Birchwood Behaviour & Dog Training

Sophia Rowe - RVT / PDT

A woman with glasses and a purple beanie smiling while holding a puppy in a wooded outdoor setting.

Servicing the Ottawa region, Birchwood Behaviour & Dog Training bridges the knowledge of a veterinary technician and a professional dog trainer in every session. By pairing medical understanding with my behavioral expertise, I help clients see not just what works, but why it works—building clearer communication, healthier habits, and stronger bonds. Inspired by the resilience of the Birch tree—nature’s first sign of renewal after hardship—I’m committed to helping dogs and their people grow from a strong and reliable foundation.

Work with Me

The Birchwood Approach

At-Home Training

Because dogs learn best where they feel safe, I bring training directly to you. By working in your dog’s own space, we can better understand their routines, triggers, and natural behaviours, allowing us to tailor training plans that feel intuitive, supportive, and effective.

Positive & Balanced Approach

Like the resilient Birch tree, I focus on building strong roots: a foundation of trust, consistency, and understanding between you and your dog. Through a blend of reward-based encouragement and shaping, I help your dog grow into their best self—steady, adaptable, and ready to thrive in every environment. Whether you’re starting with the basics or navigating complex behavioural challenges, I’m here to support you through every season.

A person in outdoor clothing with a backpack kneeling on the forest floor next to a smiling dog during a hike in the woods.

Home Consultation

95$

My home consultation typically runs between 60-90 minutes, depending on the needs of your pet. My goal is to leave you feeling confident with achievable goals, and includes:

  • Initial visit questionnaire and discussion

  • Home management and prevention strategies

  • Assessment of problem behaviours and emotional response

  • Training exercise demonstrations tailored to the problem behaviour

  • Explanation of various tools and techniques to use

  • Follow-Up Report detailing training schedule and plan

Services

Follow-Up Visit

45$

Follow-up visits are 30 minutes in length, and allow me to assess your pet’s progress in action. Allow me to assist with any obstacles or questions you may have:

  • Observation of current obedience/training skill levels and re-assessment

  • Alternative suggestions using the four quadrants of training

  • Progressive planning to move towards more complex behaviours

  • Training and exercise practice with trainer handling

Walk & Train

60$

Training walks are 45-60 minutes in length and allow me to work 1-on-1 with you and your canine friend. Working in a public park or on a walking trail, we practice various skills while providing your pup with exercise. Off-leash or on-leash walks available depending on individual needs. Some of the various skills we may work on:

  • Re-call

  • Heel to position

  • Heel to sit

  • Focus

  • Relaxation training

  • Reactivity

  • Scent games

  • Basic obedience (sit, down, stay)

A woman kneeling on the forest ground holding a small tan and black puppy with a red collar, while smiling at the camera. The woman is wearing glasses, a beige cap, a black long-sleeve shirt, and blue jeans. The background consists of green trees and
Two dogs sitting on the ground in a wooded area with green leaves and trees, one small brown and black and the other large black, looking towards the camera.
A woman with glasses, a hat, and a backpack sitting in a forest, smiling, and interacting with a young, medium-sized dog that is sitting in front of her.
A woman with tattoos and glasses sitting on a wooden bench outdoors, holding and kissing a puppy in front of colorful flowers and trees.
A scruffy, gray-bearded dog with long fur, open mouth, and tongue hanging out, standing outdoors in a forest with tall trees and autumn foliage.
A woman with glasses, wearing a purple beanie and a red plaid flannel shirt, holding and kissing a puppy outdoors in a wooded campground area.
A woman wearing a sleeveless navy top, black pants, and a white cap stands on a grassy area holding a leash attached to a small brown and black dog sitting beside her under a large tree. There are houses and a street in the background on a sunny day.
A woman and her dog sitting on rocks by a lake with autumn trees in the background.
Dog sniffing a tree trunk outdoors, with a blurred green background.

What Clients are Saying

"Thanks Sophia for the detailed report :) I appreciate your thorough breakdown of goals and expectations!"

Emily and Pepper

"Since practicing over the summer, he has stopped lunging towards other dogs entirely! I’ve been able to actually get him to focus on walks. He’s still excited but I can manage, I hope we can work together soon to keep it going - cheers!"

Justin and Freddy

FAQ

Two dogs sitting outdoors among autumn leaves in a wooded area with tall trees and green foliage, under a clear blue sky.

  • First things first, reach out to me :) Before committing to the home consultation, we can chat over the phone or video to narrow down our expectations and goals.

  • Under the Services tab, you will find a list of my general pricing. Although these are the most common services I offer, I am more than willing to have a chat and see if there is anything I can offer not-listed to suit your needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

  • As a registered veterinary technician, I can help you with your animal’s basic medical care. This includes nail trims, fluid and medication administration, wound and bandage care, and much more! Although I primarily use this platform for training, I may be able to assist you if you have a special needs pet. Inquire for more!

  • As a RVT and PDT, I can help create a behaviour modification plan and provide suggestions. I am NOT a licensed DVM, therefore I cannot provide medication or give unprescribed treatments. I am more than happy to help you connect with your pet’s veterinarian :)