Introduction to Dog Training with Meredith Gage

My training business is called Pawsitive Experience.  I moved to Bend from the SF Bay Area in 2005.  My goal is to make dog training fun and enjoyable for you and your dog, so you will want to continue working with your dog long after classes end.  I strive to fill my classes with lots of information on dog training and canine behavior, provide lots of personal attention, while keeping it very low key with no pressure on you or your dog.  I have many people who have taken 5 or more classes from me.  They just love coming to class.  The methods I use are based on proven scientific principles and most current applied animal behavior methodology.

I have been a student of and consulted with some of the top trainers and behaviorists in the country, including Jean Donaldson, Trish King, Dr. Ian Dunbar, and Dr. Patricia McConnell, and I’ve gained a strong background in both dog training and dog behavior.  This allows me to not only teach you how to train your dog to be a good pet, but I also provide you some insight about what motivates (or sometimes stresses or confuses) your dog, which can help you build a healthy and rewarding relationship with your pet.

Behavior Specialist

I also serve the community as a behavior specialist.  I have a strong background in addressing behavior issues.  I specialize in dog aggression, possession of food/toys/people, barking, separation anxiety, dog/puppy manners and issues, and basic handling.  Most of my referrals come for local veterinarians, the Humane Society of Central Oregon, and my clients, and I do a weekly segment on KOHD TV that addresses common training challenges and behavioral problems.

Training Philosophy

I am a positive reinforcement trainer, which means you get to give your dog lots of treats and praise during training.  I support the LIMA method of training (least invasive-minimally aversive), using many methods I learned while competing in agility competition.  Agility is sport requiring teamwork between you and your dog.  If you don’t make it fun for the dog, they won’t be motivated to perform their best.  If training isn’t fun for dog owners, the owners won’t perform their best either.  I focus on building confidence between the owner and their dog.  Training your dog requires working as a team.

Training Style

My basic training classes include behavior consulting as well as training.  Besides training basic obedience, we discuss problem solving and prevention of behavioral problems including fear aggression, possessive aggression, separation anxiety, biting/mouthing, barking, destructive chewing, house training, and jumping.  I am on call for my clients and they can (and do!) call me anytime with questions.  I strive to be perceptive, creative, and flexible in my training.  Every dog is different, and every owner is different.  I strive to create a training program that is the right fit for each individual owner and dog.