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Hiking with Dogs

allegany state park

Allegany State Park | BeeHunter Trail Hike

Hiking with Dogs

The Beehunter trail is one of the most popular hiking trails at Allegany State Park. Allegany State Park is one of the most popular outdoor spots in western NY. There are so many activities available including hiking, cabin rental, camping, fishing, canoeing and bike trails. It's a great place

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loose leash

Loose Leash Dog Training in 4 Simple Steps

Dog Blog· Dog Training Tips· Hiking with Dogs

This post is all about how to train your dog to walk on a loose leash!Enjoying a walk with your dog is one of the highlights of being a dog owner! But what happens when you start avoiding walking your dog at certain times to avoid certain triggers? Or reroute to other avenues if you see another

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petsite treadmill review

Petsite Treadmill Review

Dog Blog· Dog Care· Dog Essentials· Dog Training Tips· Hiking with Dogs

In this post, I'll share my complete Petsite Treadmill Review.  I have a high energy dog. Seriously, in all four years that I've had her she's never been tired and we have done 18 mile hikes, we've spent 8 hours working on the farm together and she comes home and still wants to play tug of war. This

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alexxligg

I help dogs and dog owners enjoy life together and sometimes I ride horses. 🐶🐴

*Shared with the permission of the owner* This i *Shared with the permission of the owner* 

This is a call I get a lot, so I want to educate on some FAQs and common mistakes made when picking equipment for your dog. 

People often search for new equipment when their dog is pulling too much or reacting. They feel overwhelmed and out of control and look for a new tool. Totally understandable. Sometimes we need to change the tool to get better results! 

Owners often reach for prong collars- and GIANT ones- like this one because they think, “my dog really pulls/is extra large/is out of control so they’ll need the biggest size they have.” 

But especially with reactive dogs, prong collars can increase defensive drive in dogs and make reactivity worse. Plus, we almost never need this size. 

*IF* I use a prong collar (which is very rare these days) we’re usually reaching for the smallest link size and adding links for larger necks. 

More than likely, we’re reaching for a slip leash, or for big dogs, something like the Heathers Heroes SideKick Leash that uses a power loop to disarm a dog’s strong back muscles. 

Dogs are sensitive creatures. They can feel a flea on them, and they can be responsive to the slightest change in movement, pressure, or vocal commands. It’s the person who feel the need to get bigger, louder, stronger when they don’t feel heard. 

We can teach your dog to be as sensitive as possible, and we don’t have to dull them with big, loud tools. 

Pictures is a Great Dane who became sooo much more responsive and connected when we swapped the prong collar to the SideKick, which we’re starting as a slip leash. We are conditioning her to be comfortable with it over her nose too so we can be better prepared if she has strong feelings. I LOVE that this owner was so willing to trust me with her dog, own her past decisions, and be willing to share what she learned to help educate others!
A picture of Razz, probably under appreciating the A picture of Razz, probably under appreciating the view, at Letchworth State Park
Hi! There’s a lot of new people here recently, Hi! 
There’s a lot of new people here recently, so I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself, the business and some updates!

I’m Alex Austin! I am the owner and trainer at Liggett Dog Training. Liggett (Lih-Get) is my maiden name, and comes with my mother’s side of the family who taught me so much about what I know about animals. 

I have been training professionally for almost 4 years, but before that I worked in veterinary medicine, trained horses, and worked in an animal shelter. Along the way, I also got my master’s in Social Work and spent about two years working as a mental health therapist.

I got wrapped up with training when my own dog, Razz, was experiencing some very significant behavior issues and in my horse trainer brain I knew that I couldn’t send her away for training because her behavior depends on ME. Someone else could teach her the skills, but it was up to me to implement them. 

So, I started digging in and doing the work myself, consulting a few mentors along the way. She is always a dog who will need some management, but we have both come such a long way with where we were. 

When it comes to helping and training your dog I am here for YOU and your dog. Dog training, especially behavior modification, can be incredibly personal and emotional as you evaluate yourself, your relationship with your dog and the options that you have. 

These days, I am heavily focused on pet dog training and teaching you and your dog practical life skills to help both of you enjoying life together. We approach training holistically- looking at the relationship, the lifestyle, exercise, and even your pet’s diet when it comes to maximizing your dog’s quality of life. 

Below is a picture of myself and my dog Razz (the smaller one) and Cooper. Cooper recently earned his angel wings after a two year battle with Cancer. You’ll probably see him pop up on my newsfeed from time to time as he was a once in a lifetime dog for our family and an asset to helping other dogs in training. Continued in comments..
Absolutely beautiful evening to work on leash skil Absolutely beautiful evening to work on leash skills, socialization and a touch of obedience. 🌅

I absolutely love seeing the progress from day one even only a few sessions in. ☺️
Had such a fun weekend running for Empire Animal R Had such a fun weekend running for Empire Animal Rescue Society (EARS) at their annual 5k! We love supporting our local rescues especially those that are foster based!

Razz came along for the run, too and overall did really well with all of the commotion! She wore a muzzle as a safety precaution but also to help alert others that she’s a dog who needs some space from other dogs to do her best. 

We also chatted briefly about getting a foster dog in the next couple weeks 👀
It’s a good thing photos can’t convey smell. It’s a good thing photos can’t convey smell. 
Otherwise this would be a trigger warning photo. 😂

Razz thought a small pond in the woods was just mud, but sank a little deeper than she anticipated and immedietly turned herself around.
We just got home from the biggest weekend booth we We just got home from the biggest weekend booth we’ve ever had!!! 

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat, take home a treat for their pup or to support LDT! 

Razz was promised an ugly chew - and luckily there’s a few left over!! 

@uglychews and other treats are always available at group classes and private lessons - we are working on a pop up shop during group classes too ☺️
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