Helping reactive dogs find freedom, safety, and connection.

Training, behavior boarding, and adventure walks in McHenry, IL.

Two black and brown dogs lying on a large stone in an open grassy field on a cloudy day.
Schedule A Consultation here

Ways to Work With Us

A woman with a gray hoodie and black pants standing on green grass, holding a black dog on a red leash during daytime with trees and a blue sky in the background.

Behavior Support

Consultations, follow-up coaching, and hands-on training to help dogs with reactivity, anxiety, and other big feelings. We’ll create a plan tailored to your dog and support you every step of the way.

Explore Behavior Services
Two dogs sitting on an indoor floor, one brown and white with a turquoise leash, and the other black with a purple collar, in front of purple furniture.

Boarding

Overnight care in a calm, home environment. A safe alternative to crowded kennels, with personalized attention for your dog’s comfort and routine.

Learn More About Boarding
Three dogs standing on a large rock formation in a green outdoor landscape with rolling hills and grass.

Nature Adventure Hikes

Small-group, enrichment-based outings led by a behavior professional. Perfect for dogs who thrive on movement, sniffing, and freedom beyond the backyard.

Explore Adventure Hikes
A woman with glasses and a black t-shirt standing beside a large dog on a leash. They are outdoors near a red car.

Why Choose Freedom Found

Freedom Found was created in honor of Ruger, the dog who taught me that every dog’s story deserves to be heard. Our work is rooted in the L.E.G.S.® model, which considers each dog’s Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self to create truly individualized care. This means your dog is not just another case. They are a partner in the process, and their needs guide the path forward.

What Sets Us Apart

  • Licensed Family Dog Mediator (LFDM)

  • Insured for training and boarding services

  • Science-based and compassionate approach

  • Customized plans for every dog and family

Learn more about Us

Real Stories, Real Results

A black dog with large ears, sticking out its tongue, outdoors with green grass and a blue sky in the background.

My German Shepherd, River, was a challenge due to reactivity that surfaced during adolescence. We had to stop our rally classes, hiking, neighborhood walks, and paused our favorite thing -- nosework trials -- for more than a year. Although I had some amazing online and in-person classes aimed at helping us manage reactivity, and we made progress with pattern games, it wasn't until I had a private session with Liz that things turned around.

- Sandra A.

A happy, tan-colored dog with a black nose and black collar sitting on a gray concrete floor inside a store, with orange shelving and blurred products in the background.

Liz has absolutely made my life more enjoyable with my sweet, challenge of a dog, Darla. She assured me that it is hard, it is frustrating, but keep at it! And we have, and the progress we’ve made makes me so happy and hopeful. In the beginning, Darla developed a habit of freaking out at the site of other dogs. She’s just VERY excited to investigate. This would happen at a good distance, and once another dog was out of site, it would take her 10-20 minutes to calm herself down. Thanks to Liz’s guidance, we now can be in the same room with 4 other dogs and accomplish learning new things together.

- Dan B.

A happy, fluffy puppy with a merle coat pattern, blue eyes, and a black nose, sitting in tall green grass.

We were referred to Liz by a friend and our dog took to her the first day she met her. She’s like a dog whisperer. We did the board and train with Liz and it was the best investment we could have made for our dog. We gave Liz a list of a lot of troubles we were having and she addressed them all. She checked in with us regularly during the training and helped us transition our dog when she returned home. Our dog has fully come back as the best version of herself who’s enjoyable to be around now!

- Liz M.

Read More Reviews
A dog running on a grassy trail in an open field with leafless trees in the background.

Ready to take your recall skills to the next level? Join me for a 4-week online group class designed to help you build a recall that works in the real world, whether you’re at a busy park or exploring a quiet trail.

Each week includes:

  • A structured video lesson

  • Personalized feedback on up to 3 minutes of video you submit

  • Group learning and individual support

  • Clear, practical steps to make your recall stronger and more reliable

Start Date: October 6th at 7pm CST
Format: Weekly online lessons + feedback
Investment: $175

This class is not self-paced, it’s designed to keep you moving forward with structure, accountability, and support.

New 4-Week Virtual Class: Real-Life Recall Strategies That Stick

Register Here

Does this sound like your dog?

Big feelings. Reactive outbursts. Struggles in traditional training settings.

You’re not alone, and your dog isn’t broken.

At Freedom Found, we help dogs and their humans move beyond frustration and into connection, trust, and freedom.

Whether it’s individualized behavior consulting, immersive board and train support, or off-leash adventures tailored for sensitive souls, we meet dogs exactly where they are and help them grow into who they’re meant to be.

Located in McHenry, IL, Freedom Found specializes in working with reactive and sensitive dogs. If your dog barks and lunges on walks, feels overwhelmed by new people, or just isn’t thriving, we’re here to help you both rediscover what’s possible.

This does sound like my dog and I do need help!

Not sure what service fits your dog best?

Send me a message! I’ll ask a few questions and help you figure out what’s the best first step.