Shannon McKay MSc CPDT-KA® is a leading canine behaviour professional and educator in South Africa with over 25 years of experience. She founded McKaynine in 1999, growing it from a single puppy class into one of the country’s most trusted dog training organisations, offering 30+ classes weekly across seven locations. 

Shannon’s approach is science-based and welfare-centred, focused on ethical, effective, and relationship-based training that fosters confident, well-behaved dogs. She holds an MSc in Zoology (University of Witwatersrand), a Certificate in Companion Animal Behaviour (University of Pretoria), and international certifications including Certified Behaviour Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA®). 

Her postgraduate research on canine scent cognition has been published internationally, and she pioneered training South Africa’s first conservation detection dog. As founder of Canine Culture® and Learn Canine®, she has certified many of South Africa’s top trainers and behaviourists. 

Shannon regularly contributes to media, provides expert testimony in canine behaviour cases, and mentors trainers. She is also recognized for promoting ethical breeding and integrating behavioural science into everyday practice. 

She lives with her Great Danes and remains dedicated to her mission: helping people understand dogs better, teaching with kindness and precision, and bringing out the best in every dog.