Building Trust,
One Animal
at a Time.
Helping dogs, horses, and all animals overcome fear, anxiety, and aggression — in person or online worldwide.
Cheryl
McDonough
Animal Behaviourist and Bodyworker
9+
Years Experience
1500+
Animals Helped
40
Countries Reached
NZ
Wellington Based
The person behind
the Trust Technique®
Cheryl is a certified and insured Trust Technique® Practitioner and ConTact C.A.R.E bodyworker based in Wellington, New Zealand — helping animals and their people find genuine peace, connection, and lasting change.
As a professional behaviourist she addresses fear, aggression, and anxiety at their root using the Trust Technique methodology. For a holistic approach she can also address structural skeletal issues or pains with ConTact CARE, or use one of many tools in her toolkit: Emotion Code Releasing, body therapy, Fascia unwinding, and Red Light treatment.
Services Tailored to Your Animal
A holistic approach to animal wellbeing — in Wellington or online globally. Select an area below to explore exactly what we provide.
In-Person · Wellington
Dog Behaviour & Rehabilitation
Deep behaviour work for complex cases
Work with Cheryl one-on-one to focus on lasting change, whatever the issue. Her specialty is reactive and anxious dogs, helping you support your dog to respond differently. For new puppies or newly adopted dogs, you can proactively prevent common issues by booking a Set-Up Session, ensuring your dog thrives in their new environment and routine.
Expert Care for Every Animal
Whether you have a dog or a horse, Cheryl brings the same depth of expertise, patience, and heart.
1500+
Dogs Helped
Dogs
NZ
Wellington & Online
Horses
What is the
Trust Technique®?
Created by James French, the Trust Technique® reduces the thinking level in both you and your animal at the same time — building a genuine shared state of peace.
No commands, no dominance — just a real, felt connection from the very first session.
Learn More
"Both you and your animal heal and grow together."
No dominance
Peace over pressure
Mindfulness-based
Calm thinking, calm animal
Proven globally
Used in 40+ countries
From session one
Felt immediately
Join the exclusive adventure club
Canine Adventure Park.
A private paradise for responsible dog owners. Exclusive access to an acre of private, deer fenced country bliss for you and your dog, in Wainuiomata, Wellington.
- Distraction-free private spaces
- Off-leash enrichment activities
- Fully deer fenced & secure
- Access to swimming hole & agility jumps
Happy hearts and wags
Real stories from humans and their best friends about their journey with the Trust Technique and our Canine Adventure Park facilities.
Leanne Henderson
Trust Technique Session
Rachel Asplin
Trust Technique Session
Moira Hanson
Trust Technique Session
Its a dogs life charitable trust
As a registered charity, we operate entirely on donations. We receive no direct funding from local or central government and rely on fundraising efforts from our volunteers, grants, and donations from members of the public who recognise the value of supporting animals to thrive.
Give-a-little Page
You can also donate to our cause via our official Give-a-little page. Note that a small fee is deducted from your donation by the platform.
Go to Give-a-little
Let's find the right path
for your animal.
Whether you have an anxious dog, a fearful horse, or a rescue animal with a difficult past — Cheryl can help. Sessions available in Wellington or online globally.