Image: Snapdragon Pictures
At McKaynine we understand that every dog is unique and may face challenges that go beyond the scope of standard group training classes.
As this need for specialised behavioural training and consultation has grown, we decided to dedicate a division of McKaynine to helping these dogs and their owners. McKaynine Behaviour deals exclusively with specialised Behavioural Training and Consultations tailored to dogs with behavioural issues, which fall outside of the scope of normal training classes.
Behavioural Training  •	Dogs struggling to participate in group classes due to moderate reactivity, anxiety or fear •	Dogs with limited ability to focus and engage with their owner •	Dogs exhibiting behaviours such as reactivity or aggression with no bite history •	Dogs with excessive barking or destructive tendencies •	Dogs with nuisance behaviours which are not covered in typical dog training classes     First session: 1 hour (2 x 30 min sessions) Thereafter: 30 min per session Behaviour Consult  •	Dogs with a bite history or severe reactivity or aggression to people, dogs or other animals •	Dogs experiencing difficulties in adjusting to new environments, routines or family changes •	Dogs with separation distress •	Dogs that resource guard (food, toys or space) •	Dogs which are fearful of specific objects, sounds or situations •	Dogs with compulsive behaviours (e.g., tail-chasing, licking) or self-injurious behaviour •	Dogs with pathological behaviour issues (only via veterinary referral)  2 Hours (1.5 hour consultation) plus 30 min follow-up within 10 days
We specialise in helping dogs with: Reactivity to other dogs or people Separation anxiety Resource guarding Aggression Fear-based behaviours Excessive barking A large percentage of problem behaviours are motivated by fear, anxious expectation or discomfort. In our sessions we will help you identify the triggers and learn how to desensitise your dog, provide acceptable alternative behaviours. You will also learn how to physically manage the stuation while your dog learns an different response to the trigger.
Experienced Professionals: Our team has multiple qualifications and years of expertise in both training and behavioural modification. The team is headed up by Shannon McKay MSc CBCC-KA, who has 30 years of experience and is the first canine behaviourist in Africa to have international certification from the CCPDT (USA) as well as two post graduate degrees in animal behaviour. Holistic Approach: We focus on the whole dog, considering physical, mental and emotional well-being. Results-Driven Methods: Our techniques are designed to achieve real, sustainable improvements. Support for Owners: We provide clear, compassionate guidance to help you confidently support your dog. Humane Practices: We are duty bound to adherance to LIMA Principles, which ensures a systematic approach to behaviour modification and does not rely on punishment for a “quick fix”.
McKaynine Behaviour forever changed our lives. We are eternally grateful for Shannon’s practical, outcomes-based approach and care in both Dusty's and my own training to address and overcome anxious and reactive behaviours. We are now fully equipped to handle whatever comes our way. Words are not enough to express the heartfelt gratitude we have for her life and vocation — she is one of a kind.  Dusty (Aussie Shepherd) & Nicole So fortunate to have found an incredible trainer in Shannon. She is generous in sharing her immense knowledge of canine behaviour. Lily is besotted with her. Our 1-on-1 sessions gave me a range of skills to effectively communicate with Lily, whilst Lily gained confidence and trust in me as her handler. We confidently recommend 1-on-1 sessions with Shannon.  Lily (Cane Corso), Rochelle & Geraldine We adopted 2 dogs that were past the puppy stage and needed assistance.  Shannon and her team were fantastic.  Our Meeko was (and unfortunately still is) very reactive but we were given the tools and guidelines on what to do in these situations. These training classes have made it possible for us to go on walks with Meeko and take him places that we wouldn't have, if we weren't given the proper guidelines, information and training.   Meeko (rescue Pitbull), Sonja & Jaco We have had the privilege and pleasure of Shannon’s expertise and guidance for 10 years and can highly recommend her. There is simply no other person I would recommend above her and I can guarantee that you won’t go wrong. Through her training and guidance, our Whippets live a full and vibrant life. We are forever grateful to Shannon for this.   Romeo and Björn (Whippets), Joy & Sharise. Home FAQ's About Us Puppy Classes Obedience Canine Good Citizen Dog Sport Behaviour Problems Instructor Training Online Solutions Schedules Contact T&C's Privacy Policy
© McKaynine (Pty) Ltd t/a McKaynine Training Centre - Established 1999
What To Expect
Initial Consultation: A thorough evaluation of your dog’s behaviour, including discussions about triggers, routines and past training efforts. This can be conducted in person or virtually. Personalised Plan: We will create a custom plan to address your dog’s unique needs. This may include management strategies, training exercises or recommendations for environmental adjustments. Ongoing Support: Follow-up sessions to monitor progress, adjust strategies and ensure lasting improvement.
Typical Behaviour Issues We Address
Why Choose Us
Nadine Whittal DipCABT (COAPE) nadine@mckaynine.co.za Shannon McKay MSc CBCC-KA (unavailable until August) shannon@mckaynine.co.za
Contact Us Behaviour Problems
We specialise in helping dogs with: Reactivity to other dogs or people Separation anxiety Resource guarding Aggression Fear-based behaviours Excessive barking A large percentage of problem behaviours are motivated by fear, anxious expectation or discomfort. In our sessions we will help you identify the triggers and learn how to desensitise your dog, provide acceptable alternative behaviours and also learn how to physically manage the stuation while your dog learns an different response to the trigger.
Behavioural Training  •	Dogs struggling to participate in group classes due to moderate reactivity, anxiety or fear •	Dogs with limited ability to focus and engage with their owner •	Dogs exhibiting behaviours such as reactivity or aggression with no bite history •	Dogs with excessive barking or destructive tendencies •	Dogs with nuisance behaviours which are not covered in typical dog training classes  First session: 1 hour (2 x 30 min sessions) Thereafter: 30 min per session
Company Registration
Image: Snapdragon Pictures
(C) McKaynine (Pty) Ltd t/a McKaynine Training/Centre Established 1999
Navigation Behaviour Consult  •	Dogs with a bite history or severe reactivity or aggression to people, dogs or other animals •	Dogs experiencing difficulties in adjusting to new environments, routines or family changes •	Dogs with separation distress •	Dogs that resource guard (food, toys or space) •	Dogs which are fearful of specific objects, sounds or situations •	Dogs with compulsive behaviours (e.g., tail-chasing, licking) or self-injurious behaviour •	Dogs with pathological behaviour issues (only via veterinary referral)  2 Hours (1.5 hour consultation) plus 30 min follow-up within 10 days
Experienced Professionals: Our team has multiple qualifications and years of expertise in both training and behavioural modification. The team is headed up by Shannon McKay MSc CBCC-KA, who has 30 years of experience and is the first canine behaviourist in Africa to have international certification from the CCPDT (USA) as well as two post graduate degrees in animal behaviour. Holistic Approach: We focus on the whole dog, considering physical, mental and emotional well-being. Results-Driven Methods: Our techniques are designed to achieve real, sustainable improvements. Support for Owners: We provide clear, compassionate guidance to help you confidently support your dog. Humane Practices: We are duty bound to adherance to LIMA Principles, which ensures a systematic approach to behaviour modification and does not rely on punishment for a “quick fix”.
McKaynine Behaviour forever changed our lives. We are eternally grateful for Shannon’s practical, outcomes-based approach and care in both Dusty's and my own training to address and overcome anxious and reactive behaviours. We are now fully equipped to handle whatever comes our way. Words are not enough to express the heartfelt gratitude we have for her life and vocation — she is one of a kind.  Dusty (Aussie Shepherd) & Nicole We adopted 2 dogs that were past the puppy stage and needed assistance.  Shannon and her team were fantastic.  Our Meeko was (and unfortunately still is) very reactive but we were given the tools and guidelines on what to do in these situations. These training classes have made it possible for us to go on walks with Meeko and take him places that we wouldn't have, if we weren't given the proper guidelines, information and training.   Meeko (rescue Pitbull), Sonja & Jaco
Initial Consultation: A thorough evaluation of your dog’s behaviour, including discussions about triggers, routines and past training efforts. This can be conducted in person or virtually. Personalised Plan: We will create a custom plan to address your dog’s unique needs. This may include management strategies, training exercises or recommendations for environmental adjustments. Ongoing Support: Follow-up sessions to monitor progress, adjust strategies and ensure lasting improvement.
Typical Behaviour Issues We Address
Contact Us
As this need for specialised behavioural training and consultation has grown, we decided to dedicate a division of McKaynine to helping these dogs and their owners. McKaynine Behaviour deals exclusively with specialised Behavioural Training and Consultations tailored to dogs with behavioural issues, which fall outside of the scope of normal training classes.
We have had the privilege and pleasure of Shannon’s expertise and guidance for 10 years and can highly recommend her. There is simply no other person I would recommend above her and I can guarantee that you won’t go wrong. Through her training and guidance, our Whippets live a full and vibrant life. We are forever grateful to Shannon for this.   Romeo and Björn (Whippets), Joy & Sharise. So fortunate to have found an incredible trainer in Shannon. She is generous in sharing her immense knowledge of canine behaviour. Lily is besotted with her. Our 1-on-1 sessions gave me a range of skills to effectively communicate with Lily, whilst Lily gained confidence and trust in me as her handler. We confidently recommend private 1-on-1 sessions with Shannon.  Lily (Cane Corso), Rochelle & Geraldine
What To Expect
Why Choose Us
Nadine Whittal DipCABT (COAPE) nadine@mckaynine.co.za Shannon McKay MSc CBCC-KA (unavailable until August) shannon@mckaynine.co.za
At McKaynine we understand that every dog is unique and may face challenges that go beyond the scope of standard group training classes.