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 Healer
6+
Years Experience
100+
Animals Helped
40+
Countries Reach
NZ
Wellington Based
The person behind
the Trust Technique®
Cheryl is a certified Trust Technique® Practitioner and pet behaviourist based in Wellington, New Zealand — helping animals and their people find genuine peace, connection, and lasting change.
She addresses fear, aggression, and anxiety at their root using a holistic toolkit: Trust Technique®, Emotion Code Releasing, body therapy, and Red Light treatment.
Services Tailored to Your Animal
A holistic approach to animal wellbeing — in Wellington or online globally.
Online & In-Person
Trust Technique® Sessions
Peace over pressure — for all animals
Mindfulness-based communication that reduces anxiety in both you and your animal simultaneously. Works at the emotional root of any behaviour — not just the surface symptom.
Expert Care for Every Animal
Whether you have a dog or a horse, Cheryl brings the same depth of expertise, patience, and heart.
100+
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 Country Club.
A private paradise for responsible dog owners. Gain exclusive access to booking the Canine Adventure Park, the Swim Spot, and scenic farm walks in Wainuiomata, Wellington.
- Distraction-free private spaces
- Off-leash enrichment activities
- Fully deer fenced & secure
- Access to swimming hole & agility jumps
Happy Hearts & Wags
Real stories from humans and their best friends about their journey with the Trust Technique and our facilities.
"Cheryl completely changed our lives. Buster was so anxious around other dogs, but after just a few sessions, he's much calmer. The Canine Country Club is our safe haven!"
Sarah & Buster
Trust Technique Session
"We absolutely love the adventure park. Knowing it's fully secure allows Bella to run free without me worrying. The swimming hole is her favorite spot in the world."
James & Bella
Canine Country Club
"I was at my wit's end with Charlie's reactivity. Cheryl's patient approach and the Trust Technique helped us build a bond I never thought possible. Highly recommended."
Emma & Charlie
Dog Behaviour & Rehab
Make a Donation
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.
Direct Support
Secure online donation via Stripe
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-littleLet'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. Reach out for a free initial consultation.