Birchwood Behaviour & Dog Training - Ottawa

Sophia Rowe - RVT / PDT

A woman standing on a grassy area holding a dog leash next to a sitting dog, under a tree with green foliage, with a sidewalk and street in the background.

Qualifications

  • Algonquin College Veterinary Technician 2021

  • OAVT Registered 2023

  • Low Stress Handling (Silver Certified) 2024

  • GDA - Pet Professional Dog Training Certificate 2025

  • Hours of hand-on training performed through clinical, home, and client environments

At Birchwood Behaviour & Dog Training, my work is rooted in the belief that understanding a dog’s mind and body is essential to creating meaningful, lasting change. With a background as a veterinary technician and the experience of a professional dog trainer, I approach every case through both a medical and behavioural lens. This allows me to help clients understand not only what strategies work, but why they work—building clearer communication, healthier patterns, and stronger relationships.

My training philosophy blends balanced, reward-based methods with a deep respect for each dog’s emotional wellbeing. By supporting learning through positive reinforcement while guiding dogs with progressive structure, I use up-to-date training tools to keep my work effective.

The name Birchwood is no accident. Just as the Birch tree is often the first to grow after deforestation and fire — I aim to help dogs and their people rebuild, grow, and thrive from a solid and reliable foundation. Click the button below to find your roots.

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. Through a blend of reward-based encouragement and techniques like shaping, marking, conditioning, and desensitization, I help your dog grow into their best self. Whether you’re starting with the basics or navigating complex behavioural challenges, I’m here to support you through every season.

A woman with tattooed arm and glasses sitting on the ground in a forest, smiling and petting a brown and black dog, both facing each other. She is wearing a beige hat, a green shirt, blue shorts, and has a large grey backpack.
A woman with a tattooed arm, wearing glasses, a beige baseball cap, a black long-sleeve shirt, and blue jeans, kneeling on the forest ground, holding a tan and black puppy with a red collar in her arms, surrounded by green trees.
Two dogs sitting on the forest floor among fallen leaves with trees and green foliage in the background on a sunny day.
A woman in outdoor gear smiling while holding a dog on a forest trail surrounded by trees and natural vegetation.
A woman with tattoos and glasses is sitting on a bench outdoors, holding and kissing a puppy, with colorful flowers and trees in the background.
A happy native dog with a beard, in a forest with trees and yellow leaves.
A woman in a purple beanie and glasses holding a black and tan puppy in her arms outdoors in a wooded area, with trees and camping chairs in the background.
A woman standing on a grassy lawn with a dog sitting beside her, both shaded under a tree in a suburban neighborhood.
A woman sitting on rocks by a lake, smiling and holding her hat, with her dog standing on the rocks beside her, surrounded by trees with autumn leaves.
Dog sniffing tree trunk

FAQ

Two dogs sitting in a wooded area with fallen leaves, trees, green foliage, and blue sky in the background.

  • 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 :)