Founder and Director of Training

Tia Livengood is the founder and Director of Training at Livengood Service Dogs. Her work is rooted in a simple mission: Rescuing Dogs to Rescue People.

Before working with dogs, Tia spent years training and working with horses. That foundation shaped the way she understands movement, timing, and communication with animals. Over time, that passion naturally transitioned into working with dogs, where she found her true calling in service and guide work.

After moving to Ohio in 2019, Tia apprenticed under Stephen LaVallee, who has over 25 years of experience in the service dog industry, including work with The Seeing Eye, Guide Dog Foundation, America's VetDogs, Paws With A Cause, and Liberty Dogs. That mentorship helped shape her approach to training, blending structure, real-world application, and individualized team building.

Tia is a wife and a mother, and her program reflects the same environment her own dogs are raised in. Her dogs live in the home, not in kennels, learning how to navigate everyday life from the very beginning.

She shares her home with three German Shepherds who each tell part of the story. Jax and Titus, both five years old, were originally trained for guide work but ultimately released from programs. Today, they play an important role as demonstration and distraction dogs, helping train the next generation. Dakota, now 13, was rescued and remains a steady presence and reminder of the value every dog holds, regardless of their path.

Tia was raised in a benevolent family where caring for others was not just encouraged, it was expected. That foundation continues to guide her work today. She believes that training guide dogs and their handlers is not just a profession, but a purpose God placed on her life.

Her training is hands-on, real-world, and deeply personal. She works directly with each team during the matching process, teaching both the dog and the handler how to move together safely and confidently in the environments they will navigate every day.

“Seeing the team click together and feeling the bond between me and the dog I trained transfer to the handler is incredible and indescribable.”

At the heart of it all, Tia’s goal is simple.

To help people move through the world with greater independence, confidence, and trust in every step.

1 Peter 4:10