​At Birken Dogs, my goal is to help both dogs and their humans feel more confident, connected, and understood.Training should feel supportive, practical, and compassionate , never intimidating or overwhelming. I use science-based, force-free training methods that meet dogs where they are emotionally and behaviourally.​Learning cannot happen when a dog feels unsafe, overwhelmed, or frightened. Building trust, creating safety, and helping dogs feel secure is always the first step.​My work is also informed by nervous system awareness and somatic-based approaches to behaviour. Through more than 16 years of experience working with rescue animals, I’ve seen how closely behaviour is connected to stress, regulation, safety, and the body. Supporting regulation and helping dogs feel safer in their bodies and surroundings is an important part of the training process.​

 

Getting Started -Free Discovery Call

Let’s start with a free 15-minute call to talk about your dog, your goals, and the challenges you may be experiencing. This is an opportunity to share a little about your dog’s history and behaviour, ask questions, and make sure Birken Dogs is the right fit for you and your dog.​

 

Initial Coaching Session

Our first session gives us an opportunity to get to know each other and take a closer look at your dog’s behaviour, history, environment, and individual needs.Together, we’ll identify what may be contributing to the behaviours you’re seeing and begin developing a realistic, supportive training plan that works for both you and your dog.Sessions can take place in your home, in Birken, or in another appropriate environment depending on your dog’s needs and training goals. Birken can be a great option for dogs who benefit from a quieter environment with more space and fewer distractions.

 

​Ongoing Behaviour CoachingFollowing your initial session, we can create an ongoing coaching plan based on your goals and your dog’s needs with the following options:​

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One-on-One Coaching

Individual coaching sessions are designed around your dog and the behaviours or skills you’d like to work on. Sessions may focus on things such as reactivity, fear and anxiety, confidence building, life skills, communication, handling, settling, or other behaviour challenges.Each session includes a follow-up summary and personalized homework to help you continue practicing between sessions. 

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Walk & Train

Walk & Train sessions provide an opportunity for me to work directly with your dog on the skills and behaviours we’ve been developing together during real-life walks and outings.These sessions are available to select clients depending on their dog’s training goals, behaviour, and individual needs. Session summaries and video updates are provided when appropriate.​

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Parallel Pairs Walks

Parallel walks provide a structured and supportive way for dogs to practice being around other dogs while maintaining a comfortable distance.These walks can help dogs build confidence, develop calmer responses, and strengthen their social and emotional regulation skills without requiring direct interaction.Parallel Pairs are available following an initial coaching session, once foundational skills are in place and we’ve determined that this type of session is appropriate for your dog.​

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Weekly One-on-One Coaching

For dogs who benefit from more consistent support, weekly coaching provides an opportunity to build skills gradually over time.This option can be particularly helpful for reactivity, fear, anxiety-based behaviours, and other challenges where ongoing practice and support are important.Weekly coaching includes personalized guidance, session summaries, and homework to help you continue building progress between sessions.​A Supportive Approach to Behaviour ChangeEvery dog is an individual, and behaviour change is rarely a straight line. My goal is not simply to stop a behaviour, but to understand why it is happening, identify what your dog needs, and give both you and your dog the tools to navigate challenging situations more successfully.We’ll work together to build understanding, confidence, communication, and practical skills that can support your relationship with your dog in everyday life.