Building Calm, Confident Partnerships Through Kind Training
Training That Opens the Way to a More Connected, Richer Life Together
Supportive, science-based training that brings clarity, confidence, and possibilities to your life together — helping you enjoy a calmer rhythm and do more side by side. So you can trust your skills and know-how in any situation, and enjoy more of what life with your companion animal has to offer.
Welcome!
Life with a dog or cat can feel like a lot. You don’t have to figure it out alone—I'm here to help you and your companion animal build connection and understanding through kind, ethical, science-backed training—one steady step at a time.
So everyday routines, outings, and care tasks feel more manageable—and eventually, something you can actually enjoy.
Kind, Ethical Guidance Rooted in Science
Training that’s humane, evidence-led, and respectful of both your animal’s wellbeing and your pace. You’ll always understand the “why” behind what we do, and nothing feels rushed or confusing.
Building Connection and Capacity
Training isn’t only about behaviour. We strengthen trust and communication while building practical skills that help you do more together over time — a foundation you’ll be able to use with every animal in your life.
Support That Brings Relief and Direction
We help you make sense of what’s going on and break things into small, actionable steps — so progress feels clear, steady, and manageable. Leading to you being able to problem solve when new situations come up.
Why Your Companion Animal Would Totally Pick Us
Curious minds welcome. All welcome, from wallflowers to whirlwinds. Every dog, cat, and human learns differently. We start by asking questions, not giving commands. Understanding your pet’s “why”:
- “Why do you want me to sit?”
- “Why should I come back to you?”
- “Why should I let you brush me?
Your answer is what makes the desired changes stick. No fear. No force. No shame. Just kindness, patience, and plenty of rewards help every companion animal feel safe, supported, and understood.
Communication
Training and learning only works when everyone speaks the same language (even if one of you meows). We’ll teach you how to reallylisten, respond, and build understanding that happens between you and your companion animal (no more shouting “sit!” into the void).
Confidence
From your first call to high-five graduation, we keep things practical, positive, and personal. You’ll feel confident long after training ends.
Competence
Why trust us? With 15+ years of professional experience and continuing education, you get science-based methods backed by real-world results (and a trainer who tears up a little when your dog chooses you over the squirrel).
Collaboration
Training with you, not at you. The key to your companion animal’s training. You’re their teammate. We’ll guide, coach, and cheer you both on at every step.
Services Overview
Puppies, Adolescent, & Adult Dogs
Support for early learning, everyday manners, developmental stages, and common behaviour challenges like pulling, jumping, overarousal, coming when called, and focus. We help you understand what your growing dog is experiencing and develop skills that make life together feel more connected and manageable.
Cats & Kittens
Guidance for enrichment, confidence-building, appropriate scratching, carrier comfort, keeping paws on designated counterspaces, handling, and harness training. We help you create a comfortable, more predictable environment your cat can thrive in.
Cooperative Care (Dogs & Cats)
Gentle training to help your animal feel safer with essential care like nail trims, grooming, vaccines, medication, and vet or groomer visits. We build comfort, trust, and practical skills so care becomes easier for everyone.
Your Trainer: Joanne Bignoux McMahon
- Multi-certified professional dog trainer
- Veterinary assistant
- Lifelong animal advocate
With more than 15 years helping dogs, cats, and their people flourish together, Joanne’s work blends science-based methods with heart, humour, and a genuine respect for all learners (humans). Joanne originally hails from Australia, which will reveal itself the moment she says biscuit instead of cookie.