Liz (CPDT-KA, FFCP) is the trainer behind Like Magic Canine, specializing in thoughtful, relationship-centered support for dogs with big feelings, brand-new puppies, and unique households. She shares her life with a rotating cast of canine and feline nerd references and believes every dog deserves a training plan built on trust.
Certifications:
CPDT-KA, FFCP
Dog training services include
In home training, Board and train, Off leash training, Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
More info about Liz Cummins's dog training:
I provide relationship-centered training services focused on both preventative and prescriptive behavior support - helping dogs and their people build confidence, connection, and coping skills that make life more enjoyable on both ends of the leash.
Whether you're raising a new puppy, navigating adolescent chaos, or supporting a behaviorally complex dog, I meet teams where they are with a hybrid approach that might include:
š§ In-person coaching
š¾ Group classes
š» Virtual support & video feedback
š Board & train with collaborative follow-up
Most of my clients work across multiple modalities, giving them structure and flexibility in their learning journey.
My specialty is helping dogs with big feelings - including reactivity, fear, frustration, and overarousal - and teaching their humans how to train with clarity, compassion, and creativity.
Behavioral issue focus:
Leash reactivity and aggression
Fear-based behaviors and confidence building
Arousal regulation and frustration tolerance
Resource guarding (objects, spaces, people)
Puppy raising and prevention-focused foundations
Multi-dog household dynamics and management
Dog-cat (and other inter-species) integration
Kid-dog relationships and family support
Relationship building for newly adopted or misunderstood dogs
From puppy foundations to complex behavioral challenges, I help dogs and their people build sustainable skills through connection, clarity, and a little creativity.
Dog training methods:
My approach is relationship-centered, flexible, and designed to meet each dog and guardian where they are.
I begin by looking at the whole picture:
Prevention and management strategies
Wellness and enrichment needs
Skills and support systems that can make an immediate difference
Most programs start with a virtual consultation so I can provide real-time feedback and support right away. From there, clients receive a customized client portal with summaries, tailored recommendations, and clear next steps to keep momentum going.
In terms of training methodology, I do not use aversive tools. Instead, I work to set the environment and expectations up for success - creating sustainable progress through collaboration, not control.
Whether you're looking for clarity in your training plan or confidence in your connection, my job is to support both ends of the leash with science-backed, dog-centered strategies.
Why I became a dog trainer:
I became a dog trainer because of Mouse - my first dog, my heart dog, and my greatest teacher. She was reactive and struggled with her arousal regulation - leading to challenges in day to day life; walks, classes, and certainly any interactions with other dogs. Supporting her meant learning everything I could about behavior, communication, and how to meet dogs where they are. What started as a search for help became a passion - and eventually a career. Now, I get to be the calm, encouraging support I once needed - helping others navigate reactivity, connection, and all the big feelings that come with sharing your life with a complicated dog.
My favorite part of being a dog trainer:
Watching my long-term clients grow and change - and seeing their dogs grow with them. There's nothing better than witnessing a team step into confidence and start experiencing more of the world together.
My #1 dog training tip:
Start with kindness and clarity - for both ends of the leash. When you prioritize understanding, communication, and emotional safety, the rest often follows more easily than you think.
David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
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