Behind Every Dog, There’s a Story.
Meet Liz and the dogs behind Freedom Found, where compassion meets behavior change.
Meet Liz - Owner & Behavior Consultant
Hi, I’m Liz Vanderhoef, a Licensed Family Dog Mediator, behavior consultant, and full-time dog behavior nerd. I specialize in working with reactive, sensitive, and misunderstood dogs. I also help dogs who need a slower pace or a more individualized approach thrive in off-leash environments and structured retreats.
My journey started in 2021 with a casual flirtation with Barn Hunt… and snowballed into a full-time dog training career by 2022. I’ve completed Michael Shikashio’s Aggression in Dogs Master Course and hold certifications in both the Working and Library Services divisions of Family Dog Mediation.
I also help bridge the gap between research and the real world by curating resources for fellow trainers and professionals, and applying those insights to the dogs in front of me, every day.
Whether I’m supporting a dog through a behavior shift, curating an adventure walk, or figuring out how to explain “it’s not stubbornness, it’s stress” for the 700th time, I’m doing it with heart, honesty, and a lot of snacks.
Ruger’s Legacy
Freedom Found exists because of one very special dog, Ruger.
Ruger was my heart dog. My steady shadow. My greatest teacher. He came into my life when I knew so little and gave me grace as I learned what it really means to meet a dog where they are. He showed me that behavior is never just a list of problems to solve. It’s a reflection of needs, emotions, and experiences we can’t always see.
We lost Ruger in June 2025, and there are no words big enough to hold that grief. But this work, this mission, this movement, that's how I keep him with me.
Freedom Found is his legacy. It’s a place where dogs get to be dogs, where behavior is met with understanding, and where we never stop asking, “What do you need to feel safe, secure, and seen?”
Every off-leash hike, every behavior consult, every quiet moment of connection with a misunderstood dog... it’s all for him.
Ruger helped me find my way. Now, I help others find theirs.
The Real Stars of the Show
Let’s be honest, I just work here. These two are the ones running the show.
Rumor is an energetic tornado who thrives in IGP, Nose Work, Shed Hunting, Dock Diving, and anything else involving speed, drive, or mud. She keeps me humble, and on my toes. She’s taught me everything I know about resilience and intensity.
Rumor - Chaos Manager
Roulette - Adventure Intern
The youngest of the crew, Roulette is training in IGP, Nose Work, Dock Diving, and Agility. He’s clever, charming, and not above weaponizing his puppy eyes. He’s also my hiking sidekick, recall demo dog, and frequent trail tester.
So, why Freedom Found?
Because that’s what every dog deserves, a life where they feel free, not fearful. Where their needs are understood, their choices are respected, and their people have the support they need to make it happen.
At Freedom Found, I don’t believe in forcing dogs to fit molds. I believe in meeting them where they are and helping them grow from there, with kindness, clarity, and a little trail dust along the way.
Want to chat?
If you’re not sure where to start, reach out. I’ll help you figure out what your dog needs and what’s possible.