Liz Vanderhoef, LFDM-W 

Meet Liz—a dog behavior nerd, certified treat dispenser, and the proud owner of three German Shepherds who keep her on her toes (and occasionally questioning her life choices). If your dog has a quirk—be it reactivity, resource guarding, or an inexplicable grudge against the vacuum—Liz is here to decode their behavior and help you navigate the chaos.

Her journey into the wild world of dog training began with a casual flirtation with Barn Hunt at For Your K9 in 2021. Little did she know, this would spark a full-fledged canine career, leading to full-time training by 2022. Now, as a Licensed Family Dog Mediator and graduate of Michael Shikashio’s Aggression in Dogs Master Course, Liz is committed to expanding her knowledge faster than a dog devours an unattended sandwich.

But wait—there’s more! Liz is also a part of the Working & Library Services division, where she curates top-tier resources and helps bridge the gap between research and real-world training. Whether it’s digging into the latest behavior science or explaining why your dog is definitely not being stubborn (yes, really), she’s got you covered.

Of course, no bio is complete without introducing the real bosses:
 Ruger (11) – The retired German Shepherd whose primary job is couch snuggling and making sure Liz never sleeps in.
Rumor (3) – A German Shepherd tornado of energy who dominates IGP, Nose Work, Shed Hunting, Dock Diving, and anything else that involves running full speed.
Roulette (1) – The youngest troublemaker in training for IGP, Nose Work, Dock Diving, and Agility—armed with puppy-dog eyes that can get him out of (almost) anything.

When she’s not wrangling dogs or working behind the scenes, Liz can be found at a baseball game, Starbucks cup in hand, cheering on her team with the enthusiasm of a Labrador spotting a squirrel.

So whether you’re dealing with a doggy dilemma, need some behavior insights, or just want to chat about why dog gear is so expensive, Liz is your go-to gal. With her by your side, every day is a tail-wagging adventure.