Testimonials

After attending classes with another dog trainer in Bend and not being satisfied, I was happy to find Meredith Gage of Pawsitive Experience.  Meredith has helped with all three of my dogs - an anxious and aggressive miniature Dachshund, a stubborn and independent miniature Dachshund and an HSCO adopted Aussie mix with low self-esteem.  Through Meredith’s classes, home visits, conversations and recommended literature, I have gained a wealth of knowledge about dog behavior and how dogs learn. Her positive, reward-based lessons teach dogs that it is worthwhile to do what you ask of them. Teaching in a kind and gentle way has made training fun and has helped strengthen my relationship with my dogs.  I highly recommend Meredith Gage of Pawsitive Experience.                

              Jennifer Scalley – Bend, Oregon

"After twenty-two years of formal obedience training the "old" way, I heard about a new trainer in town and decided to check out the new positive approach to dog training.  Having now completed two obedience classes and an agility class with Meredith, I can say that the new methods work wonderfully and that Meredith is a great instructor!  Every class has been not only educational, but fun for the dogs and handlers.  I now find myself looking at my dogs' behaviors and thinking of positive ways to improve them.  And our retriever training has also benefited, since I have become more positive and patient, and my dogs are responding with greater attention and cooperation.  I've been so impressed that I have recommended Meredith's group classes and private sessions to a number of people with new dogs or old dog problems, and every one has been pleased and impressed with the results.  And my youngest dog and I have signed up for a fourth class with Meredith!"  Val Gerard

upon coming to work with meredith, i had worked with another trainer that used a "heavy handed" method, believing that that's what my young australian shepherd needed. prong collars, forceful corrections, etc. did nothing but confuse and frustrate my poor dog. when we moved in a more positive-rewards based direction, my dog responded very well, and now really enjoys training. (anything for a treat is his motto)
working with meredith is so refreshing because there's no ego, she doesn't try to "change" you. there's no intimidation or claims of "dog whispering." there's just a lot of fun exercises that are diverse and realistic and she sets you up for success. i highly recommend meredith gage and pawsitive experience, and my dog and i look forward to working and having fun with her for years to come. thanks meredith.
                                               jordan miller and tsunami
                                               bend, oregon

We recently adopted a rescue puppy who had a wonderful temperament but ZERO TRAINING! The "sit, down and stay" were easy.......walking on the leash and the "come" were impossible!  When I met Meredith I knew she was the right trainer for our energetic cocker spaniel puppy who was so eager to please!  She has an obvious love of dogs and her use of positive reinforcement was perfect for our puppy.  He immediately responded to her and she had him following her commands very quickly.  Her suggestion to use the Sensible-Harness was magic!  We can now walk him everywhere without his pulling us and it's comfortable for him too.  Meredith is a very good listener and is flexible in her training methods to suit the pet and the owner - I find that refreshing and very professional!  We highly recommend her!  Because of Meredith, Chipper was able to pass his Delta Society Test and is now a wonderful therapy dog and brings joy to many elderly patients.  Lani Marchal

Pearl did receive a 4th place MVA (Most Versatile Aussie) by doing well in herding, agility, Rally, and conformation. She also took High in Level one for agility. Her early positive foundation training helped her to be an eager learner with the capabilities to excel in whatever venue she plays in. Thanks for giving us a good start!
Wendy Broderick

When we first adopted Joe, Meredith helped us with training and worked with Joe to help him overcome his shy behavior.  He has come a long way but is still shy and fearful of new people.  Last summer we went on a cruise and hired a pet sitter to take care of Joe.  Even though Joe had met the pet sitter once and was very outgoing with her, when she arrived Joe was terrified of her and rushed out the door and ran away from home!  Not expecting Meredith would ever be needed, thank goodness we left Meredith’s name with the pet sitter.  Meredith came over and on crutches from a sprained knee, searched and found Joe.  Joe was comfortable with Meredith, so Meredith took over the care of Joe for almost three weeks, and gave us daily emails on how things were going.  It just so happened one day walking Joe, she walked by a house under construction just as brush caught fire on Awbrey Butte.  She banged on neighbor’s doors to alert them of the fire.

We would highly recommend Meredith as a trainer.  Vivien O’Conner and Family

Behavior Testimonials

We adopted our dog Wheelie from the Humane Society and no one really seemed to know much about her past or even her exact age.  What was apparent is that she had not been socialized very much with other dogs and/or people.  Our house is rather social and we freqently have people and dogs coming and going.  With Wheelie's arrival, those encounters became extremely stressful.  Wheelie would bark and bark and bark at anyone, person or animal, who entered our house.  It would take what seemed like forever for her to calm down and often we would put her in her kennel to avoid any encounters.  This tact wasn't helping with her socialization skills and she definitely was not changing her behavior.  I made an appointment for Meredith to come to our house for a one on one session.  I saw a ferocious unpredictable dog and Meredith saw a dog that just needed a little training with her social skills and she assured me that Wheelie was not vicious.  Within a few shorts minutes Meredith had Wheelie calmed and excited to be her friend.  After 45 minutes Meredith had taught me how to deal with Wheelie's barking as well as a number of other issues, including jealousy anytime I would show our other dog Lucy attention. 
We have attended both her beginner and intermediate classes with Wheelie.  At this point in time, our friends truly tell us Wheelie is a different dog than the first few weeks after we adopted her.  Meredith gave me the simple knowledge and confidence of how to work with Wheelie so she could be a well behaved and much loved pet.

Kym Garrett, Bend OR

Ranger has turned into a fantastic dog!  Ranger had so many issues I was desperate for help.  When you met Ranger and ran through some basic tests, you were able to give us direction and guidance to get Ranger back on track.  His aggressive behavior over paper (yes paper!), his overly strong herding instincts with our two children, and his tendency to dominate everything and everyone in the house were a lot to work through but your patience and understanding of dogs made all the difference.  Ranger is now a treasured part of our family and a calm, wonderful companion.  Thank you Meredith.

Theresa Freihoefer

After a bad experience with an aggressive dog, Jazmin became fearful and started communicating to all dogs to stay away by barking, growling, lunging and air snapping if the dog got too close.

After being accused of having a mean aggressive dog we decided we needed help in dealing with Jazmin around strange on trails.  We learned about Meridith from one of the local kennels.  She assessed Jazmin and our knowledge of dog behavior and started a program to teach us how to work with Jazmin to control her expression of fear and protectiveness.  Meredith worked with the three of us once a week for about two months and provided good reference material to help us understand dog behavior.  We were able to introduce Jazmin, on leash, to strange dogs toward the end of our training.

Today Jazmin still loves to please her pack mates.  We now know how to read her behavior and determine when and how to distract her if a strange dog appears too threatening.  She still is protective and afraid of strange dogs, but we now know how to work with her and she knows how to respond.  Today Jazmin and Bill were walking when two large dogs came into view moving perpendicular to our path.  Jazmin got alert but also immediately turned towards Bill, sat and looked at his face to see his guidance.  She got a small treat, the dogs were gone and forgotten.

Norma and Bill Wallace

Bend, OR

12 Jan 09

Meredith, CJ is doing great.  We have followed your recommendations in working with you to curb her alpha instinct and her need to control her environment instead of allowing us to do it.

She isn’t threatening visitors anymore by trying to bite or nip and is perfectly content to settle down while guests are here and now enjoys their company.  Warren and Arleen

“Rudy had a history of nervously lunging and growling at any passing dog on leash.  After a session with Meredith, I learned to give Rudy a special command, followed by a food reward when he responded to me correctly.  Now, when we walk through the neighborhood, he immediately looks at me when a dog barks from behind a fence, and when we pass another dog on leash, he will look at me when I say “ leave it”. His newfound ease and comfort, when walking with familiar dogs on leash, is readily apparent.  We now enjoy walks with other dogs and their owners and it is  a great social outlet for both of us. 

Amanda Blockely

Meredith has helped us on two occasions.  The first consult she helped us safely introduce our two dogs to our new baby.  She gave us great tips and it was also clear

our newest dog, Sasha, could benefit from some training, so we were sure she listened to us with the new baby in the house.  We put Sasha all the way through from Meredith’s beginner to advanced class and agility class.  We certainly came through the program with a better trained dog!  We also brought Meredith out to help with the over the top barking our dogs did when someone new came over.  She helped us greatly.  Meredith treated both of our dogs individually based on what motivated them.  So, we actually trained the barking issue differently for the two dogs.  We would recommend Meredith for both training classes and behavior consulting.

Brynn and Jen Treber.