Internationally Certified
Our team holds certifications through IAABC (CDBC), CCPDT (CPDT-KA), and Cooperative Paws (SDC), plus a BA. Fully insured and committed to continuing education and ethical practice.
Ontario, Canada — Ethical. Evidence-Based. Compassionate.
Free assessment: 647-274-2887
About Thrive
Women-led and rooted in trauma-informed, ethical practice. We help dogs and their people thrive through calm, compassionate, science-based training.
Book Free AssessmentGet In Touch
- Ontario, Canada
- 647-274-2887
- info@thrivecanineservices.ca
- Mon–Wed, Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Thu: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thrive Canine Services
Dog Training And Behaviour
For families who've tried everything — and dogs who deserve to be understood.
Calm. Ethical.
Results.
Expert canine behaviour consulting and service dog coaching in Ontario. We help dogs and their people move forward — with clarity, compassion, and methods that last.
Certified Canine Behaviour Consultant (IAABC)
Certified Dog Trainer (CCPDT)
Certified Service Dog Coach (SDC)
15+ Years Experience
Who We Are
Behaviour is communication,
not defiance.
At Thrive Canine Services, we believe every dog deserves to be understood, and every client deserves collaborative support grounded in compassion and expertise. Led by Lisa Large (CDBC, CPDT-KA, SDC) and Nicole Dow (CPDT-KA, SDC), we specialize in complex behaviour cases, aggression, and ethical service dog development.
- Methods that protect your bond
- No punishment — ever
- Support where you need it
0+
Years experience
0+
Dogs helped
0
Certifications
You're in the right place if…
Your dog has bitten someone — or you're worried they might.
Walks feel impossible. Every outing leaves you anxious.
You've tried trainers, videos, and advice. Nothing has worked.
Your service dog team needs support you can't find locally.
"We believe no one should feel ashamed for needing help."
Book Your Free ConsultationWhat We Offer
How Can We Help You & Your Dog
Canine Behaviour Consulting
Is your dog struggling with fear, aggression, or reactivity? We find the root cause — and build a real path through it.
Service Dog Team Coaching
From task foundations to public access readiness — supporting handlers and dogs at every stage of their journey.
Consulting for Healthcare Professionals
Collaborate with a certified behaviour consultant to better support your clients and navigate service dog assessments with confidence.
Consulting for Pet Professionals
Complex case support, mentorship, and evidence-based education for trainers, vets, and rescue teams who want to go deeper.
Get Started Today
A Conversation, Not a Commitment
Not sure where to start? Most people aren't. Every new client begins with a free phone consultation — just a conversation. We listen to what's been happening, what you've tried, and what you're hoping for. No sales pitch. No judgment. Just a calm, informed conversation about whether we're the right fit for your family.
Or call: 647-274-2887
Our Approach
What Happens When You Reach Out
Step 01
A Conversation, Not a Commitment
A no-pressure call to understand your dog's history, your concerns, and whether we're the right fit. No obligation. We start by listening.
Step 02
Understanding Your Dog's Full Picture
We look at your dog's history, environment, emotional state, and behaviour patterns to uncover the root cause — not just the symptoms.
Step 03
A Plan Built for Your Dog — Not a Template
A customized plan built around your dog's unique needs — practical strategies, clear communication, and skills that last long after our sessions end.
Step 04
Ongoing Support
We walk beside you — not above you. Email and phone support between sessions ensures you're never navigating this alone.
Serving Ontario & Beyond
We offer in-home consultations throughout Ontario and virtual sessions across Canada — complex behaviour, service dog teams, and professional consulting.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
"Lisa changed the way we see our dog completely. We came in feeling defeated and overwhelmed. She helped us understand what our dog was communicating and gave us tools that actually worked. No pressure, no judgment — just steady, compassionate guidance."
Client — Ontario
Canine Behaviour Consulting
"Nicole's expertise with our service dog team has been invaluable. She has a gift for seeing both the dog's needs and the handler's challenges simultaneously. Our team communication has transformed."
Service Dog Handler
Service Dog Team Coaching
"As an occupational therapist, having a trusted canine consultant to collaborate with has been a game-changer for my clients. Lisa's knowledge of DOLA, service dog suitability, and documentation is exceptional."
Occupational Therapist
Healthcare Professional Consulting
Resources & Education
From the Thrive Team
For Professionals
Trauma-Informed Canine Care: A Guide for Healthcare Teams
What Clients Are Saying
Real Results for Real Dogs
Five-star reviews from the families, professionals, and trainers we've had the privilege of working with.
★★★★★
"I was skeptical about their service as I have been met with such resilience lately when it came to my dog aggressive dog and getting help. Lisa was wonderful. She was compassionate, understanding, nonjudgemental and genuinely kind and helpful. I will 100% recommend their services to anyone in need of behavioural assistance for their dog."
Hilary M.
Canine Behaviour Consulting · Google Review
★★★★★
"Lisa is outstanding at understanding canine behaviour. She has been a huge help with navigating some issues I'm having with my reactive boxer boy. Training is ongoing but I've noticed huge changes with his behaviours thus far. Lisa has been very knowledgeable, understanding, supportive and encouraging throughout our process and she is committed to the end result of having a confident, well adjusted and happy boy. I highly recommend Lisa and her team!"
Kelley C.
Canine Behaviour Consulting · Google Review
★★★★★
"I cannot fully explain how happy we are to have met Nicole. She is truly exceptional. Extremely knowledgeable, highly compassionate and so very kind. We rescued a dog and felt somewhat disheartened by the lack of resources for training — fortunately for us we discovered Nicole at Thrive. Her advice has been so helpful. We so look forward to working with her in order to properly train Ivy. You are so appreciated!"
Gabriella C.
Service Dog Coaching · Google Review
★★★★★
"We had our dog assessed today for a behavioural issue. We were thrilled to learn that we could harness this issue and teach our pup better strategies. Absolutely happy with a plan being presented to learn the how-to's of training our pup to be a better citizen! Best educational investment ever. Lisa is the game-changer."
Audi S.
Canine Behaviour Consulting · Google Review
★★★★★
"Working with Lisa has been one of the most positive and enlightening experiences we've had as dog guardians. Lisa doesn't just fix problems — she helps you build a relationship based on mutual trust, understanding, and clear communication. She guided us in seeing the world through our dog's eyes, and helped him feel safer, more confident, and more connected. What sets Lisa apart is her commitment to positive, science-based methods and the LIMA approach — every step grounded in kindness, respect, and the dog's emotional well-being. We can't recommend her highly enough."
Heather F.
Canine Behaviour Consulting · Google Review
★★★★★
"Delighted to see more animals and their people have the opportunity to train with Lisa Large through her work with Thrive Canine Services. Lisa brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, and is extremely approachable, articulate and professional. Her passion for canine behaviour is infectious, and I have had good experience and feedback when referring patients to her. Thank you to Lisa and team for offering their services to our area!"
Dr. Mann, DVM
Veterinary Referral · Google Review
★★★★★
"Lisa Large and her team are truly exceptional. Their depth of knowledge, commitment to science-based methods, and dedication to staying current with the most effective training approaches set them apart in this field. Any trainer would be fortunate to learn under the guidance of Lisa or anyone on her team. Lisa, I am sincerely grateful for the mentorship and support you've provided as I continue my journey as a professional dog trainer."
Angel G.
Professional Mentorship · Google Review