Both have participated in dog sports with their own dogs (Border Collies, Airedale Terriers, Welsh Terriers) and encourage their clients to have fun with their dogs in a variety of ways. They currently have two Border Collies to keep them very busy! Luis and Tina are members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and several local and national dog clubs. Through the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers, a national organization, they have earned the designation of Certified Pet Dog Trainers (CPDT).
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Grooming is available for both companion dogs and for show dogs. All dogs will love the gentle touch used. Hand stripping of terriers is a specialty. We have experience with a huge variety of breeds, both large and small, to include Poodles, Bearded Collies, Scottish Terriers, Airedale Terriers, Collies, Shih Tzus, Newfoundlands, Goldendoodles and many, many more.
If you have any question about class being held due to poor weather on a particular day/night, please wait until 8:00 AM/4:00 PM and then call us at 978-779-6054. If we decide to postpone class prior to that time we will call you. Please be sure we have the correct number to reach you during the day!
Darling Ruby has flown to heaven. My happy, sweet girl is no longer tired or in pain. My heart is broken. But I know she is again delighting in chasing a tennis ball and running around an agility course. She is rolling in the grass and throwing stuffed toys in the air. She is doing all the things she always loved.
Reviews (13)
Cherie Miller
Apr 19, 2022
Diana Hassa
Apr 08, 2022
Charles Smerlas
Mar 27, 2021
Carolyn Mitchell
Mar 04, 2021
Sabrina Duffy
Mar 28, 2020
Steve Cormier
Jan 01, 2018
Susan R.
Jan 09, 2014
I first became aware of Its a Dog's Life over 10 years ago when we got our then puppy. We took their entry level course which was great and helped to make our dog the well- behaved family member he is today. We also utilize their boarding and grooming services which I also recommend. Luis has strict rules about drop off and pickup( its their home afterall) but both he and Tina have been kind and caring concerning my dog these past years. Even though I moved from the area I still return to Its a Dogs Life because I know I can rely on their experience and kindness where my dog is concerned.
Ran D.
Jan 27, 2013
Its a dog life has been great with our intact Doberman who is a handful, worse with strangers, and even worse with doggie day cares. Luis took the time to earn his trust, became his friend, and show us with out a doubt they're great at what they do! I would highly recommend him. He has been reliable, trustworthy, and extremely helpful.
S. M.
Jan 15, 2013
Luis and Tina Avery of Its a Dog Life run an exemplary business of grooming, boarding, daycare and training for all kinds of dogs. Prior to finding them, we tried using various dog walkers, or dog playgroups in our local area but found them to be expensive, inconsistent and unreliable and our dog wasn't getting the long periods of exercise and socialization that most dog breeds really need.
We were thrilled when we began bringing our springer spaniel puppy here several years ago and have been using their services every week since then. Our dog comes home happy and, most importantly, TIRED! Luis and Tina have a large, well-contained outdoor space for dogs to run and play. The dog kennels are clean and well maintained and each dog's personal needs are met with care and love. Its a Dog's Life has our highest recommendation.
We were thrilled when we began bringing our springer spaniel puppy here several years ago and have been using their services every week since then. Our dog comes home happy and, most importantly, TIRED! Luis and Tina have a large, well-contained outdoor space for dogs to run and play. The dog kennels are clean and well maintained and each dog's personal needs are met with care and love. Its a Dog's Life has our highest recommendation.
Jeanne D.
Jan 10, 2013
I am not sure if Kay C is talking about the wrong place? I had the exact opposite experience at "It's a Dog's Life" so I feel she must be confused. I signed my puppy up for a 6 week beginner training class with "It's a Dog's Life" in Bolton, MA, and after the first week, my family had an unforeseen, radical, schedule change. As a recently separated mom of three kids, it was very hard for me to juggle my schedule at that point.
The owners told me not to worry about it and we would re-schedule the remaining lessons during the next cycle. They were extremely accomodating, and despite the fact that I signed a contract stating my money would not be returned if I did not complete the class, they worked with me to make a class work into my schedule. My puppy loved going there, and we got our six sessions in, thanks to the flexibility of the owners. They are truly nice people. I recommend their dog training classes.
The owners told me not to worry about it and we would re-schedule the remaining lessons during the next cycle. They were extremely accomodating, and despite the fact that I signed a contract stating my money would not be returned if I did not complete the class, they worked with me to make a class work into my schedule. My puppy loved going there, and we got our six sessions in, thanks to the flexibility of the owners. They are truly nice people. I recommend their dog training classes.
Kate G.
Oct 02, 2011
Took 1.5 hours of what was to have been an 8 week puppy kindergarten class here. It was apparent on day 1 that the owner/trainer did not have familiarity nor patience with, or tolerance for all breeds/types. My naivete gave him the benefit of the doubt after week 1, but I left the class half way thru during week 2 when he was downright rude to me and my stubborn breed (Rhodesian Ridgeback) puppy.
After class, I waited to tell him that I didn't think it was going to work out and he said he didn't think so either. I asked for a pro-rated refund AND HE REFUSED! He may be OK for some dogs and their people, but since he was unprofessional and worse with my dog and me, that makes him unacceptable in my opinion. There are too many legitimate and professional training choices in Metrowest to begin here. (Check out Especially for Pets!) BTW - I have gone on to take many training classes with my now 3 big dogs, with several different trainers; all of whom treated all dogs and their humans with equal respect, and I'm happy to say that mine are among the best behaved dogs I know - and as president of a local dog owners group, I know plenty!
After class, I waited to tell him that I didn't think it was going to work out and he said he didn't think so either. I asked for a pro-rated refund AND HE REFUSED! He may be OK for some dogs and their people, but since he was unprofessional and worse with my dog and me, that makes him unacceptable in my opinion. There are too many legitimate and professional training choices in Metrowest to begin here. (Check out Especially for Pets!) BTW - I have gone on to take many training classes with my now 3 big dogs, with several different trainers; all of whom treated all dogs and their humans with equal respect, and I'm happy to say that mine are among the best behaved dogs I know - and as president of a local dog owners group, I know plenty!
R. W.
Jun 19, 2011
We regularly leave our retriever with Luis when we are away for business or vacation and we know he is in very good hands. Although it is clear that our dog will never be a world champion on the agility course, the classes were wonderful fun for both pet and owner. I have no reservations whatsoever in giving them 5 stars.
Kay G.
Mar 05, 2011
It was a couple of years ago, but of the many obedience classed I have taken with my three canines over the past decade, this one paled dramatically compared with all others. Luis Avery may be a decent enough trainer with mild mannered, eager to please dogs (but then, aren't we all?), but doesn't have a clue how to effectively or positively deal with the more independent or stubborn breeds.
He was impatient and short tempered at the fist session with my fairly large and immaturely stubborn but sociable and excited-to-be-around-other pups Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. Foolishly, I gave hom the benefit of the doubt and returned the following week. Within minutes of the second week, it was fairly obvious that he's a selective dog lover (a trainer who can be inpatient with a puppy is an inexcusable as a teacher who can be impatient with a child); it was pretty clear that he didn't like my indpependent puppy. Minutes after the 2nd session bgan, I iremoved both of us from the group and walked outside, waiting for the class to end, at which point I returned to tell him that I didn't think this was gonna work out.
He agreed. I asked for a pro-rated refund and he said "no refunds!" Really? After one hour long class in which he did little but express exasperation with my beautiful girl, and after demonstrating his inability to effect any progress with us (and axting as if it were our fault!)? We paid for 6 hour long lessons, attended one full, benefitted from no training whatsoever and suffered his ill temper and bias against me and my dog - who by the way in the hands of patient, positive, and knowledgeable (of all breeds) handling is now one of the best behaved canines I've ever known.
Check out the training at almost any Especially for Pets location for a knowledgeable, effective, and far superior training experience. If you have a large, smart, independent-minded dog, do him and yourself a favor and stay away from this guy!
He was impatient and short tempered at the fist session with my fairly large and immaturely stubborn but sociable and excited-to-be-around-other pups Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. Foolishly, I gave hom the benefit of the doubt and returned the following week. Within minutes of the second week, it was fairly obvious that he's a selective dog lover (a trainer who can be inpatient with a puppy is an inexcusable as a teacher who can be impatient with a child); it was pretty clear that he didn't like my indpependent puppy. Minutes after the 2nd session bgan, I iremoved both of us from the group and walked outside, waiting for the class to end, at which point I returned to tell him that I didn't think this was gonna work out.
He agreed. I asked for a pro-rated refund and he said "no refunds!" Really? After one hour long class in which he did little but express exasperation with my beautiful girl, and after demonstrating his inability to effect any progress with us (and axting as if it were our fault!)? We paid for 6 hour long lessons, attended one full, benefitted from no training whatsoever and suffered his ill temper and bias against me and my dog - who by the way in the hands of patient, positive, and knowledgeable (of all breeds) handling is now one of the best behaved canines I've ever known.
Check out the training at almost any Especially for Pets location for a knowledgeable, effective, and far superior training experience. If you have a large, smart, independent-minded dog, do him and yourself a favor and stay away from this guy!
