Unleash the Power of Positive

Research has shown that positive, reward-based training works best and results in a stronger bond.

About Caroline

Welcome to Raising Rover!

Positive reinforcement dog training and behaviour consulting services in Toronto.

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Where Good Dogs Grow

Ensure your pup grows into the best dog he can be with Toronto’s Puppy Expert!

About Puppy Classes

Professional Dog Training

Why Choose Us

Raising Rover is the only school in Toronto to offer a unique combination of education, qualifications and experience. Positive reinforcement-based programs – offered both online and in person – provide effective solutions for all your training needs. We are committed to client service and it’s our pleasure to make your training experience an enjoyable one.

Board-Certified

Caroline Applebee holds a B.Sc. in Biology from McGill University with a specialization in Animal Behaviour and became Toronto’s first Board Certified Professional Dog Trainer in 2004 through the CCPDT.

Results Driven

Offering group classes as well as private training options, both in person and online, Raising Rover is committed to tailoring an approach to best meet your needs and provide the ongoing support to ensure you are successful.

Force-Free

Research shows that reward-based approaches to training are not only more effective, they carry less risk of behavioural fallout such as anxiety and aggression issues and it’s just more fun for both the dogs and their people!

What We Do

Puppy Training & Socialization

Raising Rover’s popular Puppy Head Start program is designed to provide pups between 9-16 weeks with the best possible start in life. Whether you prefer a fun and supportive group class, a fully customized private training experience or self-study option, program emphasis is on proper approach to socialization, problem prevention and introduction to good manners. You’ll have the roadmap and expert coaching to raising a dog who is a joy to live with and able to go anywhere life may take you! Consider it a behaviour vaccine for your pup!

Adolescent Dog Training

This unique program is aimed at levelling up those puppy foundations while specifically addressing the challenges of living with teenage dogs. So If that sweet pup who hung on your every word has already developed a case of selective hearing OR you’ve recently finished puppy class and are wanting to ensure those early lessons develop into reliable real life manners this program will help you navigate the teenage stage with confidence!

Private Dog Training & Behaviour Modification

Completely customized programs are available for general manners as well addressing more complex issues such as shy/fearful behaviour, food-toy guarding, reactivity (barking/lunging on leash and separation anxiety. And because not everyone wants to be a dog trainer or has the time needed to get results, programs may include a private tutoring option where I will work with your dog in their own environment and then teach you how to maintain the skills learned. Get in touch to book a complimentary discovery call to discuss the right program for you!

Rave Reviews

What Our Clients Say

When seeking out training programs, Caroline came highly recommended and working with her has been an incredibly positive experience. We found our first round of classes so valuable that we continued on with the Advanced Life Skills classes. After our training experiences with Caroline, we feel confident taking Bowie to off-lead dog parks, having him socialize with children and adults, and know how to interpret Bowie’s behaviour and best support him when he may be feeling uncertain or uncomfortable. Caroline is incredible and we are so grateful for our time spent working with her!

Vanessa, Ted and BowieBernedoodle

My 2 year old dog Beau was becoming generally reactive on leash, both to strangers and to certain dogs. I reached out to Caroline who in our first session equipped me with clear techniques and followed-up with detailed notes we used to practice. Caroline was warm, patient, clear and available. It really felt like she approached me and Beau as a unique case, rather than following a rinse-and-repeat formula. I felt that her assessment and advice were highly personalized for both me and Beau and that she really cared about setting us both up for long-term success. I noticed a huge change in Beau during the very next walk. We began enjoying longer walks, with less pulling, better focus and far less reactivity. I also feel like we developed a stronger bond as Beau seems more confident and he looks to me now instead of reacting.

Jane and BeauCockapoo

Beautiful 6 month old golden Maple was held back from the litter for breeding but the Breeder changed her mind and we felt like we had won the lottery. What we quickly discovered was the fact she was not house-trained, would panic when left alone, wasn’t crazy about her crate and seemed to love our living room rug for all the wrong reasons. Within a few days our rugs were at the cleaners, the kitchen hardwood was curled and we were exhausted and discouraged. We seriously considered giving her back. Then in came Caroline who gave us a plan and gave us the tools and encouragement to make Maple a happy and well-behaved part of our family. We could not have been successful without her knowledge and caring.

David Susan and MapleGolden Retriever