I have 2 dogs from puppies now 8 and 4. At various times I’ve had behaviour difficulties.
Melika Barnes has always been able to explain why my dogs were behaving in certain ways and given me easy and practical advice on how to correct them. I highly recommend Melika

Susan West, Happy Customer

I have known Melika getting on for twenty (20) years Firstly in Animal Control Services where Melika covered all manner of dog-related problems and finding wherever possible humane solutions. There were never any complaints or crticicisms from dog-owners, complainants or fellow workers about the ways Melika dealt with and found solutions to these problems. We also worked together for about ten years at UNITEC, teaching a variety of students and their dogs, using humane, but effective methods to perform advanced obedience, agility, substance detection, tracking and casualty detection in various environments – urban, open country and forest. I can recommend Melika to train dogs to a high standard in any task or discipline effectively and humanely.
Mick Martin,
Dog Training Instructor at UNITEC, NZ

Mick Martin, Happy Customer

I have known and worked alongside Melika for a number of years and her knowledge on dog behaviour and getting the best out of a dog in the kindest way is exceptional! If you are wanting a trainer who loves what she does, is professional and will work with you to achieve results then you won’t get any better than Melika.

Vicki Whitaker, Happy Customer

Tessa Simpson l was very lucky to find Melika to help me train my 18 month old rescue dog called Billy, he didn’t have any social skills, couldn’t walk on a lead and would run away at any chance he had, Melika had the skills to turn Billy into a wonderful faithful and well behaved dog.
I can never thank you enough.

Tessa Simpson, Happy Customer

Melika has been amazing at getting my dog Carlos comfortable around meeting new dogs again. He’s gone from being scared at even a dog barking behind a fence to having so much more confidence on walks and being able to meet new dogs without reacting.

Sarah Mouw, Happy Customer

It has been a fabulous experience to go from a dog that could never be off lead to playing at the park walking home with Roxy at heel. The practical & patient advice has just been amazing. Melika’s ability to go beyond ‘one size fits all’ training was invaluable. It has been boost to my confidence to try new things as well as to Roxy’s repertoire of tricks & skills (basic manners!). Roxy just adored the classes & I recommend Pawsitive Steps for such a positive result.

Lara Williams, Happy Customer

Melika is amazing! We felt that we hit a wall in the progress of Jake’s training and Melika gave us the tools to continue moving forward. We now can take Jake on longer walks and in different locations with more confidence. He is no longer pulling us as he were before. Melika helped us navigate his behavior when meeting other dogs too, which we can see improvements already. Can’t recommend her enough!

Pollyane Carvolho, Happy Customer

I worked closely with her when on Waiheke Island. I had multiple dogs with varying fantastic characters at a dog care facility on the island. If it wasn’t for her advice and proactive assistance my job would have been difficult. Through her words of wisdom we had the most delightful and happy pups! I cannot promote Pawsitve Steps enough. Melika is a step ahead and a true “Dog Whisperer”.

Dru, Happy Customer

My 4 year old staffy Lola loves Melika and so do I. She’s been my ‘go to’ whenever I need guidance on her behaviour… she’s full of wisdom and knowledge… and she makes training fun for everyone involved. We were so lucky to have Melika on Waiheke Island and want her back!!!

Emma Ludvigsen, Happy Customer

I would highly recommend Melika. Since bringing home our 4 legged family member 4 years ago, she has been there for all our training needs, Starting with basic manners through to running agility and other classes which helps with enrichment and ongoing training. Her positive and educational approach has allowed us really understand our pooch and we have a very well-adjusted canine member of the family.

Jamie Roebuck, Happy Customer

Melika is wonderful, definitely recommend! I noticed a big difference in my dogs attentiveness, a lot more engaged with me now. She’s given me the confidence and tools to tackle new environments with him that I would have otherwise avoided.

Bailey Horne, Happy Customer

Very generous, informative session. Feeling much more confident in my ability to manage my dogs and you were great helping my teen out too. Thanks so much.

Chantelle Ratchit, Happy Customer

Zeena and Jax enjoying themselves off the lead at the beach. Thank you to Melika for providing us with the confidence to allow these dogs to run free as they enjoy. Pawsitive Steps programme is just so successful and so easily completed. Yes – we can all read about it in books but nothing beats the hands-on activities from a person who totally knows and understands dogs and owners and above all knows what she is doing. TOTALLY RECOMMEND without hesitation the programme or programmes Melika has to provide any dog owners with the success we all desire.

Jane Pane, Happy Customer

Melika changed everything for me and my terrified dog. My dog was traumatised in our local park, and she became too anxious to go walking almost anywhere. Melika patiently trained and guided us to restore my dog back to her previously happy walks. I have learned so many valuable training skills from Melika and I would recommend her Pawsitive Steps Dog Traing to anyone who needs coaching and support with their dog training and development.

M.B. & H, Happy Customer

Melika is a highly experienced & knowledgeable person to guide you through all the little quirks that our canine buddies have! My husband and I did a basic manners course with each of our dogs, & even though we had done some training with other dogs in the past, Melika was able to help extend us while also getting back to basics for our new dogs. She is extremely approachable, friendly & has an amazing ability to connect with dogs as well. Thank you Melika for helping our family understand more about our dogs.

Bruttany Lemi, Happy Customer