Our History

The WhisperWise® philosophy today

WhisperWise® is led by Richard McDonald — DogTech®’s most experienced dog trainer and the leading WhisperWise® specialist. For more than two decades, Richard has helped dogs and their families rediscover trust, balance, and connection by treating behaviour for what it truly is: communication, not defiance.

When Richard began working with dogs, he, like many, initially saw behaviour as something to be corrected. Experience taught him something deeper—that every behaviour tells a story. Anxiety, reactivity, withdrawal, and over-excitement are often expressions of emotion shaped by environment, history, and the relationship a dog has with the humans around them.

A method built on calm leadership and trust

WhisperWise® grew through years of real-world work—listening to anxious dogs, confused owners, and the silent tension that can build between them. Richard’s approach is not about dominating a dog or relying on obedience drills. It’s about creating calm, building trust, and leading with quiet confidence.

At the centre of WhisperWise® is a practical belief: dogs reflect the world we bring to them. Our energy, emotions, and expectations influence what dogs learn and how safe they feel. When people become calm, clear, and consistent, dogs often mirror that stability—making change feel natural rather than forced.

Transformations for dogs and the people who love them

WhisperWise® is as much about human transformation as it is about dogs. Richard teaches that every interaction is a reflection—an opportunity to improve communication, reduce stress, and replace frustration with understanding. The outcome is not simply “better behaviour”, but a more compassionate relationship built on empathy and emotional awareness.

Richard’s work continues to inspire the people around him—clients, colleagues, and those learning the WhisperWise® approach—because his focus is always the same: listen first, lead calmly, and prioritise the dog’s emotional state as the foundation for lasting progress.

DogTech® and the WhisperWise® approach

Through DogTech®, Richard and his team support dogs and families across the Sydney region with humane, practical behaviour guidance. The WhisperWise® Method focuses on etiquette rather than obedience—helping dogs develop real-world social skills and addressing behavioural challenges at their root through calming rehabilitation.

DogTech® also works alongside the broader pet industry, veterinarians, and organisations that support animal welfare—sharing expertise and advocating for effective, humane behaviour work.

Honouring the origins, focused on the future

DogTech® was founded by John Richardson, whose humane principles helped shape the organisation’s early direction. John passed away in 2014, but the work continues—strengthened and evolved through Richard’s leadership and the ongoing development of WhisperWise® as a calm, compassionate, results-driven approach.

Our commitment

Every dog deserves a voice. Through WhisperWise®, Richard McDonald helps people hear it—so understanding flows both ways, and harmony follows.