Board and train in McHenry, IL that actually works.
Welfare-first board and train for dogs with big feelings. Your dog lives in my home in McHenry, learns in real life, and comes back a different dog. Serving McHenry and surrounding McHenry County. Virtual support available nationwide.
A behavior professional who actually understands your dog.
I am Liz Vanderhoef, a Licensed Family Dog Mediator based right here in McHenry, Illinois. I work with reactive, fearful, anxious, and misunderstood dogs using modern behavior science, the L.E.G.S. Model, and a whole-dog approach that considers everything, not just what you see on the surface.
My work is rooted in the belief that behavior is communication. Every dog has a reason for what they do. My job is to figure out what that reason is and build a plan that actually makes sense for your dog and your life. Board and train dogs live with me, in my home, so what they learn holds up once they're back in yours.
From first call to home again
Every board and train is built around the individual dog. Here's how we get there, from intake to the day your dog comes home.
The Deep Dive Intake
Every new client starts with a virtual Deep Dive before any in-person work. This is where I get the real behavioral picture and confirm a board and train is actually the right fit for your dog.
See how intake works
Home-Based Board and Train
Immersive programs for real behavior change. Your dog lives in my home in McHenry, not a facility, and learns in real life. Programs starting at $2,750.
See programs and pricing
Coming Home, With Support
Your dog comes home with real skills, and you come home with the coaching to keep them going. Follow-up support continues well after the stay ends.
See ongoing support$200
Deep Dive
Already credited toward your total. If we decide together that board and train is the right next step, your Deep Dive fee comes off the price.
Board and train in McHenry, done differently.
There are a lot of options for board and train. Here is what sets this work apart.
Welfare comes first
Every decision is made with your dog's physical and emotional wellbeing as the priority. Not just results. Not just obedience. The whole dog.
Behavior understood, not suppressed
Your dog is not broken. They have a reason for what they do. About 80% of the cases I see have a medical component, so we look for pain or other physical drivers before or alongside training.
Real home, real life
Board and train dogs live in my home in McHenry, not a facility. They learn in the real world so the skills actually transfer when they go home.
Real dogs. Real progress.
A few words from guardians who trusted their dogs to a board and train here in McHenry. Happy to provide references for any of these.
Kelly & Brenden
"We knew within the first few days that Monty was benefiting so much from his time with Liz that we extended his stay by an extra week. It was obvious he was thriving, and he didn't seem to miss us one bit." — Monty, Italian Greyhound
Elizabeth
"We did the board and train with Liz and it was the best investment we could have made for our dog. Our dog has fully come back as the best version of herself, who's enjoyable to be around now." — Molly, Samoyed Mix
Gretchen
"Liz has done more to support us and our dog than I can share in one review. She has a real way with dogs and their people. We have also boarded our dog with her, and he loves his time with her." — Bosco
Based in McHenry, serving the surrounding area
In-person services are available within approximately 30 minutes of McHenry, Illinois. Virtual behavior support is available anywhere in the US.
Let's figure out what's next.
Whether you're in McHenry, Cary, Crystal Lake, or anywhere in between, I'd love to hear about your dog and talk through whether board and train is the right fit.
Get in touch