Dog training and boarding near Crystal Lake, IL that actually works.
Welfare-first behavior support for dogs with big feelings. Board and train programs, behavior consultations, and dog boarding serving Crystal Lake and surrounding areas in McHenry County, Illinois. Virtual support available nationwide.
A behavior professional who actually understands your dog.
I am Liz Vanderhoef, a Licensed Family Dog Mediator based in McHenry, Illinois, just minutes from Crystal Lake. 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.
Dog training and boarding near Crystal Lake, IL
Whether your dog needs an immersive board and train, behavior consultations, or safe enriching boarding, every service is built on the same welfare-first foundation.
Board and Train Programs
Immersive 2, 3, or 4 week programs for real behavior change. Your dog lives in my home in McHenry, just minutes from Crystal Lake, learns in real life, and comes back a different dog. Starting at $2,750.
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Behavior Consultations and Coaching
For reactive, fearful, and complex dogs in and around Crystal Lake. Every case starts with The Deep Dive, a thorough virtual consultation. In-person sessions from $175.
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Dog Boarding near Crystal Lake, IL
Behavior-informed boarding in a real home in McHenry, not a kennel. Enrichment built into every day, low-stress individualized care. Traditional and behavior boarding available. From $75 per day.
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Puppy Prep Program
Puppy board and train starting at $2,750 or Puppy in Your Pocket virtual support at $350 per month. The foundation your puppy needs in the critical early months, serving Crystal Lake and beyond.
See puppy optionsDog training near Crystal Lake, IL done differently.
There are a lot of trainers in the Crystal Lake area. 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. This work is about understanding that reason and building a plan that addresses the root, not just the symptom.
Real home, real life
Board and train dogs live in my home, not a facility. They learn in the real world so the skills actually transfer when they go home.
Serving Crystal Lake and surrounding areas
In-person services are available within approximately 30 minutes of McHenry, Illinois including Crystal Lake and all of McHenry County. Virtual behavior support is available anywhere in the US.
Your dog deserves real help.
Whether you are in Crystal Lake, McHenry, Woodstock, or anywhere in between, I am ready to help. Reach out and tell me about your dog.
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