We hired Chad for a private session to help us out with our 5 year old Chihuahua. Our little dog has some behavior issues and the typical chihuahua nervousness about him. Some of the things we wanted to address was him snapping at people, freaking out when someone on a skateboard or bike goes by.. The UPS truck syndrome.. (He goes CRAZY when he sees a UPS truck) his behavior when on a leash and some potty related issues. Chad's tips and coaching was amazing. He armed us with skills and knowledge that we implemented right away. We went on a walk with our dog and he fixed the walking and leash issue right away.. We went to the skate park and worked on his nervousness around skateboards and bicycles.. Chad was very patient with us and showed us everything multiple times to make sure we feel comfortable. He was also very attentive to the dog.. It's like they spoke the same language. We were so proud of our little guy once the training was done. Chad understands dogs and the psychology of dogs. I think he can be a psychologist for humans as well, but that's a different topic. He is a great guy with an amazing skill set. I recommend you write a list of all the issues you would like to address regarding your dog so you can prepare a game plan with Chad. We have had 2 private sessions and will be signing up for his public training classes in the summer time to socialize our little guy some more and teach him additional skills. I highly recommend Chad and his program. He is not only a great guy but has been a huge help for us with our dog. read more

Chad was very helpful in getting our toy rat terriers to walk with us much better. His method of dog training made us realize that ,we, the owners needed the training. Great job and love your FB site. read more

We had Chad come out to our house a few weeks ago to help us with our two dogs who are a 3.5 y/o boxer and a 1 y/o black lab. Both dogs have energy to spare. Our lab changes the dynamic in the house since she is still so young. Chad has given us tools to help with many of the behavior issues we have been dealing with. We are finding it is much easier to train the dogs than it is the humans they come in contact with. But we are all learning. We especially appreciate Chad checking in on us to be sure things are on track. read more

"Chad is the real deal. Just watching the way my dog behaved around him right off the bat, I knew this was the guy for us. He's got incredible dog training and people managing skills. Thriving Canine cares about dogs and it shows in every gesture and suggestion." My dog was a real handful before. But I saw a true results after the first visit. read more

Chad at Thriving canine is the best. I was struggling with my shih tzu with general obedience but with his help I know have a well mannered puppy. Chad helps you accomplish your goals while creating a fun and positive environment for dogs. I would definitely recommend Chad if anyone is looking for a dog trainer. Thank you Chad! read more

Chad is one of the most patient and knowledgeable trainers I have met. My rescue dog and I have been working with him regularly and I am pleased to say that we have experienced fantastic results. As a trainer, Chad exudes confidence and provides clear direction to get the performance you desire out of your dog. read more

I had Chad come over the first day our puppy arrived. Within minutes he was able to get her to sit and come on his command then train us how to do it. Simply amazing. Worth every cent if you are looking for a trainer. Also talked to us for over an hour on how to raise our puppy as I had no idea on what to do. Cant wait to begin puppy classes! read more

I'm sure by reading all the reviews you can tell how great Chad is, but I can't help but add my praise also. We adopted a pit mix from the shelter and since I'd never had a big dog before, I had no idea how to handle her. She is very sweet, but was jumping up, etc. in the first class Chad showed me how to handle it. She jumped up and I put my knee out. That happened twice and over a year later she still does not jump up. Ever. He also talked about not getting excited when we got home, so the dogs wouldn't get too excited. It's amazing how well that worked too. A friend was having a hard time walking her dogs so I referred her to Chad. He went to her home and right after he left she called to say how great he was with the dogs. read more

Chad is wonderful to work with. He loves animals and is patient with owners (we generally need more work than the dogs do) I recommend any pet owner to take some of his classes and the group hikes are a lot of fun and a great workout for dogs and owners alike! read more

I am a first time Australian Labradoodle owner. He is a handful and Chad has been very helpful in training me, Dillon and helping with our neighbours who do doggy daycare. Extremely calming influence which is needed by all involved! read more

Our dog, Niner, loves his people and only his people. We heard about Chad from a friend and hoped he could help make a difference. We needed ideas, explanations and a course of action to work on Niner's behavior issues. Chad did not disappoint! Niner warmed up to him in about 30 second. He only got out one bark before he decided Chad wasn't so bad after all. Chad was wonderful at listening to us about some of Niner's behavior issues and he addressed a lot of them on the spot. We used to have to chase Niner around the house to put on his leash, we assumed that meant he didn't want to walk. Chad helped us understand that Niner would actually come to appreciate walks - which he does! We have another session scheduled with Chad where we will address the doorbell and also work on building trust to be around my niece and nephew. We are so hopeful that the world may get to see what a sweet dog Niner really is. Thanks, Chad! read more

Chad is a great trainer!! Unfortunately, he had to train ME how to be a good owner for my Jack Russel terrier. When my dog was a puppy I was working long hours and after that I became ill so she was smart but untrained for at least 6 years!! She was really a challenge by the time I met Chad. His calm and gentle ways showed me what a good dog she could be with the proper handing. His common sense rules are so easy to use that she has become a better behaved dog. As Chad told me, "she doesn't have to like everybody she meets and she won't be perfect" BUT she does have to listen and behave, which was the most important accomplishment!! His patience with us (due to my inconsistency), his reasonable price and his unwavering persistence for the benefit of the dog shows his dedication and commitment to all dogs. I highly recommend his service. read more

We feel like we were ripped off of $150.00, but I guess lesson learned.. Next time I will do my homework better. The four stars is because Chad did good by us after we had a chat on email.. Thanks Chad.. read more

This is the best Dog Training class I have ever been too, and I've been to a few. Its probably the closest thing you're going to get to the Dog Whisperer in this area, and I'm sure a whole lot cheaper. Chad is great and really takes time to work with each dog and owner on an individual basis. I had a lot of concerns with my Rottweiller before starting the class, and Chad has been able to address just about everyone of them with positive results. I love that he charges per session, instead of comitting to a 6 or 8 week program like most trainers. This makes things very flexible and allows me to go when its convienent for me. Thanks Chad for all the help. Turbo appreciates it! read more

I adopted a Bordie Collie mix from the local shelter, and it didn't take long to realize I needed help if I wanted my new family member to be well behaved and happy. I started emailing Chad, and he was quite helpful and generous with his information. We then had a one-on-two (Chad with me and my puppy Joey) session which was very thorough and beneficial, and very reasonably priced. Chad evaluated Joey and me in our home and on leash, and gave great instructions, advice, and demonstrations to help me teach Joey. Chad took his time and was very patient with my lack of dog training knowledge, and he managed to instill a sense of confidence in me that had been totally lacking prior to our meeting. Chad was also wonderful with Joey, and just watching how he interacted with my puppy was very enlightening. Rewards were immediate for both Joey and me. Joey loves the praise he's now earning, and I love hearing people on our twice-daily walks say "What a well-behaved dog!" (Yes, the change was that immediate!) I know that Joey and I both still have a lot to learn, and am looking forward to drop-in classes and group hikes with Chad. Joey and I would strongly recommend Chad without reservations to anyone wanting/needing dog obedience training. read more

We had a 1 year old Australian Shepherd, who, as sweet as she is to us, needed help socializing with other dogs & people (especially with a baby on the way!) We reached out to Chad after hearing about him by word of mouth. Our dog had basic training before from a corporate company and learned sit, stay, etc... Chad provided two, (2) hour sessions, in home. Both sessions worked wonders! He spent a lot of time getting to know our dog, observing her, and being able to give us stuff to work on. A couple months later, after we did some work with our dog, we had Chad come by again for a 2nd session. He was able to expand and progress our training with our dog with this 2nd session based upon all of the work that was done previously. He even stated that we didn't need a 3rd session, which was refreshing that someone was actually truthful and not trying to just get your $$$! He could have easily recommended a 3rd, 4th, 5th etc...session and we probably would have obliged due to the great work he did. But I appreciate his honesty in the matter! We participate in the "fine tuning" sessions that he holds weekly for ($10 per session or 4/$32). You will NOT find a better value (location, trainer, etc...) anywhere as far as dog training goes. It is a great way for our dog to socialize AND keep up with her training. My only regret is not going to Chad first and wasting time and $$$ with the corporate company! read more

My dog is the smartest dog around. :) I am the one that needs training and Chad is always there to make sure I am staying on tack with my goals. Wether it is going back to basics or wanting to learn something new. Chad is patient and really gives everyone he works with personalized service. No quesiton is too silly. Whatever your goals are he is right there teaching you how to achive them. He also takes the extra step and looks at nutrition. He only wants the best for you and your four legged family member. read more

Chad not only has a way with dogs, he also has a way with people. His communication skills are stellar, in that he somehow knows how to tell you that you may be the problem, not your dog, and you feel thankful in this new found knowledge. It doesn't feel critical. He helps to find the issue and devise a plan of action. His follow up and follow through are very personable and sincere. He really does care about your relationship between you and your canine family member. Thanks Chad, for helping so many pup-pups and their clumsy humans! :) read more

We went through a course with our JRT- a VERY high energy and fairly high maintenance dog. Chad is a very impressive trainer because he is amiable with the people and the animals- he was very flexible at how he taught, but he made sure you knew how to DO the needed things. He wants you to be positive with the four legged family member, so he's very positive with you. I say this because he's also big on follow up and after care- he wants to know how things are going after you leave the class. He has a website and a webcast my wife listens to, I believe (unfortunately I don't have those listed right now). read more

Thanks to Chad for help with discipline for our dog Cody Ross,he is enjoying socializing with people. He seems to feel more comfortable and happier that we have learned to set limits.He was aggressive and overly protective, he now enjoys having people over and is a dog that is loved in our neighborhood. We still have work to do with stranger dogs, but neighbor dogs and known dogs to him are playful and enjoy his company. We have learned that dogs like children need discipline and structure. He is happier and loving with what Chad taught us. Thanks is not enough for the change in our happy loving dog. Mark and Gail read more

The Dog Whisperer of the South Bay. I have a five month old puppy who has sleeping and potty training issues. I enrolled in his puppy training but wanted some additional one on one advice. Chad has a program to meet everyone's needs. If he doesn't have a program that meets your needs, he will create one. I like his positive attitude and his obvious love of animals. read more

After adopting a new puppy, we knew we wanted to get some expert training advice. We found Chad on Yelp and signed up for a private training lesson (which was great because we got to focus on our specific issues and concerns). Chad's methods worked immediately with our puppy!! We couldn't believe how responsive she was to his techniques. Chad was very easy going and knowledgeable, and shared very helpful ways of training/handling both our dogs. Would highly recommend to anyone who just wants some good training methods, or is having specific issues. read more

Chad came out last Friday to work with our two ding dong dogs. We were going a bit crazy with some of their behaviors. Chad addressed each of our concerns and gave us practical and easy to implement changes in the way we were dealing with them. We worked on barking issues, walking, meeting other dogs, jealousy between the two dogs and licking. They aren't perfect yet but boy are things better! Thanks Chad! Would highly recommend him! read more

I have 3 dogs who are training with Chad and I am so thankful I found him. He has helped me learn so much, and helped my dogs become great, well balanced dogs that I can take anywhere with confidence. All 3 of my dogs have gone through ALL of his classes including agility. His classes are full of useful information and fun for your dog and yourself! His teaching tactics are straightforward, simple, and effective. We have fun but learn all at the same time. Its a great experience. My German shepherd is only 9 months old and an amazing product of his training tactics and hard work. I have been with Chad for the past year and have never seen him lose patience or be inappropriate with any dog. I strongly recommend him to anyone who needs to work on an issue with their dog or just to expand their knowledge and training ability. You can tell he is in this business for his passion for animals and nothing more. He's truly great at what he does and I recommend him to everyone who has a furry K-9 friend. read more

Our first one on one training with Chad Thriving Canines at our home. We were given Thriving Canines name by another family with pit bulls who had contacted Chad and was very happy with his training methods and obedience training. We have an American Bull Dog/Queensland Healer, Rvca, who is 9 months old with a large attitude. In a very short time Chad had Rvca controlled and listening to him. He taught her some new things which she learned very quickly and he taught us humans some new things as well which we will be working on at all times. We want Rvca to be the best and happiest dog that she can be. We needed help to provide that for her and that's where Chad comes in. We were very pleased with Chad's professionalism and knowledge and we look forward to having him continue working with Rvca in his obedience class in March. We highly recommend Chad with Thriving Canine for your animal care/training/obedience needs. Thank You Chad read more

I have a 1 1/2 year old shepard/lab mix who is a sweetheart but had some issues with pulling on the leash and also territorial/ overprotective behaviors that I was beginning to worry about. I decided to sign him up for a private lesson with Chad in hopes that I could correct this behavior and have peace of mind while having strangers around. After one session with Chad, I can already see a tremendous difference. Chad was able to identify possible causes of his unsavory behavior and give me tools to help correct them. It has already made my life easier. He was able to point out little things I was doing that were sending the wrong message to my dog and told me a better way to manage him. I am beyond happy with my experience and thoroughly impressed. Chad well exceeded any expectation I had and I HIGHLY recommend him if you are considering dog training for your furry friend. He is patient, intuitive, and certainly knows what he is talking about. My pup loved Chad and responded wonderfully to him. read more

Since Lizzie cannot type, I am helping her. She (and I) are thrilled to have found Chad to walk Lizzie each day. He has a wonderful talent with dogs and I am amazed at her response to him. We hope to work on some training later and know it will be successful. Highly recommended. read more

We had great results with Chad helping us with our dog Rauleigh in just one private training at home.

I am the owner of a sensitive 2 year old Bouvier mix. This is the 8th dog I have trained, and I have strruggled with her personality. She is fairly dog aggressive out of fear. Chad is the third trainer I have worked with to help me with this problem. He is a good listener, has a good sense for the dogs issues, and has checked up on my progress with my dog after each private session. I really feel I am getting my moneys worth, as well as I have someone to turn to with questions. Again, I am not a first time dog owner, and Chad has a wealth of information that has been very helpful to me. read more

AWESOME! Chad helped me with a VERY playful high strung Aussie puppy. It's been 15 years since I've had a puppy and forgot all the training techniques you need to have a happy well-adjusted dog. Chad uses techniques that I highly recommend. If you have a puppy it's a MUST to go through his puppy socialization class. Take it from someone who had a very aggressive dog in the past (no fun)! THANKS CHAD! read more

We worked with Chad back in October 2012. We have an Australian Cattle Dog that we rescued and we were looking for help with very specific behaviors that we wanted to address. Chad was great. He came to our house and spent 2+ hrs with us. He was great with our dog, who is typically aloof with people but bonded with Chad very quickly. By the end of the training session Chad had shared specific techniques for us to use to modify our dogs behavior. We saw immediate improvement and have not needed any follow-up training sessions, although we continue to work our dog and socialize him. If Chad lived closer we would have enrolled in one of his classes. I highly recommend his services. read more

I've worked with Chad a few times with my dog Charlie. I love his calm manner and find it easy to trust him. I've used a lot of trainers but never really felt confident and trusting... Chad's awesome. I've been using the technniques he's shown us and Charlie has quickly adapted and now realizes I'M the master! I would highly recommend his services! read more

I began taking my dog to Chad's puppy class when he was 6 months old, he graduated from that and we started his Monday night drop in class and we've been going for the past 2 years. I have never seen Chad be inappropriate with a dog or a person, he is a professional and a lover of dogs. I would recommend him to anyone without hesitation. My dog is smart, well trained and it is all thanks to Chad's training and guidance. read more

Chad is Awesome! I attended his puppy class when my Great Dane was 8 weeks old and learned so much from his class. Fast forward to her turning 8 months old and over 80 lbs. He met me for a private lesson at the dog park yesterday where we go nearly every day to help me as she was not listening to me or coming when called. Mostly at the dog park. It was becoming embarrassing because I would have to chase her around the park to leash her to go home often needing help from the other folks there with their dogs. She was also pulling on the leash and making it difficult to even get into the park due to her size knowing she is only getting bigger. He identified the problem right away. We worked for two hours and I was able to walk with her on the leash without her pulling almost immediately. He taught me how to work with her to correct the problem of her not listening since he realized that she was associating me calling her to her having to leave. It made perfect sense. I am excited to continue working with her using what he's taught me. Well worth the money. He's great! read more

I inherited two dogs from my aunt. They came to me as adult dogs who had been guarding a large property in Mexico. They are both rescue dogs and one is aggressive towards other dogs. He is a lab/ pit bull mix. I have lots of experience with dogs but I felt a bit overwhelmed by these two. How was I going to get them to fit into my regular suburban neighborhood? I called Chad to help me figure out what to do. Our private session began with the big dog coming within inches of killing my cat and ended with him walking comfortably down the street with Chad's dog. Chad showed me what I had to do to control my dog out in public as well as some ideas on how to make the dogs good neighbors. Chad came back once more so I could feel confident taking my dogs out on my own. My dogs are doing well and I can take them both out and control them in the presence of other dogs. Chad has a way with dogs and his knowledge not only helped me solve the big problems, but he also helped me to correct some of the things I do that are not effective. And by the way both of the dogs really liked him! I plan to bring the dogs to his obedience classes to continue their training. read more