for five months.

Socialization was not a problem. She loves everybody and all other animals. Walking her was a nightmare. All she wanted to do was run. She pulled, ran in circles tying me up with the leash, jumped up on people and never came when called.

Several people in the neighborhood suggested I call Auntie Dog and I am so glad I did! After one class, people who had met Callie previously, commented on how much of a difference there was in her. By the third class, she was behaving much better and could interact with people and other dogs in a much calmer manner.

Walks with her are so much more enjoyable now for both of us! By her last class she was a well-behaved dog. I am truly grateful for our trainer, Jennifer’s time, guidance, and professionalism in training Callie. I will definitely recommend Auntie Dog.” 

Ginny DuLong

“When we enrolled our one-year-old boy, Emmett, into private training lessons with
Liz at Auntie Dog, we did not have high expectations since we had already tried

two other training providers with disappointing results.  Most frustrating was that we knew the problem was not with Emmett, but, rather, not finding the proper methods to effectively communicate with him.  That all changed almost immediately when we started our leash training with Liz.  It was an instant confidence boost to finally feel like Emmett was truly listening, and see the results in his behavior.  And I think it was a relief to Emmett to finally get some direction that he could understand!  No longer was HE dictating the pace and direction of our walks.  We were the ones in control now, and it was so rewarding!  We used to worry about his overly-enthusiastic behavior around other people and dogs that we would encounter, but we now have the means to control him consistently and confidently. 

With such great results on the leash, we decided to enroll Emmett in private e-collar training classes so that we could further reinforce the progress we had already made, and experience even more freedom with the activities that we could enjoy with him.  The results have been fantastic.  His heel, come, and sit commands are so good that we can even take our neighborhood walks without holding the leash!

Since graduating our training, we are no longer fearful of how he might behave in public places, and now include him in so many activities that we wouldn’t have considered previously.  Hiking, the beach, visiting friends and family, even just going to get an ice cream…it’s so wonderful to not have to leave him behind, and be able to share so many fun experiences with him.  Thank you, Auntie Dog, for opening up the world to Emmett…we can’t wait for all the cherished memories we’ll create with him as a member of our family!” 

Glenn & Stacey Perras

“We took in a beagle mix at the end of 2021. I knew some basic training commands and have had several dogs throughout my life. However, I never knew a dog like Henry! I felt like I was failing him and like I was misunderstanding what he was trying to communicate with me. I knew I needed help to have a good relationship with this dog. I chose Auntie Dog because I wanted professional, dedicated trainers in a more structured environment.

We saw such improvement in Henry since starting at Auntie Dog. We absolutely loved the attention we got in private lessons as it was clear early on that he would not be a good fit in a group lesson. The private lessons gave us the ability for Henry to work up to being around more dogs at a time. He responded so well to Catherine and Julia. They were flexible and tailored things to set my boy up for success. The training improved our trust, communication, and the relationship with my dog greatly. We now have a much happier boy and house!”

Kelly Fineran

“I cannot say enough about the experience I had at the Auntie Dog Training Studio. Not only did my two Corgi puppies, Olive and Frannie learn good behavior and basic skills, but I also learned how to be a confident, calm and happy dog owner.

Our private lessons with Jen were always positive and informative. Liz and the staff were always ready with a quick compliment and tons of support.”

Margaritta C. Grimes
Winchester, MA

“After many years of ignoring pleas for a dog in our house, we brought Ozzy home when he was 9 weeks old to provide comfort to my daughter who is managing chronic health issues.  Ozzy has always been a sweet, cuddly, stubborn but eager to learn dog.  We worked on basic training his first year and he picked up skills quickly.  Ozzy not only provided comfort to my daughter, but smiles and laughter to the entire house.  However, it became clear that he wasn’t listening the majority of the time even if he knew what we were asking.  This brought us to Auntie Dog where I learned about the different options for training.  I chose to move forward with private lessons which allowed us to progress at Ozzy’s pace.  When working with Jennifer, it quickly became clear that I needed as much training as Ozzy.  His lack of listening was largely my doing, not his.  I had no idea I was sending mixed messages to him!

After our lessons with Jennifer, Ozzy was a different dog.  Our walks went from feeling like work to being the most enjoyable part of our day.  We have also taken advantage of many grad school and rally drop in classes.  These have been a great way to keep him engaged and reinforcing his lessons.  He gets so excited to go to Auntie Dog and see both his two and four legged friends.  Jennifer has also been a continued resource with how to work through Ozzy’s separation anxiety that resulted from me working from home and being together 24/7.

Most recently, we took the E collar class.  This was a game changer.  The class built on the foundation Jennifer had helped us build.  The way Liz taught us to work together was less about the collar or any physical reminders and more about Ozzy being focused on me and listening.  He very quickly responded to commands without the E collar correction.  I’ve been very surprised that with using the E collar for just a few commands it has changed his behavior overall.  Ozzy now listens to the kids who never use the E collar handset.  He is now the most responsive and best listener in the house!   Friends and family have also seen a noticeable difference when they come to visit.  We still work on training daily.  It’s become clear that Ozzy enjoys the engagement and “work” is clearly fun for him. 

We are very thankful for the training and guidance we’ve gotten from Auntie Dog.” 

Dana Dinino
Andover, MA

“Bailey was just 9.5 weeks I took him home with me. The first 3 months were tough. Really tough. I was overwhelmed. I contacted Liz and her team for initial evaluation when Bailey 5.5 months old. He and I were in desperate need of help with his impulse control, loose leash walking and being able to settle.

I decided to enroll him in the Camp program. To say I was nervous is an understatement. When I was able to pick Bailey up after his month long stay I immediately noticed a huge difference! He was still my same sweet and goofy fluff ball but his skills were A LOT more refined. Bailey was able to listen to my commands. We were finally in sync!

He no longer jumps during greetings or pulls on his leash while walking. He is able to settle nicely when we are out and about. 

Over the last several months I watched Bailey provide comfort to my grandmother who was sick. I could see the comfort and joy he brought her. I was always so afraid he was going to hurt her when jumping during a greeting or playing too rough. After Bailey returned home from Camp he was able to greet her calmly and lay down beside her without constantly getting up and looking for the next thing to get into.  I hope to now get Bailey certified as a therapy dog. 

Bailey and I continue with lessons and attend Graduate School. We are both still a work in progress but Liz and her team have been life savers. I cannot thank them enough for teaching us both the tools and skills for us to succeed. Thank you so much!!”

Stephanie Sullivan
Wakefield, MA

“My dog Duchess is 7 months and full of tons love and “anxiety”. When Duchess and I met in July of this year, she had already been through several homes. She has anxiety issues that families with young children and owners who never had dogs, got very nervous in dealing with Duchess. After hearing this, I still decided to have Duchess join me on our new adventure together.

Well after the first month, I soon realized – even though I have owned 5 other dogs in my life – Duchess was going to put me to the test. I heard of Auntie Dog  from my daughter, who couldn’t share enough about the positive training experience. So, I debated for a bit and decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did. It only took me the first class to see a big difference in handling Duchess and how she responded in such a positive manner. I had a lot of difficulty walking Duchess before training. She would pull, jump, and want to be with every squirrel, dog, and human along the way. She was overly stimulated about her surroundings and overjoyed to be out and about with others.

Now, it is extremely enjoyable – after 6 weeks of FUN training (receiving Most Improved) – Duchess and I have a better understanding for one another. We can go on walks – long walks and not be apprehensive of who we will meet, busy roads or even squirrels that run in our path. We feel comfortable meeting new people – but when it is good for her, understanding that we can say – “it’s not a good time right now – but have a great day”. And then other times that she can sit and wait for a dog or owner to approach and say hello.

Don’t get me wrong, we still have some moments, but only moments. We now go to the beach, hike and even meet new friends. She still does like to talk a lot but not anxious talk.

We want to thank Liz and Catherine, for their patience and calming ability to help develop great relationship for Duchess and me.”

Terri Marciello
Wilmington, MA

“Hersey, my Lhasa Apso puppy, was a bundle of energy and needed to learn how to focus and walk on a leash. We enrolled in Private Prep School with Jennifer as our trainer.

I travel and Hersey needed to learn how to settle and behave in public so he could join me for racing season. We completed our five private lessons and then continued on for a few more specialized sessions.

Hersey has settled. He is much calmer and now accepts new sights and sounds with ease. He focuses on me and happily follows my instructions around distractions.

The Auntie Dog program is just what we needed. I learned as much as Hersey did! The one on one sessions taught me the handling and techniques to keep Hersey safe, happy and attentive on our travels.

Hersey is now is ready to join me at the race track and to travel in our RV. Thank you Auntie Dog.”

Jim Boudreau
Tewksbury, MA

“It’s been a great experience!

Being a long time dog owner, I have completed dog training at many different facilities. The Auntie Dog Training Studio is the ONLY business model that offers continuity. Typically if you want to maintain your dog’s progress you have to commit to another 6 week program; but, Auntie Dog offers Saturday  “drop-ins”. This option encourages owners to keep coming back to strengthen bonds with their dog. 

Our 2 year old Vizsla, Clay completed the six week Pet Obedience Group Class. I am looking forward to returning for drop-in Graduate School.”

Lori Capra
Lowell, MA

“When my fiancé and I adopted our 14 week old Black Lab/German Shepherd, Worf in March, we didn’t know what to expect! After a tough few months, we decided to send him to the month long training Camp for extra help. Prior to going to Camp, Worf was a sweet boy with bad habits. He would pull on walks, ignore commands, try to eat his way out of his kennel every time he was in it and didn’t know how to calm down.

Though difficult to send a new puppy away for a full month, we knew Auntie would give Worf the best training possible! When we  got him back, Worf was the same sweet boy with increased knowledge and manners. Worf is amazing on a leash and listens so well. He gives all humans respect and loves to work! Worf waits for commands and is so proud of himself when we praise him for a job well done. He is still playful and cuddly, but he knows when it is time for fun and when it is time to relax.

I highly recommend Auntie Dog for anyone on the fence about sending their dog away for training. Any dog would benefit from this! Auntie and the rest of the staff really saved all of us!”

Rachel Caplan
Tewksbury, MA

“Teddy is a 1-1/2 year old Shetland Sheepdog. I have had him since he was 12 weeks old. In the last year he has gone to several training facilities in the area. I was not happy with the results and found Teddy still in need of more training.

I was indeed ready to cry uncle, but I called Auntie Dog instead. It has been one of the best things I have done for Teddy and myself. From our first meeting for an evaluation I found Liz (Auntie) to be right on target with what Teddy needed. I was impressed with how organized everything was and especially the cleanliness of everything.

Teddy went to Day Academy for three weeks. I saw welcomed changes in his behavior. We had shared training lessons. I found the trainers to be clear and direct in their approach. Positive reinforcement is utilized. Teddy’s response has been great. His interaction with and towards other dogs has significantly improved. His everyday behavior is so much better.

Teddy continues to go to Stay and Train several days a week. He loves going to “school” and gets excited upon being greeted when he arrives. I look forward to continued training with Teddy at Auntie Dog. I highly recommend Auntie Dog and all that it has to offer.”

Colleen French
Tewksbury, MA

“I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to Liz and all the trainers at Auntie Dog who have helped our little Rescue dog, Roo grow into an awesome, loving and obedient dog!

Roo began at Auntie Dog last September in Puppy Class. She did so well and loved going to Auntie Dog so much that we continued on with Dog Obedience classes. Roo graduated from Obedience class and is now training to be a Therapy Dog!

Roo loves to go to Graduate School classes and Rally Run throughs.  Roo attends Stay and Train twice a week. It is her favorite place to be! She has done so well that the trainers anointed her as a Canine Training Assistant! Roo is a fun loving, obedient Canine Good Citizen and she is loved not only by every human who meets her, but by every dog she meets! We have all the Auntie Dog Trainers to thank for that.

Kimberly Giardina
Billerica, MA

“We all feel a little nervous at first leaving our dog for a month with people we don’t really know. Once you get to Auntie Dog and meet the staff and see how well organized the Studio is that fear leaves you. Tuckerman is a really wonderful dog and most obedient. We truly enjoy him.

Tucker and my husband are best buddies. Dick takes Tucker to the nursing home when he visits. My 100 year old mother-in-law wanted to meet him. The people love him there.

Auntie Dog has given us a pet we truly love and have fun with. He goes outside and stays in his yard. No more “unauthorized” trips to the neighbors. He loves to go with Dick to feed our chickens. Dick tells him SIT and STAY and Tucker obeys. He sits and stays when he is fed and does not go for his food until he gets the command OK to go.

Tucker loves the Studio when we come there. It is no problem for him to stay for Encore Camp when we travel. He is definitely at home with Auntie and the staff. Auntie Dog developed our beautiful, full of life Lab into a well-trained dog.”

Carol Misiaszek
Marry, NY

“Luna is a sweet pup that we adopted when she was 6 months old. She was set on fire in Arkansas and abandoned before the rescue found her. Immediately upon seeing her, we knew she would be the perfect addition to our family. Ever since we brought her home she was an absolute doll but we needed some fine tuning with her general obedience skills.

At the same time we got Luna, we bought a home in Tewksbury and looked for a while before finding the right trainer – Auntie Dog. Liz did an amazing job teaching Luna to listen and general commands. Luna is no longer a “puller” on the leash and listens to us 100%. There is not a doubt that Auntie Dog made Luna a better pup. Thank you for all your help and we look forward to continuing with more advanced training.

Auntie Dog trainers are experienced and will help you with your dog needs.”

Antonio DeGirolamo
Tewksbury, MA

“Dexter Dog – he may look all fluffy and fine but I soon learned what it meant that he was a twelve week old puppy and Jack Russell Terrier as well.  Dexter and his loving energy wiped me out and he only seemed to become more enthusiastic.  The more he moved around the more he wanted to keep moving, I could not keep up with him and his puppy zoomies were really intense.  I did not know much about dogs and less about puppies but I did know that if Dexter was going to keep me company and travel with me as much as possible then he needed to learn some self-control and manners.  In order for this to happen I needed help, I needed to be trained!

I contacted Auntie Dog Training Studio where Dexter was enrolled in the Day Academy.  For 3 weeks, 5 days a week he was taught in the Studio, in local stores and around the neighborhood basic commands and heeling, which will be the foundation for all of his future success. 

Liz and her team treated Dexter as if he was their own and Dexter was always excited to go to Auntie’s for the day.  I too received the support and education that I needed as I was taught how to handle Dexter and explained the reason and rationale for each training technique. 

Dexter is now almost one.  He remains very loving, enthusiastic and fearless but he has some skills and is becoming prepared to meet the world with discipline and manners.  Dexter and I will continue to learn how to be a strong team and we will rely on the Auntie Dog Studio to continue to help us. 

Thank you Auntie Dog team for helping Dexter and I to imagine a future that is calm and respectful.”

Deb Chausse
Lowell, MA

“We can’t say enough good things about Auntie and her staff. They take training seriously and provide the handlers with instruction and tips to continue the training at home. Sherbie started training at 6 months old and we are so happy with the results- it was very important to us to have a well behaved dog and a dog that comes when called regardless of distractions to him. We can happily say he comes when called whether he is in our yard playing or hiking off leash.

Sherbie comes everywhere with us! He comes in dog friendly stores where he sits and stays as told, he is a pleasure to walk on leash and is better behaved all around. We are so pleased with his progress , we can’t wait for him to start Therapy Dog training classes. ”

Michelle Nestor
Chelmsford, MA

“We got Luna from a shelter at just12 weeks old. She is a Lab Airedale mix who is a loving, sweet and energetic girl. We had lots to learn, especially since she loves to jump on everyone and loves everyone and everything. Luna’s jumping was a constant and at times we did not know what to do or how to make her stop.  

We signed her up for Puppy Basics, which was a great foundation for her and taught her skills such as sit, come, heel and down. The staff at Auntie Dog was great and extremely patient with Luna as she tends to get very excited and distracted by other dogs and just wants to play. The class also taught my husband and I ways to handle her which helped and continues to help us on a daily basis.

After Puppy Basics, we immediately signed her up for Obedience class, where she learned more skills and we learned more methods to handle her. The small class sizes allowed the instructors to focus on the entire group and provide individual attention when needed.

Once Obedience class ended, we decided that Luna could benefit from the Stay and Train program. This program provides her with structure and discipline and the instructors continue to work and train her. We have seen a huge improvement in Luna. Her jumping is almost nonexistent. She has learned to sit on command, how to heel when walking and come when called.

We would not be at this point without the assistance of Auntie Dog. The expertise, attention, patience and kindness has made a huge difference for our family and we could not have done it without Auntie Dog.”

Fortunata Colucci
Tewksbury, MA

“Rocky is our family’s first dog and an Italian Pointer which is known to be a high energy breed.  We quickly learned that we had a lot to learn.  Rocky was lovable but misbehaved in every way.  He was not showing progress with potty training, not coming when called, pulling on walks, jumping incessantly, etc.  I was feeling hopeless.

A friend referred me to Auntie Dog and I enrolled in their AKC  S.T.A.R. Puppy Program.  I found the class times to be very convenient for my busy family.  Greg was our trainer and he was patient and non-judgmental (even when Rocky peed on the studio floor during the very first class).  He welcomed all questions and provided us with some very important fundamentals such as sit, stay, come, off, out.  I think I benefited more from this class than Rocky as I learned what I could expect from him and how to set those expectations in a way that he could understand.

After graduation, I immediately signed us up for Obedience Training to further our progress.  I found the level of obedience varied among the other classmates and Rocky seemed to need some extra encouragement.  I started to lose my confidence in Rocky and my ability to keep up in class. Our trainers, Liz, Peter and Helena never wavered in their confidence in us to not only keep up, but to succeed.  The class sizes are small so there are many opportunities for individual corrections and guidance.  We returned each week and even started Rocky in the Day Academy once per week.  During this period, he started to transform into a manageable and confident dog.  It was amazing to see this transformation and gratifying that after weeks of hard work with Rocky we were progressing positively. 

Of course, Rocky is still a puppy at 10 months and still very high energy.  We still have our challenges with him, but I now have confidence in the fundamentals I have been provided by the Auntie Dog Team that will allow me to continue to train Rocky and continue to set expectations.   

I am happy to report that he now sits on command, comes consistently when called, walks without pulling on his leash, stays for as long as he can bear and is thankfully fully potty trained. 

Thank you to the Auntie Dog crew!!”

Lisa Capodilupo and Family
North Billerica, MA

“When I first adopted Cash, I knew he was a very sweet boy, but he definitely needed some help with being left alone and being OK with it. When he was left alone, Cash would whine and howl for hours while I was gone. I tried so many things, including calming treats, an anti-anxiety dog shirt, and pheromone spray to name a few. I was at my wits end and the vet recommended medication. I decided to try it, but didn’t like how different Cash acted on it. He was lethargic and not himself. 

I decided to call Auntie Dog and see what we could do instead to try and help Cash cope with being alone, and to learn some basic commands.

Within the first week of Day Academy, I noticed a huge difference. Cash was sitting on command, learning to heel, walks well on a leash, and my neighbors let me know that he was no longer making noise while I was out of the house. The best part about Day Academy was that I was able to get Cash off medication for anxiety and he continues to be a happy, playful and well-behaved pup. With continued work at home and lessons with Auntie Dog, I am thinking about enrolling Cash in a therapy dog training program.

I am so appreciative to the team at Auntie Dog for helping me turn an already loveable dog into an even smarter, calmer, and more relaxed version of himself. I cannot say enough good things about the Auntie Dog team! Cash is genuinely loved by everyone who works there and I am so grateful for that.”

Siobhan Healey
Tewksbury, MA

“When we adopted Sophie, I was certain that she was a wonderful dog. Unfortunately, that was often hidden behind her exuberant puppy behavior. We completed puppy class where she learned basic commands. She then attended doggie daycare at another facility where she learned new inappropriate behaviors and over time her response to commands grew weaker and weaker. During walks she would bolt after dogs, rabbits, cats, and jump on people we met. At 70 pounds she was hard to contain which led to fewer walks and more problematic behavior.

Enter The Auntie Dog Day Academy…

I was shocked at just how quickly things turned around. Within a few days she was much easier to walk and was back to following commands. By the end of two weeks I was able to walk her with ease. She no longer chased animals and greeted people without jumping on them! Sophie loved going to camp each day and loves practicing at home.

Sophie is now so well behaved that we have been able to take her to visit friends, shopping, off leash at the beach, and even to restaurants where she sits quietly as we eat. We are now training in the hopes of becoming a therapy dog team. Before Training Camp I couldn’t imagine any of that happening.

I am so thankful that I called Auntie Dog. We now have a wonderful, happy dog.”

Patti Shepherd
Lowell, MA

“My beloved Homer had many worrisome behavioral issues, mostly stemming from his sad rescue tale. He was fear aggressive, had a scary bark, and reserved a special hatred of men with beards. He thought balloons were very, very bad.

I didn’t know how to deal with a “Dog with Issues”.  After some deep thinking, I introduced Homer to the trainers  at the Auntie Dog Training Studio. After a month at Camp with Auntie Dog, Homer is amazingly agreeable and calm. He is more confident, cooperative, and accepting of a much wider range of experience!

I don’t dread taking him places anymore! Also, I’m learning how to manage him, and plan to continue Graduate School classes.

I love that critter even more, now. Thank you, Auntie Dog!”

Carol Lindsey
Leominster, MA

“When I first adopted Jake, he was an anxious, hyper, uncontrollable pooch, who was a master escape artist (constantly performing Houdini acts) to get out of his harness. After multiple ‘selftaught’ classes from online tutorials and name brand pet stores, my family and I had enough of this behavior. From barking uncontrollably, to being incredibly shy and timid, to nipping whenever he wanted your attention, to being very difficult to walk on a leash, we knew we needed to have a professional’s help.

We discovered The Auntie Dog Training studio from fellow dog owners who informed us of the incredible work they had done and decided to have a meet and greet. After discovering Auntie’s knowledge and background of working with dogs of all shapes, sizes and confidence levels, she stated that she would be able to help get Jake under control. She taught my family the tools and tips that would guide us in the direction of having a well-managed, obedient dog.

Jake was enrolled in The Day Academy Program for 3 weeks, where he learned and grew confidence with his trainers. With the help of a training collar, walking with Jake became easier and easier. The training collar helped correct him when he would try to run away if a leaf blew in his direction, or if another dog was being walked by their owner. His confidence grew and grew, and Jake is now able to go on long walks around the neighborhood without any resistance or hesitation. His nipping is under control as well as his shyness!

Liz, Peter and Helena bonded with Jake from State Farm (his new nickname due to his Khaki coloring), where he felt comfortable walking into Home Depot, experiencing electric door openers at the Bank, and smelling the different flowers and plants at Mahoney’s. With the tools and tips that Jake and I learned over the 3 weeks, I feel confident while interacting with Jake and have even been able to travel to different households with him without any problems! He is a happy pooch with a loving heart and an even bigger eagerness to learn.

Thank you Auntie Dog trainers for helping me mold Jake into the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

Jeana Cuzzupe
Tewksbury, MA

“We are writing to express our gratitude for the training, time and attention you afforded our Matteo this past year at Training Camp.

Matteo’s behavior has improved dramatically since camp and with the skills you have taught me and my husband, he keeps improving. Matteo is still a puppy and gets excited when people come to the house, but once he says hello to the company he is calmer and more settled. We feel in control.

With the additional encore training and coaching with us as a family, we have discovered that Matteo is more consistent with every command. We are very impressed with your staff’s teaching ability, as well as with the amount of care and attention you gave our doggy. Matteo was very lucky to be your student this year. Matteo and our family would not be where we are today without your month-long Camp and encore classes.  We love Auntie Dog!

Auntie Dog is in our prayers and we hope that you continue to offer your Camp program so that other families may have the same experience and success we did.”

Matteo, Cindy and Phil Fraga
Saugus, MA

“Winston is a two years old Pekingese, Chihuahua, American Staffordshire Terrier Beagle Mix from an animal rescue in Tennessee.  We were moved by his tragic story and fell in love with his cuteness on Pet Finder. Our family decided to become first-time dog owners and we adopted Winston at nine weeks old. He has always been a kind, loving, loyal, and playful dog. However, he developed hypothyroidism and would constantly bark at strangers, pull on the leash, and selectively listen to our commands.

We are so impressed by how much Winston has improved after only three weeks of Day Academy training at the Auntie Dog Training Studio. Now with the great techniques Liz and the training staff taught us it is so much easier to socialize him, take him for walks and correct his behavior. Our neighbors have noticed how calm and obedient he is and they often mistake him for a whole different dog!

If only we knew about Auntie Dog before, we would have taken him here sooner. We highly recommend Auntie Dog as they truly care about helping all of their students succeed. Thank you so much Auntie Dog!”

Bill & Demetra Dardonis
Tewksbury, MA

“I have the distinct honor of being Molly’s human mom. This love story started three years ago. When I saw Molly’s photo on the internet, it was love at first sight. I knew I just had to have her!

The breeder had named her Blessing, as she was the pick of the litter. And a blessing she has been to our family. At the time Molly came to live with us, I was caring for my mother in our home. Molly bonded so well with my mother bringing her joy and smiles throughout the day. Molly was well known by everyone who visited our home: doctors, nurses, caregivers, family and friends. After my mother passed, Molly continued to look for her “Grandma”. It was at that moment I knew Molly had what it takes to be a therapy dog.

So the task began as to how and where to start this new career. And that’s when I discovered the Auntie Dog Training Studio. I decided to enroll Molly in Auntie’s camp to work on some behavioral issues and commands, with her goal of being a therapy dog. Molly graduated camp, completed her therapy dog training and is now a certified therapy dog! I am so proud of her and couldn’t have done any of this without Auntie and her great staff.

Molly is now volunteering at nursing homes and continues to bring joy and smiles to patients, their families and facility staff. It’s touching to have Molly featured as Miss January as that is my mother’s birth month. And so this love story continues.”

Joanne Baughman
Saugus, MA

“Our story began when my husband and I suddenly lost our 10 year old ‘soul dog’ to a splenic tumor. Heartbroken and lonely, I started looking at adoptable puppies online and I loved every single one! When I saw Raylan I knew I had to show my husband and he liked him too. We (mostly me) decided to fill out an application for adoption and it just so happened Raylan’s adoption family fell through. The stars had aligned and we were bringing home our dream puppy.

When we got him home it was more like a nightmare! Our ‘dream puppy’ was so much work! It was like having a wild animal in our house! He was super smart and cute but also mouthy, stubborn and defiant. He was full of energy and had zero impulse control. He would bark and tear up his bed when crated and constantly pull on his leash on walks. I have experience with dogs and wanting to do everything right, I immediately enrolled him in puppy socialization class and doggy daycare at different facilities. The daycare only exacerbated his problems and his behavior at home was getting worse. That is when I knew I was in over my head and decided to contact Auntie Dog.

Auntie Dog has been amazing every step of the way, from my first contact with them to my continued communication and training with them today. I chose to do a private training package with Danielle because my husband and I both have crazy work schedules. She was super flexible with days and times, including mornings and Sundays. As soon as we got Raylan into his training collar and started his first class, I could immediately see a difference in him. He loved going to class and I loved bringing him, it definitely created a strong bond between the two of us. When we completed our training package, Raylan was a completely different dog. He’s still a puppy at 9 months old but now he has manners.

I love walking him now with his perfect heeling. I get compliments all the time in public about how well behaved he is and I just laugh to myself. He is crated without incident, listens when called and the mouthiness has all but dissipated. He now has impulse control and will settle all on his own. He is now such a special part of our family and we have The Auntie Dog Training Studio to thank!”

Erin & Shaun Dwyer
Lowell, MA

“Dear Auntie Dog,

I wanted to reach out to tell you how much we appreciate you and your team for London’s success.

We hold a party every year for the 4th of July. Pre Camp it was not an event London was capable of attending. This year she was able to because of her training. Camp was the best investment we could have ever made in her success. Not only did she not take off with the opening and closing of the doors to the house, she did not bark, and she casually greeted and engaged with our guests. People commented at the marked difference in her. It’s like we have a new dog!!

Thank you again! Because of Camp London can participate in most of our family activities and she is a much happier, relaxed dog!! We will be back at class soon, but just wanted to share with you how well our “velvet diva” is doing!!

My other joy is because of the training she has received from you and your team; we are breaking down the stereotype of her breed!! Thank you again!

Jeff & Sharon Bailey
Hudson, NH

“When you lose your mother, no matter what their age, it is very difficult to lose your best friend, biggest advocate and someone who loves you unconditionally. On Nov. 2, 2008 I lost my mom. For the last 2 years of her life she was the proud owner of the most adorable, sweetest, Maltese Bichon mix named Annie who lived with her in an assisted living facility in Florida. Annie and I were both devastated and were by mommy Florence’s side when she passed at hospice. Annie was a trooper, she stayed 6 days at hospice and was a tremendous comfort to me, like I never had before. I loved dogs but was never able to have one because I worked full time and never having anyone to leave it with. I also owned a condo that didn’t allow dogs. Well, guess what?  I wasn’t getting on that plane back home to bury my mom without Annie in my arms. 

Over the last 7 years Annie has been everything to me, and I so wanted her to be a therapy dog and give comfort to people the way she did for so many at my mom’s place in FL.  Life moved on and I did nothing to prepare her for being a therapy dog.  
I retired in 2012 and talked about getting Annie certified but knew nothing about it and had trouble finding any resources. Then one night when I couldn’t sleep I turned on the computer and it took me to the Auntie Dog site. I read most of herwebsite and looked at those adorable pictures and immediately wrote Liz for an evaluation.  From then on Annie and I were on a mission with Liz to get Annie trained to be a Therapy Dog.  Annie is very sweet, but training and listening weren’t her forte. I am a softie and when she looked at me with those eyes I melted.  

The next few months were more incredible than I ever could have imagined.  Liz IS THE BEST!  She is an extraordinary trainer and person. Most important of all she has the biggest heart as she really loves Annie and wants her to succeed. I would recommend her to anyone. I didn’t even know where Tewksbury was; I zipped up 128 and it took us no time to go to our lessons. Not only is it fun but Annie is learning and yes doing what I tell her even when Auntie isn’t by her side.  

Well yes it did happen on July 12, Annie aced the TDI and is now Certified.

After the Marathon bombing I knew it was time to do something positive and there was no putting it off so Annie and I moved forward. Liz was instrumental in making this happen.  

Even though I lost my mom, I inherited my 12 ½ lb bundle of love. Mom left me with my new best friend. I feel Annie is part of my mom looking out for me.  

None of this would be possible without the relationship and commitment we had from Auntie.  

Annie and I want to thank Liz from the bottom of our hearts and know everyone will have a tremendous experience at Auntie Dog.
 
With love and deepest appreciation! ”

Annie and Jane

“All about Hudson Raymond Burnett, a.k.a Huddy, Huderston, Mr. Huddy Pants or just plain Handsome Huddy….he is so cute and he knows it. He is also very smart and learned quickly that he could use his charm and good looks to rule the house! How can you get mad at him!

Hudson found his forever home 2 days before Christmas in 2015. We had lost our beloved Murphy months before and the kids really wanted a puppy. Neither one of them remembered what puppy hood was like. Hudson arrived as an 8 week old adorable puppy. He was allowed on the furniture and quickly was able to have the whole house focused on him. As he grew, he was able to learn many things. He was potty trained extremely quickly and learned the typical sit and lay down. He even mastered the “kennel up” command.

We struggled with Hudson’s manners. He would not stop barking at the doorbell and if he heard something outside. Hudson destroyed brand new moldings around my windows because he kept jumping up to bark out the window. He chased squirrels, our cat and chickens and even attempted to chase cars. He totally disregarded the invisible fence if he really wanted to chase something or just to explore the neighbor’s yard.

He had a few episodes of what I thought were aggressive behaviors as he matured. He would just bark at certain people. Then he had an incident where he was playing with and chasing my best friend’s autistic son and he bit him. I got nervous because I did not understand how our sweet boy could do that. We loved Huddy and could not imagine him not being in our family. We wanted him to behave like a gentleman with us and when we had visitors. We needed him to listen and gain control of himself.

We found Auntie Dog and made the difficult decision to send him to Camp for 4 weeks. That was the best decision we made for Hudson since he arrived in our family. He excelled in his training. Some could say we needed training too. He appears so happy too. I think he loves having better control of himself and he even comes outside with me every morning to get the chickens prepared for their day. When we go back to visit Auntie Dog for group or individual lessons, Hudson is so happy to see all of his friends. It makes us happy to know he really enjoyed his time with them. Now he really does have awesome manners and has found his inner gentleman!!”

Christine Burnett & Family
Hampden,MA

“This is Puck. Impish (as the name implies), playful, energetic, strong-willed and absolutely lovable! We adopted Puck when he was 10 weeks old and quickly learned that he has more stamina, strength and determination than any of us. We enrolled Puck in Auntie Dog’s Camp Program at 1 ½ years old as much for his sake as ours. The results were amazing! He learned to channel all of his energy into listening, and we learned to understand his needs. We often wonder who really received the training… Puck or us. We return for follow-up lessons and he’s beyond excited to visit his Auntie Dog family! Our investment in Puck was an investment in a happy, healthy family. #loveauntie”

Nancy Bradley & Family
Malden, MA

“We got Reagan as a 10 pound eight-week-old puppy. Before our eyes he grew to a 60 pound 6-month-old lap dog, he grew faster than we could train him. He continued to act like a 10-pound puppy, sitting on our laps, nipping at our hands, jumping on anyone who walked into the house, and pulling on the leash during our daily walks. He was the boss of the house and the one who was walking us every day. First, we tried an in-home dog trainer and it helped a bit with the walking, but Reagan continued to be afraid of everything that was new to him and he continued to think he was the boss of the house. We realized we need to a more general approach to his training, something that would focus more on his overall behavior.

We started looking around for group training classes. Something that could help bring Reagan out of his shell and be around other dogs. That is when we came across Auntie Dog, the testimonials were full of past customers amazed by the results of group training and training camp, Facebook also has nothing but nice things to say about “Auntie” (Liz) and her team. We set up an evaluation and before we knew it Reagan was pulling us into the studio, after talking to Liz and explaining our needs it became very clear that we needed something more effective than just a weekly training class, that is when we decided on the one month training camp.

Dropping him off was not easy, we immediately began counting down the days for him to come home, text message updates from Auntie and Facebook posts re-assured us that we were doing the right thing for him. Seeing his progress made us proud “fur-parents”, and we could not wait to get him home. Thirty days seemed to fly by and before we knew it, it was time to go pick him up. He was so well behaved, he didn’t jump or nip, but he was still the same “goofy” lovable pup we dropped off one month prior. We had complete control on walks and we were taught everything we needed to know to enforce control in all situations. There was so much to take in and Liz was very attentive and patient the whole time.

It has been one month since Reagan came home and we could not be happier with the results from Auntie Dog. Reagan has been to weekly group Graduate classes to help re-enforce his training as well as our handling, and we attend private lessons whenever there is a task we are having trouble with and need to focus on. Whenever someone talks about training for their dog we immediately tell them about Auntie Dog and how amazing the process has been. Thank you Auntie and team for your amazing work!”

Caitlyn Ward & Nick Caruso
Haverhill, MA

“I’m so proud that my standard poodle boy, Percival, is an Auntie Dog Feature Dog!! Sincere thank you to Tammy and Liz (“Auntie”) for all of your support, expertise, and patience!

Percival is a big, spirited poodle that I adopted from a show breeder as an 8-week old puppy. He is very playful, curious, and protective, but can be overly sensitive to his environment in the form of heightened panic/reactivity with people, other dogs, motor vehicles, and unfamiliar places often resulting in an aggressive response (excessive barking, growling, pulling, etc.). This has been a challenge for me, not always knowing what would provoke him or how to properly correct the situation and keep him on track and under control. This lead to a pattern of avoiding walks in the neighborhood and other places unless I was sure that “distractions” were at a minimum, which was difficult and extremely limiting.

As a new resident of Tewksbury, I noticed the Auntie Dog Studio in my travels on Main Street. I was excited to see if this would be a good fit for Percival and his development. I was very happy I did! A few years ago he completed a basic puppy training course, and I also briefly consulted/worked with an animal behavior specialist – without positive results. At the initial consultation with Auntie Dog, Liz “Auntie” expertly observed his behavior and evaluated his specific needs, then recommended some options. I proceeded with the private lessons and I was assigned an amazing trainer, Tammy. At my first lesson I was given the RIGHT equipment and techniques to start my new journey with him, and Tammy was calm, assertive, and understanding of his unique needs. I immediately knew that this would be a transforming experience, and it was! After only 5-6 weeks of working hard on our sessions, I am able to take Percival out walking any time of the day and he is in control and by my side – it is truly amazing how we communicate better with each other and he understands what is expected of him- we have become a great team. If he happens to get distracted and panics, I don’t need to worry because I now have the proper tools and skills to keep him focused. Now I can enjoy life with Percival even more. I am looking forward to continuing with Auntie Dog at drop-in Graduate School and maybe (hopefully!) exploring Therapy Dog training!

Thank you again to true “dog whisperers” Liz and Tammy at Auntie Dog!”

Shelagh Dean
Tewksbury, MA

“My dog Dingo is a rescue dog from Tennessee. He is an Australian Cattle Terrier mix. We instantly fell in love. Dingo was a little timid and anxious and afraid of every noise. He was also not fond of meeting new people or dogs. He was afraid of stairs because he had never seen them and had to be carried up. He had a tough time on walks, he would stop dead in his tracks when he heard or saw something he didn’t recognize. He would pull constantly, especially when we were heading back home. When people visited our home he would shake and hide until they left. He is a herding dog so he would herd my grandchildren into a corner by their ankles. He scared them so they didn’t want to be near Dingo.

We went to Auntie Dog for training help. Danielle was very patient and knew how to handle Dingo without making him anxious. We enrolled Dingo in Auntie’s Group Obedience Class and did the six weeks of basic training. We saw a huge improvement. Then we continued on and did E-collar training. My dog is a totally different dog! He walks without pulling and right beside us. We can let him off leash and he will stay with us and follow every command. He is a pro at going up and down the stairs.

We get all kinds of compliments about how well behaved he is on walks. Thank you Danielle and Michelle for making me a very proud mother of a wonderful, behaved dog.”

Cheryl O’Connor

“We brought our dogs, Bruin and Carlos, to Auntie Dog for training. Danielle was our trainer. She was great and helped us to really gain control of our big dog. Prior to training he ran the show at home. We got a fantastic foundation in weekly private lessons with Danielle and we continue to train at home.

Walking both of our dogs is now relaxing, instead of being pulled down the street. We get to walk at our own pace too! We can’t recommend training at Auntie Dog enough! Every dog needs this foundation to continue to learn and grow with obedience and overall behavior. Wish we had done it sooner!

We have just completed remote collar training with our big dog, Bruin. He behaves so much better and is very responsive without us even having to correct him! The E collar is a great tool.”

Mary LaPointe
Tewksbury, MA

“We adopted Koji from the Turks and Caicos, he is called a potcake. Potcakes are wonderful dogs, so affectionate and loyal to their owners. We have two labs and wanted to rescue a dog. Our trip to Turks was a great opportunity.

We did get a true love dog; however our love dog does not like strangers and other unknown dogs. With people coming and going from our house we didn’t know how we were going to be able to keep him. Giving him up though wasn’t an option. After trying various trainers and reading a stack of books, we realized we were in over our heads and needed serious help.

A friend recommended Auntie Dog. When we say that Auntie Dog is a “life saver” this is no exaggeration. I arrived at the Studio with Koji on 3 leashes and my pockets bursting with treats. To our relief Koji was accepted into Training Camp without hesitation. A month later we picked up our trained dog. Koji could be in a room with other dogs, could be taken for a walk, and we could handle him.

More important than the time Koji spent with Liz, was the time she spent with us (and still spends with us) teaching us how to handle our newly trained dog. With each trip back to see Auntie, Koji is so overjoyed, Liz has to say hello and accept his kisses before he can work. He actually fell in love with the whole Auntie team!

Training Koji is a marathon not a sprint and boy did we pick the right training team to get us the distance.”

Barb and Todd Shegog
Winchester, MA

“Auntie Dog has accentuated the positive and eliminated the negative behaviors that my sweet rescue dog developed while he was looking for his forever home. I tried to settle him, to no avail. After a month at camp in Auntie Dog’s caring hands, he came back and our lives are in sync. He goes EVERYWHERE with me. His incessant barking is gone, he looks to me to make the decisions, and he no longer marks my furniture or anyone else’s. He goes willingly into his crate and is calm outside and of it. I’ve put my rugs back down and my shoes and trash cans aren’t chewed or emptied.

I am beyond grateful. This was the best decision, besides adopting him, I’ve ever made. I’m amazed at how his training has truly made us a team. I work with him every day and the “work” of training is fun for him. It’s a whole new world after camp at Auntie Dog!

Thank you! If I do my job well, keep consistently doing his training, I have years to enjoy this wonderful dog. Now, he’s truly home and we trust one another.”

Nancy Baker
Thomaston, Maine

“Bella, our 17 month old Black Lab, came into our lives at 8 weeks old. She was adorable and loving, but a challenging puppy with a very independent spirit! We did quite a lot of training with her at home, but ultimately decided to put her into the 4 week Camp at Auntie Dog when Bella was just shy of turning 1. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the Auntie Dog staff. They love their jobs and it’s apparent from the second you walk in the door.

When Bella came home from Camp she was a much improved listener, noticeably more obedient and loved to please us with her new found good behaviors! Her personality didn’t change a bit; she came home the same quirky, goofy little girl we love so much. We continue her training at home, attend graduate classes and an occasional private lesson when we can and collectively it all makes an enormous difference. Bella also does Encore “camping” when we are away which is a great re-fresh for her and for us!

Earlier this fall, Bella was attacked by another dog and after that attack it sadly affected how she behaved around other dogs. She began acting unsure, passive and suspicious around other dogs which was so unlike her. So, she went back to Auntie Dog for Encore Camp to learn to feel safe around dogs again and in her surroundings with them. She is back home now and doing better. We continue to work her around dogs in hopes that she will continue to build her confidence.

Liz is a pro and a very kind and thoughtful person. She is so accommodating and responsive, I am sure I drove her crazy the first time Bella was there with all my texting! Liz responded to every single one. It is so obvious she loves her job and I know Bella is in great hands every time she is there. If we lived closer, we would be there all the time!”

Kerry Gillick & Doug Marshall
Newton, MA

“Bailey, our 4 year-old Havanese, joined our family at the age of 12 weeks. He is our first family dog. He is sweet, adorable, photogenic, silly, devoted, and extremely smart. We hesitated to socialize him before he was fully vaccinated at 6 months of age because we were concerned he would catch infection. Unfortunately not socializing him as a young puppy led to behaviors we never imagined possible. Bailey became quite the barker and was very territorial. He started barking at children, people, other dogs, while in pet stores, in the car; anywhere and at anything! Pulling on the leash was the other big issue which made it impossible to walk him.



We became so frustrated at ourselves and very sad for Bailey. We wanted him to have the best life possible. We did some intermittent training but he clearly needed more; and that’s when we called Auntie Dog. We were thrilled about what Camp could do for Bailey. It was hard for me to let go of him for 4 weeks, but we were reassured that we could keep in touch and would see photos of his progress. Each day passed by and I couldn’t wait to see the Facebook updates or receive a text update. We kept seeing pictures of Bailey and asked ourselves over and over again “Is this our Bailey?” I was shocked at how he transformed bit by bit over 4 weeks.

The Auntie Dog team did an amazing job with Bailey. We are so happy we enrolled him in Camp. We attend graduate programs and we’ve also sent Bailey back for an Encore Training Weekend when we are out of town. The refreshers are good for him because Bailey is the type of dog that needs consistent reinforcement. He may always try to get away with something because that’s just his nature, but now we know what to do.

Thanks to the Auntie Dog training staff we now understand and see how Bailey looks at us for direction. The follow up lessons have given us the training and confidence for him to live a happier life.”

Michele Lalchand
Lexington, MA

“Link is a German Shorthaired Pointer. I purchased him at 8 weeks old. Soon after bringing him home it was evident that his manners were nowhere to be found. My sister had enrolled her dog Gaby (click here to read Gaby’s story) in Auntie Dog’s Camp program a few years before. She recommended that Link and I take Puppy Basics. After puppy class and learning basic commands and heeling on leash Link was on his way. I saw improvements in Link after puppy class, so I decided to enroll him in the adult obedience group class.

Link excelled while on leash, but I also wanted more control and focus off leash and a solid come when called command. After talking with Liz I decided to E-Collar train Link. We took the five session remote collar class and Link’s focus and off leash control developed quickly.

I am extremely happy with my decisions because now Link and I are able to enjoy lots of outdoor activities off leash and I know he is safe. Going to Auntie Dog was one of the best decisions I have made for Link and I.”

Alyssa Magdycz
Nashua, NH

“Simon was surrendered to a shelterless rescue after he lost an eye due to an incident in his former home. My daughter volunteered to foster a dog for community service hours needed for college and Simon was assigned to her. Our family instantly fell in love with him and ending up adopting him.

Soon after we enrolled him in Auntie Dog’s obedience program to help him get over his issues with his past. Although he is blind in one eye and came with some “baggage,” he quickly excelled in Auntie Dog’s program. Liz and her team have been absolutely fabulous with him! He is now doing Rally Obedience and passed his TDI Certification test.

Simon has been a true inspiration to our family. He has taught my children to look beyond the surface and that you can still lead a full life with a disability. He has also taught us that everyone deserves a second chance in life and that you can “teach an old dog new tricks”! We are hoping he will inspire patients as a Therapy Dog in local rehabilitation hospitals the way he has inspired us.”

Terry Steen
Wilmington, MA

“I met Honey Bun and knew right away she was the dog for me! She was so personable and sweet, and eager to meet new people.

She was rescued by Companion Pet Rescue, pulled from a high kill shelter in Memphis, Tennessee, the day before her scheduled euthanasia. She was pregnant with eleven puppies, all of whom later got adopted right away, as Honey Bun waited for her forever home while being fostered in New England.

When Honey Bun came home with me she adjusted quickly to her new life, getting along with two other dogs, three cats, and my horse. Honey Bun loves going to the barn to romp through the field beside my horse as I ride.

Knowing that Honey Bun loved visiting with people so much, my ultimate goal was for her to become a therapy dog.

We took basic obedience classes at another facility and Honey Bun earned her Canine Good Citizen. She needed more practice though, and I sought out the Auntie Dog Training Studio and took their obedience course, and later attended Grad School. I appreciated the thorough and clear training methods presented at Auntie Dog. I was so proud of Honey Bun’s progress, which could not have been achieved without the supportiveness of everyone at Auntie Dog. From the knowledgeable staff to the fellow students, all those at Auntie Dog share a love for dogs and celebrate each other’s successes.

I am most proud to say that at the end of April, Honey Bun passed her TDI therapy dog test! Honey Bun and I are continuing Grad School to stay sharp. We also joined Rally classes. I so enjoy the opportunity to build my relationship with my dog through this training, which provides so much focus and purposefulness.

Thank you Auntie Dog!”

Meredith Norton
Pepperell, MA

Spud is a 2 year old Cockapoo that joined our family at the age of 8 weeks. He is our first family dog. He was sweet and adorable and took to house training pretty well. We were thrilled. He was a good dog. After a few months I became frustrated with his inconsistent response when called. He was also jumping on people, he was still little but I was concerned he could hurt a little visitor. We needed a little help. We found Auntie Dog.

We decided private lessons were the best fit for our family because we could all participate and learn together. I was amazed after a few lessons. I really did not consider Spud to be a dog that needed a lot of training. I was wrong. I didn’t realize how much time it took to do things with an untrained dog compared to having a trained dog. Any time I spent training was well worth it. I also noticed how much Spud loved the training.

When our private lessons were over, we started attending Graduate classes. This has been a great experience! Spud got exposed to lots of other people and dogs in a safe environment. He loves people but gets a little too excited. He is able to work on controlling his excitement in class. Classes are also a great resource. This is my first time caring for a dog. I like having Liz and the other dog “parents” to talk to about any issues and get recommendations for services.

I want Spud to be certified as a therapy dog. I am very happy with Spud’s behavior with us. Therapy work requires a higher level of behavior. I was not sure I would be able to calm him down enough to pass the test. This past summer we were taking an extended vacation. We decided to send Spud to Auntie for Camp. WOW! It was very nice to come back from vacation and have a dog that was still sweet, silly and loving but now was calmer and more obedient. I just signed Spud up for his TDI test. I am looking forward to sharing him with others.

Kim DeRosa
Tewksbury, MA

“We enrolled Toby in Auntie Dog’s Puppy Basics Group because, as Liz explained, although you (and she) can teach old dog new tricks, it’s better to start them young. They’re like sponges and they love to learn. Toby did well and learned all the basics; sit, stay, come, down, and heel.

As Toby got older we noticed he was becoming extremely fearful of situations which should not instill fear; meeting strangers, entering buildings, unfamiliar places, children, bicycles and more. He would shy away from all these situations. He would get so scared he would begin to tremble. I went to Liz and told her about these developments, and in typical “Auntie, can do” fashion, she said “We can fix this.”

With her expertise and guidance, Toby has made incredible strides. His fearfulness is a thing of the past. Liz’s ability to read dogs is uncanny. She correctly interprets a dog’s actions and behavior, and then formulates a corrective game plan.

Toby is now a well-trained, obedient, and, most importantly, very happy dog. THANK YOU AUNTIE!”

Mike and Sharon Messina
Tewksbury, MA

“I would like to thank you for the wonderful Puppy Basics class. When we got our new puppy, Pandora I knew we needed to train her. I also wanted to make sure my daughter was the primary trainer and bonded well with the dog. Liz at Auntie Dog was most helpful. She put my daughter in charge of all training activities and provided not only great dog training but the needed supports for my daughter to use and be successful. She and Pandora completed Puppy Basics and received their certificate. We are now looking forward to Obedience Group and the therapy dog workshop when Pandora gets older.

Auntie Dog provided a well-structured and calm environment even in puppy class for training. No shouting, barking or miss behaving from either the dogs or trainers. It was a wonderful experience.”

Bob Fubel
Tewksbury, MA

“After finding out my husband and I were expecting our first child we knew that our overly friendly 1.5 year old American Bulldog, Brody needed some work. We had trained him since he was a puppy but some of the most important commands never seemed to catch on with him. Brody is 80lbs of muscle and thinks he is an 8lb lap dog. This type of thinking wasn’t safe to be around a baby or all of the visitors that come with having a newborn.

When we first met with Auntie Dog about Camp I was nervous that Brody would lose his playful, happy go lucky side that everyone loves about him, but knew Camp was our best option. After Camp at Auntie Dog we now have a dog that listens and responds like we always wanted and his playful puppy side is still there.

I am back to work now and we feel confident that our moms have control with Brody when they babysit and we don’t worry that he will get himself into trouble. The best part of the experience has been seeing how excited Brody is to see Liz and her staff when we go back to Grad School or for follow up lessons. Brody loves being at Auntie Dog. He knows it is his time to shine.

Liz is a great resource for our training questions and questions about dog behavior. We love how well Brody has adjusted to having a little brother in the house. We know it wouldn’t have been as smooth of a transition without the wonderful staff at Auntie Dog.”

Monica & Chris Danaher

“What a pleasure it is to have Sam back from Auntie Dog’s training camp. At ten months old and over 80 pounds he was out of control and a handful for me. Since he has been back he has been a pleasure to walk and have around the house.

He will load in the car, something he refused to do before training and will come on command even while running on the moors and the beach.

Last night was the test: Henry, the cat decided to torment Sam by walking all around the furniture in front of him. Sam tried to ignore him but Henry jumped in front of him. Sam took off but with a voice command he returned to me, sat and then placed. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!”

Annie Menz
Nantucket, MA

“I was searching the Internet for therapy dog training for my 4-month-old Golden Doodle when I came across Auntie Dog. Auntie Dog and Liz were exactly what Sadie and I were looking for. Sadie spent 3 weeks at Auntie Dog then came home for 2 weeks. She returned for 3 weeks of Encore Camp while I traveled. At 9 months old she was ready to take the certification, but needed to wait until she was a year.

I’m constantly complimented by people telling me how amazingly well trained she is. People can’t believe she is just a puppy. Auntie Dog was fabulous at training both Sadie and me. We will be ready for therapy work as soon as Sadie is old enough. Thanks Auntie Dog!!”

Julie Palen
Weston, MA

“We acquired our Golden Retriever, Casey from a friend. She was playful, hyper and never listened to anyone. She was very hard to control. Casey was walking me, instead of me walking her! I knew she needed obedience school and that is why I turned to Auntie Dog.

Casey and I attended Obedience Group class. Liz went beyond my expectations. After classes we would speak to Liz and she would offer more advice and tips to help us correct some training challenges at home.

Casey is now an adorable dog that listens to me and obeys me on our walks. A neighbor stopped us recently and said, “I can’t believe you are walking Casey and she is not walking you.” The neighbors are impressed. I am grateful to Liz and Amy for giving me the tools and knowledge to help reinforce what we learned in class.

My goal is to have Casey take her Canine Good Citizen test and to attend Graduate Drop In School.

I enjoy going on walks and training now that I have control. It is a wonderful feeling. I cannot say enough about training at Auntie Dog. Thank you Liz and Amy for the guidance and instruction you gave Casey and me.

I would recommend Auntie Dog to anyone.”

Rosemarie DeAngelis
Tewksbury, Massachusetts

“Dear Auntie Dog,

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to be in your class. You went above and beyond what we expected. When we first fostered Penny we were almost ready to give up. Thanks to your patience and support we have an obedient dog and have gained the tools as Penny’s parents to utilize and enforce what we’ve learned.

Classes were life changing for Penny and our family. Your one-on-one session helped us integrate Penny and our children. We have much more control now. It is great to know that the training does not stop after group class. We plan to continue with Drop In Graduate School.

The training crew is amazing! We would recommend Auntie Dog to anyone.”

Nick & Amy Lombardo
Tewksbury, MA

“I adopted Odie, a German Short Hair Pointer cross, from Northeast Animal Shelter when he was almost 2 years old. He assimilated into my family perfectly. He was everything I was looking for in a dog, except almost immediately I noticed he was very anxious when alone. He would bark whenever I left, and occasionally he would have an accident in his crate. Being a rescue, he also did not have the proper training from puppy hood. It was hard to rein in his energy, to get him to stop pulling on leash, and to stop his excited jumping and barking when he met people and other dogs.

The last straw was when we were outside and he saw a squirrel. Given his prey drive, he hopped a four foot fence and took off. I chased him around the neighborhood for the next half an hour while he ignored every command I gave him.

I enrolled him in Training Camp to give him the training he needed. While it was hard to be parted from him, it was amazing to see the results. Odie is still the same goofy dog from before. but now he is a much calmer. He listens to what I say. I have the commands and the know-how to correct him if I need to.

I take him to weekly Graduate School to strengthen our bond through training, and to help him to continue to be a great member of my family.”

Lili Shi
Malden, MA

“Sending our two dogs, Frances and Bella, to Auntie Dog for a month of training Camp has been one of the best investments we have ever made for our whole family. Our Francie is a small 14-pound terrier. She is very sweet but can be nervous, and used to think that it was her job to sound the alarm at every neighborhood dog, delivery person or guest. Bella, our 45-pound, four year old, high-energy lab-mix, was quick to take the job of protecting both her canine sister as well as her human family. She would snarl and snap at every dog that came near us and howl (from atop the living room furniture) at every dog passing by the house. During her time off, Bella thought our whole house a playground and all of us as her playmates, often jumping on us and raiding the children’s toy box. Walking our dogs in an urban setting in which one invariably encounters other dogs, either on leash or those who are out in their yards, was stressful. I used to look with envy at the dogs who trotted happily along at their handler’s heel, thinking what a dream that would be. Of course, I couldn’t watch for too long, because I would need to find a good place to cross the street quickly before our dogs would engage with the oncoming dog.

Now home for almost three months after spending a month with Auntie Dog, Francie and Bella are not only calmer but happier too. I now look forward to passing other dogs on the sidewalk since we all know what to do, and it’s a great opportunity to practice the training. I still marvel when we are able to pass by with only one – or sometimes no – corrections needed to help both dogs walk calmly at my heel. Our dogs are now so calm at home; I feel as though we have moved to a new, much quieter neighborhood. The follow-up lessons and classes have been fantastic for learning and practicing the handling that our dogs learned at Auntie Dog. The lessons are fun and have given me the confidence I needed to know that we could maintain the work that the girls accomplished at Auntie Dog. Private lessons (part of the package) are a great way to tailor the training to whatever you need; for example, for us, this meant learning how to walk both dogs at the same time and learning how our seven-year-old could help with training. Liz is absolutely wonderful to work with: she understands how families work and is so positive and accommodating.

We highly recommend Auntie Dog to all those who dream of having a well-mannered dog! We would be happy to talk to anyone who has questions.

Genevieve & John Wolfe,
Somerville, MA

“I had a great experience at Auntie Dog. Liz and Amy were helpful inside and outside the classroom. My Siberian Husky, Chance and I attended Puppy Basics and then Group Obedience when he turned 6 months old. The sessions provided hands on instruction and great tools to work with.

We now enjoy attending Graduate School Drop In Class. The occasional outdoor sessions are a good way to increase Chance’s attention in a true neighborhood environment.

I highly recommend Auntie Dog!”

Chris Resendes
Tewksbury, MA

“Prior to Riley’s arrival at Camp, our playful and loving 5-month-old Goldendoodle was by far the worst walking buddy to have in the city. Although her cute face and curly blonde hair made quite the impression, her lack of attention and her desire to play with every dog we met tested our patience.

We decided to send Riley away for training because of our schedules and the lack of quality training resources near our home. We saw the Auntie Dog website and read the reviews. Our initial evaluation left us excited to see what Riley would be like after training. We wanted to focus on walking on a leash, basic commands without “working” for treats, and good puppy manners. When we picked her up from Camp we were astonished at the difference training had made. She walked into the training room a completely new dog! We wanted Riley to run towards us and kiss us, however Liz reemphasized the importance of maintaining our composure so that we would not encourage unwanted behaviors in our dog.

The lessons have enabled us to be good dog owners. We left the Studio excited to test Riley’s newly learned skills. Our first walk around the city was like nothing we had ever witnessed. Riley was attentive and seemed to check in with us from time to time to see if we were satisfied. Liz mentioned that Riley should always have a “job”…whether it is heeling, sitting, staying, etc. She is still the sweet, loving dog we checked into Camp, but now we love her even more because we can enjoy our walks and she understands commands inside and outside of the home.

We are expecting our first child and we wanted Riley to be comfortable around children and babies. We sent her back to Camp when she was 14 months old. Liz worked Riley in daycare settings and around children and babies. Riley learned to settle herself around children and maintain her manners. We cannot wait to attend group drop-in class and our follow up lessons to practice what we have learned. We are excited to welcome our baby and are relieved that Liz will be working with us to baby proof our first child (our dog). Thank you Liz for giving our dog a foundation for success. We can’t wait to see what other fun things Riley will learn and discover during the next few months!”

Ngoc Anh & Josh Goldstein
Charlestown, MA

“A foster family transported Brady, our Corgi-Mix, to Massachusetts. He was a stray from South Carolina.

He came from a shelter and arrived with several behavioral issues. We decided to look for a trainer to help us out. Then we found Auntie Dog and that’s where it all began. Liz met with us and took the time to explain everything. We signed up for private lessons. Brady was quite challenging. Liz was so good at teaching him all the things he needed to know, and she also taught us.

Liz is extremely professional, and we have developed a wonderful friendship and know that we can call her at anytime for continued support. We continue to take Brady to Graduate Drop-In school. He received his AKC CGC thanks to his training. Brady took part in a recent CGC test as a volunteer dog while other dogs were tested around him.

We have seen so much progress with Brady in 8 months. Brady now heels when we walk and his focus is on us. We enjoy his company more each day. We couldn’t have done it without Auntie Dog!!”

Nancy & Fred Irons
Tewksbury, MA

“Gaby is a fun, loving, sweet and energetic 2-year-old terrier mix. We adopted Gaby from a shelter when she was 5 months old. She was always a cautious dog, but as she matured she become very anxious in the car and when we would leave the house. She would pant, drool and rip up her bed and blankets in her crate and when she was in the car. Gaby was also very anxious on walks. Loud noises would scare her. She would hide behind us or bark uncontrollably when meeting new people. A good friend told us about Auntie Dog and the help Liz gave her dog.

We met with Liz and told her about Gaby. We decided to go ahead with the Training Camp to help build her confidence and work on her anxiety. It was the best decision we made. Gaby returned home to us calm and quiet. We saw the change in her starting with the car ride home the night we picked her up. There was no more panting or wet blankets. When we leave the house she goes to her crate. We are happy to say all her blankets are intact and dry!

Liz gave Gaby the confidence she needed to overcome her anxiety. She is still the same sweet, loving, energetic Gaby she was prior to Camp, but she is now a lot happier and calmer in situations that were once terrifying for her. We are so thankful to Liz for what she has done for Gaby and for us. Thank you so much!”

Kristen Magdycz & Kevin Cronk
Peabody, MA

“I took Gidget, my 3-year-old Yorkie Maltese mix, to Liz for training after many failed experiences elsewhere. This was the best decision I have ever made!

Gidget is an energetic loving dog who was very well behaved but a nightmare on walks. She would bark uncontrollably at dogs, strollers, runners – the list could go on forever. This became a very big problem living in the middle of Boston. I was embarrassed to walk my dog. A friend told me how amazing her dog was after training. I didn’t believe it but decided to give it a try. Liz took Gidget into her home and trained her for 4 weeks. She was amazing! Liz truly loved and cared for Gidget.

Gidget has a collapsed trachea and was unable to wear a traditional training collar. Tammy made a special harness to hold her remote collar. Gidget and I love to go on long walks now. She is extremely well behaved but still her fun and loving self.”

Trisha Allen
Brookline, MA

“Our puppy, Calypso, was trained during two separate Boarding Camp visits and Liz did a fabulous job! Calypso is now an expert at heeling, sitting and most importantly, not jumping when she meets new people. Although Liz trained us when we picked up Calypso, we found that very little effort was required on our part. We appreciated Liz’s attention and dedication to Calypso during the training process and she even cured Calypso of motion-sickness while riding in the car! We especially love seeing Calypso’s eagerness to be with Liz!”

Nancy Howell
Andover, Massachusetts

“The classes were so informative. I completed classes feeling confident and ready to deal with any situation. I no longer fear my walks in the neighborhood.”

Lisa Sutherland
Tewksbury, Massachusetts

Kaiser UPDATE: Kaiser models for Scarlett Dream Coats and is a frequent student demo dog for Auntie.

 

“We first started training at Auntie Dog, with our rambunctious black lab, Cody, after having mixed results with a previous trainer. Liz started Cody in the beginner class and covered the basics again. Cody responded really well to the techniques that Liz taught. In the time that we have been with Auntie Dog, Cody’s behavior has improved by leaps and bounds. We can’t imagine where we would be without Liz.”

Amanda & Ryan Fitzgerald
Tewksbury, Massachusetts

“After a failed training attempt and searching on the Internet, I found Auntie Dog. We wanted a residence program that would calm down our lab/husky. Jax is a little over a year and a ball of energy. He was very protective of me and I must say, very spoiled. I treated Jax as a person instead of a dog. The barking, sleeping in our bed and having to be on the furniture had to go. We were buying leashes all the time because he would chew through them. Walking was no fun because he pulled, barked and jumped.

We couldn’t have company over, because Jax would jump all over them and nip. We decided Auntie Dog was just what we were looking for. We chose the 4 week Training Camp, so Jax could live with Liz and train on a remote collar. When we left Jax for camp, I was a nervous mom and I felt like a failure. How could I leave my dog with a stranger he doesn’t know? Liz kept us updated with emails, pictures and texts. Anytime I missed him and texted her, she responded. Liz kept me at ease. I could hardly wait for homecoming!

When we picked up Jax from Camp, he was so well mannered and he loved Liz. I worried for nothing. We worked with Jax and learned his commands and how to use the remote collar. I could not believe it, my spoiled dog had respect. Now we go on great walks. There is no more pulling, barking, nipping or jumping. Jax heels. He is crate trained and we have our furniture back.

We are thrilled we found the Auntie Dog staff! Liz is available to us for any questions or problems. It is such a great feeling knowing Jax’s trainer cares about his well being and continues the training support even after Camp. We are looking forward to drop in graduate class.

I cannot thank the Auntie Dog staff enough. Jax is happy and we are happy. It is such a wonderful feeling. We are thrilled with Auntie Dog!”

Tammie & Dave Coyle
Norwood, MA

“We adopted our Great Pyrenees, Athena when she was 7 months old. She was a wonderfully loving dog but had begun to pick up bad habits. She pulled on the leash, jumped people who entered our house, listened to commands only when she felt like it and our neighbors complained about her barking during the work day. Worst of all, after almost 2 years she grew extremely attached to us and had developed separation anxiety.

A friend recommended Auntie Dog. After only a couple lessons Athena responded on the leash– a top priority given her 100+ pound size. We sent her to Training Camp to advance her training and to work on her separation anxiety. It was incredible when Athena returned to us. Her obedience and understanding were great. We were impressed by how calm and comfortable she seemed in all situations.

We have continued working with Athena. We now know that follow through and consistency are the keys to Athena’s success. We are continuing to work with Liz in follow up lessons and we will attend group drop in class. Training is helpful and a lot of fun.

Liz gave us a happier, more confident and even better behaved dog that we ever could have imagined. We are so happy to have trained with Auntie Dog. We would recommend Training Camp and Auntie Dog to others with a dog in need.”

Ben & Kristen Youngdahl
Portsmouth, NH

“Pixie is a one-year-old Dalmatian. She was very sweet and lovable, but didn’t know her place at home. She pulled us around and took the lead when we tried to walk her. We realized that we needed to teach her some manners and needed help in breaking the cycle.

We took Pixie to Auntie Dog for Board & Train camp. It was difficult, especially for me, to drop her off for what seemed like an eternity – three weeks! Liz and I kept in touch via email and telephone. Liz sent me photos and kept me informed of Pixie’s progress.

We are so thrilled with the results! Pixie is obedient and we are now the ones in control, instead of the other way around. We are able to take her for enjoyable walks without the pulling. Distractions are no longer a problem. We even take her on errands! It is wonderful because we can do so much more with her now and that was our goal.

Training is a win-win! Liz is very professional and passionate about her work and the results prove it. Oh, by the way, we took Pixie for a quick follow-up lesson with Liz, and Pixie was delighted to see her! That’s always a good sign.”

Patricia & Torsten Schwanbeck
North Andover, Massachusetts

“Jax is a 2-year-old Doberman. Prior to taking classes at Auntie Dog he pulled on the leash, barked if we were in “his spot” and generally ran our household. I had taken him to other trainers and experienced frustration and unsuccessful results. After seeing a newspaper article about Auntie Dog with a picture of a Doberman, I knew it was the place for Jax and me.

When I walked in shaking, Liz was genuinely happy to have us there and immediately made us feel at ease. We began with Obedience Group. I was surprised at how quickly our successes came. Every class was different and provided distractions and new experiences.

I am proud to say Jax has become a well-mannered dog and a pleasure to walk. We both enjoy attending Auntie’s drop in graduate classes. I never would have guessed what a good student he would become!

Liz is very passionate about her work and treats every dog with the same love and respect she gives her own dogs. I cannot thank Auntie Dog enough for everything they have taught us.

Jax has also stayed overnight with Liz and enjoys time with his new Auntie!”

Christine Kelley
Billerica, Ma

“My husband gave me a picture for my birthday of a sweet Rottweiler. He was coming from Miami.

My beautiful puppy, Tedy arrived. Then he started to grow and grow and grow…! I thought he would grow up to love my two Pomeranians. Well that’s not what happened. Tedy grew so fast that we never noticed he had no manners. We all spoiled him SO much (okay, mostly me). I had taken him to puppy training and then to 5 one-on-one sessions at another training facility but it wasn’t enough. He started going after one of my Poms and it worried us.

I called a trainer in RI. He pressured me into bringing my dog to him. Before I could make up my mind he tried to convince me that Tedy was CUJO. He told me that before long Tedy would be so out of control that he would most likely kill other animals and harm people. That trainer terrified me. I knew my Tedy wasn’t a killer.

I called Auntie Dog and made an appointment for an evaluation with Liz. I proudly brought Tedy flying through her doors, feeding him 1000 treats while he was weaving in and out from under the table, completely ignoring me. Within 5 minutes Liz said, “Maria, he’s a punk!” I thought to myself, what does she know about dogs that I don’t know – I’ve had dogs all my life. You know, the self-proclaimed dog whisperer?

Liz suggested Training Camp and I wondered how I could live without my sweet boy for a month? Is she alright? What’s wrong with me trying to walk Tedy and letting him drag me down the street? Tedy wouldn’t even acknowledge me when I called him. He loved jumping on me, our kids and everyone that came to the house. He jumped on the counters to see his bowl or see what I was cooking!! He was out of control.

After going home, I thought maybe Liz knows what she’s talking about. A few days later I got a note in the mail from her thanking ME for meeting with her and telling me Tedy wasn’t a bad dog, he just needed some manners. I was thrilled that she hadn’t labeled him a killer like the trainer in RI.

We brought him to Auntie Dog and left him for Camp. At first it felt like the end of the world. I missed him so much, but I had trust in Liz and I felt that she knew what was best for him.

Time passed and it was soon time for our homecoming lesson. We reviewed the training report. I never knew there was that much information to know about a dog! When we saw Tedy it was amazing. He looked like he had doubled in size! The more amazing thing was he wasn’t as much of a punk as before. My boy had manners!!

I can walk him and he doesn’t WALK ME. He doesn’t dart out into traffic anymore. Liz reviewed the commands that she and the training team taught Tedy. I took Tedy home and put him to work. I am thrilled with the incredible training Tedy received. He comes when I call him. He crates with a single command, he no longer counter surfs, and he doesn’t jump on us anymore.

I have gone to several follow up classes. I spent some time with Amy, another amazing Auntie Dog trainer. Amy raised and trained three Rottis of her own. Now I provide the structure that Tedy needs to be a good dog. As Liz said, “set him up to succeed”. I will continue to attend graduate classes long after my program session ends. I enjoy class and Tedy likes seeing his trainer friends.

Auntie Dog gave me the confidence to handle and direct my dog to make good choices. I am happy to have Tedy in my life! I have recommended Auntie Dog to a friend already.”

Maria Brice
Tewksbury, Massachusetts

“We brought Abe to meet Auntie because he was living up to the reputation as a Great Dane by being a GREAT challenge as a young puppy. Abe’s rapid growth was matched by his boundless energy. Despite daily walks and games of tug in the yard, Abe had a difficult time focusing his energy and obeying “Mom” and “Dad” around the house. It was clear that our boy would benefit greatly by channeling his energy in a more productive fashion (in other words, learning our rules and playing on our terms).

We enrolled Abe in Obedience Group classes with Auntie. The results were almost instantaneous. After the very first lesson, Abe had learned the appropriate way to walk on a leash and was beginning to understand that giving us his attention was the best way to get what he wanted. In addition to learning wonderful techniques for training Abe, we found the classes helped us bond with our puppy more and more each week.

After finishing up the group class, we were faced with the prospect of moving back to Boston and apartment life and leaving behind our acre of land. We decided that it would be best for Abe to stay with Auntie for Camp while we moved and settled into our new home. When Abe arrived home at our new “den” in the city, he was quick to adapt. The socialization he gained through classes and Camp combined with Auntie’s training made the move nearly seamless.

Abe is a complete joy to have and we are often complimented on his behavior and temperament. Neighboring tenants who meet him for the first time are amazed that such a large dog shares the same roof as them since they never hear him bark or see him misbehave.

After a few months of living the city life, we have just begun another round of training under Auntie’s tutelage. We are now working with a remote collar, with the goal of Abe living a leash free lifestyle, allowing him to socialize with more dogs on our daily walks along the beach.

Thank you, Auntie for helping us raise Abe to be the polite (and extremely popular) young man that he has become!”

Adam Nichols & Jess Lett
Boston, MA

“We found out about Auntie Dog when we met one of her recent students who was incredibly well-behaved while our 6-year-old female Lhasa-Poo, Murphy, was not! We asked that owner how she did it and she told us all about Auntie Dog.

We had no experience with handling a dog; we had tried several other trainers years back but had achieved very little improvement.

We met with Liz and described the issues we hoped to change for Murphy, for her safety and our peace of mind. These included her reactiveness to other dogs, vehicles, strangers, the doorbell, her pulling on her leash, etc. Together we decided that training camp would be the best approach.

After training camp, Murphy had made tremendous improvements in all the issues! From there it was up to us to reinforce and continue the improvement. Our initial 90-minute private session equipped us with the basic ideas. We learned how important it is for us to be responsible for Murphy’s leadership, and how much happier and more confident she is when we do so. In turn, we get more confident handling her. The group sessions in the following weeks helped continue our education as well as Murphy’s. We have even received compliments about Murphy’s good behavior!

Auntie Dog Training Camp made a tremendous difference in our lives and Murphy’s. The follow-up sessions give us continued coaching and reinforcement. The results are so good we plan to keep coming.

Thanks again to Liz and her staff for all you did for Murphy and us!”

Maryann & Lance
Andover, MA