With over a decade of professional dog training experience and a background as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Liv offers a perspective that few in the industry can match. Her approach is built on the same principles she uses with her therapy clients: meeting the individual exactly where they are. While her journey began with family dogs and horseback riding, it was the process of training and eventually rehabbing her own service dog, Sarabi, that solidified her commitment to the field. Liv holds a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and a Master’s in Business Administration, along with specialized certifications in trauma (CCTP) and Animal Assisted Intervention (C-AAIS). This clinical expertise allows her to support the human end of the leash just as effectively as the canine end, providing a stable foundation for owners navigating the complexities of service work or behavioral modification.
At Operation Canine & Co, Liv focuses on building relationships through obedience, patience, and adaptability. She draws daily inspiration from her own pack, which ranges from her backyard protector Luna Bear to her PSA bite work prospect Patrol. Rather than forcing an animal to conform to a rigid expectation, Liv works with the dog’s natural temperament to build a partnership based on mutual respect and clear boundaries. She specializes in helping dogs with anxiety and is passionate about the precision of agility and protection sports. Liv believes that training is a process with both good and bad days, and she teaches her clients how to manage their own emotions to better lead their dogs. When she is not training, Liv is likely planning her next Disney trip or enjoying her favorite sweet and sour snacks.