The Steadfast Canine
Service area: Woodstock, IL and surrounding areas in McHenry County, within 20 minutes of 516 N. Seminary Ave.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Behavior Modification
- Working Dog
Specialty Focus Areas
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Biting / Nipping
- Separation Anxiety
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Board and Train
- Day Training
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Large
- Working
- Herding
- Doodles
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
- ✓ Positive with Some Corrections
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
Private training is tailored to the owner and dog’s needs with hands-on in-home sessions. Board and train programs include on-leash, off-leash, and hybrid options for intensive behavioral modification or obedience. Boarding offers home-like comfort with playtime and outdoor access. Daycare and drop-in services are available for flexible care. All programs begin with a free in-home consultation to assess goals and recommend the best path forward.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing details are not publicly listed; clients are encouraged to schedule a free consultation to discuss customized packages for private training, board and train, or boarding services.
Testimonials
Eric did a great job with our Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. Our dog was biting and jumping and with Eric’s help, we really learned how to handle these behaviors. Eric also helped our family recognize when to make corrections and helped with crate training and our lives our better for it. I would highly recommend his services.
– Sarah – Briggs
We had been looking for a trainer to work with our rescue dog, Romeo, for quite a while and came across Steadfast Canine. We needed a trainer who had experience with strong working breeds (specifically Malinois). We knew very shortly after meeting Eric that he was the perfect trainer for our boy. He has always been confident and calm with Romeo (even when he gets spicy). We have learned more about Romeo in the months we have been working with Eric than we had in the 4 years since adopting him. Eric is incredibly patient, personable, explains why we do certain exercises, and gives us insight into how our dog thinks. We can tell he genuinely cares about Romeo and we completely trust boarding him with Eric as well. Highly recommend Steadfast for your training needs!
– Anonymous – Romeo
One year ago our rescued pit/shepherd mix, Newton, started to show signs of fear aggression… Eric was the main trainer that worked with Newton during his 5 week stay for behavioral modification… Newton returned home with amazing obedience… Today Newton is greeting strangers with licks on their hands, can be offleash around other dogs, is a strong swimmer… We were saddened to hear that Eric relocated back to the midwest, but we are so excited to see him opening his own business in Illinois.
– Anonymous – Newton
About the Trainer
The Steadfast Canine is a dog training and boarding business led by Eric, a certified dog trainer with over 10 years of experience. They offer personalized private training, board and train programs, and in-home consultations to help dog owners build stronger, clearer relationships with their pets through consistent communication. Services include puppy development, behavior modification, obedience training, and day care or overnight boarding with a home-like environment—no cold kennels. Eric specializes in working with strong breeds like Malinois and German Shepherds, and has successfully helped dogs with fear aggression, reactivity, biting, leash pulling, and separation anxiety. Clients appreciate his deep understanding of dog behavior, patience, and ability to explain training principles in an accessible way.
They also provide daycare, drop-in care, and extended stay discounts for boarding, making them a comprehensive solution for busy dog owners. Their approach emphasizes understanding the dog’s mindset and tailoring training to the owner’s lifestyle and goals.
Accomplishments
Eric graduated from The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers in 2021 and has over 10 years of hands-on experience. He was mentored by Kirk Halma at K9 Motivation and has trained dogs in obedience, sport, and working disciplines, including high-energy breeds like Malinois and German Shepherds.
How to Get Started!
Client engagement begins with a free in-home consultation to discuss goals, lifestyle, and dog behavior. From there, Eric recommends the most suitable program—private training, board and train, or boarding—based on the dog’s needs and the owner’s preferences.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
8am-6pm
Certifications
- Credentialed
Associations
- Accredited
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Dog day care center
- Pet boarding service
Location
516 N Seminary Ave, Woodstock, IL 60098Listing Tools for Trainers
For The Steadfast Canine Only
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