Mindfulness4Dogs

25/04/2025

Grief Has a Scent: How Dogs Feel Loss and How We Can Heal Together

Grief isn't just a human experience — it's a universal one. And yes, dogs feel it too. They may not weep or write poetry about it (though who knows what their dreams reveal), but they absolutely mourn. You might see it in their eyes, in their sudden silence, in the way they search the house for someone who’s no longer there. They grieve in how they move, how they sleep, how they sigh with the weight of absence.

Behavioural shifts are common:
🐕 Withdrawal or clinginess
🍽️ Loss of appetite
😴 Changes in sleep
🎾 Disinterest in play
🗣️ Increased vocalisation — or a heartbreaking hush

Dogs live heart-first. When someone they love — animal or human — disappears from their world, that emotional bond doesn't just vanish. It echoes. And they feel it as surely as we do.

But here’s the beautiful, soulful part…

Just as we can be there for them, they are often there for us.

When our world feels cracked open, our dogs offer silent witness. They lie beside us with that sacred stillness only a dog can give. They don’t offer solutions. They offer presence. And in grief, presence is everything.

So how can we help them, and how can they help us?

Hold space — for them and for yourself. If they want closeness, let them in. If they need solitude, honour it.

Routine is medicine. It grounds both species. Keep walks happening, meals steady, cuddles plentiful.

Talk to them. Don’t underestimate the power of your voice, your energy, your intention. They don’t need words. They feel meaning.

Be open to the mystery. Some say dogs know when we’re speaking to the spirits. When we cry to the sky. When we whisper to the memory of someone we love. They’re right there, tail curled around our pain.

In grief, dog and human can be each other's lighthouse — guiding one another through the fog, reminding each other that love didn’t die; it just changed shape.

So yes, dogs grieve. And yes, we can support them — as they so often support us. In that mutual heartache, there is something deeply, quietly sacred.

You’re not alone. Neither is your dog.
We heal together. One soft breath, one pawprint, one heartbeat at a time.

25/04/2025

What We Haven’t Done With Cece…

Here’s a little list of all the things we haven’t done with our rescue girl Cece:

*We haven’t walked her on a lead.

*We haven’t taken her to the beach or the dog park.

*We haven’t pushed her into formal training classes.

*We haven’t made her meet new people.

*We haven’t forced cuddles or pats or “come on, be friendly now!” moments.

And you know what? We’re proud of that list.

Because Cece is teaching us just as much as we’re teaching her. She's showing us that trust isn’t built with leashes or parks or pats—it’s built with patience, choice, and quiet connection.

Sometimes the most powerful progress comes not from doing more, but from doing less.

It’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about listening to what she needs, not what we think she “should” be doing.

We’ll walk when she’s ready.
We’ll explore when she feels safe.
We’ll connect on her terms, not ours.

And until then, the not-doing is exactly the doing she needs.




ARAN Animal Rescue NZ

24/04/2025

Darran the Dogmans - Training Tips

This ones about getting the perfect stay. Emotional attachment is what's it's about. Listen to find out why it's so important.

Check out my website : https://mindfulness4dogs.com for more details on the behavioural and training help I provide. Or give me a ring on 0274 585 872

23/04/2025

From Distracted to Dialed-In: Colby's Comeback!

Meet Brent and Colby—the dynamic duo on a mission to master focus in the face of flailing arms and friendly floofs (aka other people and dogs at the park).

Over the past few weeks, Brent's been putting in the mahi (that’s Kiwi for “hard work”) to build Colby’s engagement and focus at home, laying a rock-solid foundation. And today? That work paid off—big time.

Off-lead in the park, Colby wasn’t just with Brent—he was tuned in, checked in, and locked on like Brent was made of steak and squeaky toys. This is the magical moment where perfect recalls are born—not from commands shouted into chaos, but from connection, trust, and a whole lotta love.

Brent, you’ve become Colby’s favourite channel—and the only one he wants to tune into now.

Awesome work, team. You're not just walking the dog—you’re walking the walk.

21/04/2025

It's great to be part of such an awesome dog specific new website.

David Seymour on the new pet bond scheme, Brad Smeele and his new mate Jett, and a training tip from Darran the Dogman.

19/04/2025

New Zealand Government Proposes New Rules to Protect Dogs from Prolonged Tethering

The New Zealand Government has announced plans to introduce new regulations aimed at preventing the prolonged tethering of dogs. These rules are expected to be finalised by the end of the year and will empower animal welfare inspectors to intervene when dogs are found living in harmful conditions due to extended chaining.

Key aspects of the proposed regulations include:

-Allowing inspectors from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the SPCA to issue fines when dogs are found in conditions indicative of prolonged tethering, such as heavily worn surfaces, accumulation of waste, or signs of distress like excessive barking or self-harm.

- Introducing protections for dogs during vulnerable periods, including when they are pregnant, nursing, or under six months old.

- Providing exemptions for temporary tethering in specific situations, such as during farm dog training or when necessary for safety during property maintenance.

Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard emphasised that these regulations are designed to improve animal welfare without impacting responsible dog owners. The SPCA has welcomed the move, calling it a "major milestone" and a "hard-won victory" for dogs across Aotearoa.

The initiative follows a 2021 petition signed by nearly 30,000 people, urging the government to take action against the prolonged tethering of dogs.

Leah Panapa talks to Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard about the new rules to prevent dog tethering abuse.Watch the full interview at https://theplatform.k...

18/04/2025

🌟 CeCe’s Confidence Journey

Watching CeCe blossom has been such a privilege 💛 From a nervous rescue girl who couldn’t quite trust the world, to a brave soul learning to feel safe and strong—it’s been a beautiful ride (with a few emotional moments along the way!).

In the early days, CeCe did the classic rescue-dog thing… only eating off the floor, then cautiously taking one piece at a time from her bowl—eyes darting around to make sure no one would take it from her. But look at her now! Confidently eating from her bowl like a pro. These may seem like small things, but in the world of rescue dogs, they’re huge wins.

But let’s be real—it’s a lot of work being this brave! That’s where rest, fun, and friends come in. Enter the Groodle goofballs, George and Maggie 🐶🐶—our resident therapy team and CeCe’s new play buddies. Whether it’s a wrestle, zoomies, or just a goofy game of chase, they’re always up for a play session.

Although… we think they may have met their match with CeCe! 😏

Here’s to resilience, soft landings, and a whole lot of tail wags 💕

ARAN Animal Rescue NZ

17/04/2025

Darran the Dogmans - Training tip

“Just because your dog can do the behaviour… doesn’t mean you should ask for it.”

Before you ask your dog to sit, stay, or heel — check in with their emotional state.
Are they calm? Focused? Feeling safe?

Because training isn’t just about obedience — it’s about emotional readiness.
If your dog’s overwhelmed, asking for more may push them over the edge.

💡 Train the mind, not just the muscle.

Check out my website : https://mindfulness4dogs.com for more details on the behavioural and training help I provide. Or give me a ring on 0274 585 872

16/04/2025

🎯🐾 Bandit’s Back on Track! 🐾🎯

Meet Bandit – a brilliant, high-energy Border Collie with a brain that moves at 100 miles an hour! Like many Collies, Bandit finds it super hard to stay still and focus – especially when there are shadows, flickers, or movement around. Sitting still and listening? Not easy for a dog wired to respond to every motion!

Amanda was this close to giving up on agility – it just felt like too much for Bandit’s busy brain. But with a little mindful direction and a focus on building attention and connection, Bandit is now fully back on track – and LOVING it! 🐕🔥

And the joy on Amanda’s face? Absolutely priceless. 💛 Watching her boy channel all that energy into something positive has reignited her passion for the sport too. It’s not just Bandit who’s found his groove again – it’s the team.

Agility isn’t just for the pros – it’s a fantastic sport for all dogs (and handlers!). Whether your dog needs more confidence, impulse control, or just a bit of fun – agility offers it all. 🐶💨

🏆 And the best bit? There are local agility clubs all around New Zealand, ready to welcome you in. Bandit is proof that a little patience and mindful training can turn chaos into connection.

Let’s go, Bandit! 🎉

15/04/2025

🐾🎉 Carter the Schnauzer Conquers the Dog Door! 🎉🐾

We’re sending a big round of paws and applause to Carter the Schnauzer, who’s just mastered his dog door like an absolute champ!

When we first met Carter, he was a little unsure about this strange, swinging flap. Being an older gentleman, it was a bit intimidating at first – but with gentle encouragement, some focused training, and a whole lot of patience from his amazing human Fran – Carter now strolls in and out like he’s done it his whole life!

The best part? No more asking to be let in and out – Carter’s got it sorted!

11/04/2025

🐾 CeCe’s Journey – The Realities of Rehab 🐾

Rehabilitation isn't a straight line. It’s not all tail wags and triumphs. It’s an emotional dance – a bit forward, a bit back, and sometimes it all turns to custard right when you think you’ve cracked it.

CeCe, our beautiful rescue girl, is teaching us this every day. One minute, we’re celebrating a huge win – relaxed walks, calm greetings, new confidence – and the next, it feels like we’re back at square one. But here’s the truth: we’re not. Because every loop of the circle takes us a little further than the last.

You see, when we challenge old patterns or gently push comfort zones, even in the right way, it can bring stress. Not bad stress – but that sort of healthy discomfort that comes just before growth. And sometimes CeCe just needs a moment to catch her breath, process what she’s learning, and figure out the world from her new perspective.

So if you're on your own journey with a rescue dog – hang in there. It's okay if it feels messy. It’s okay if progress comes with a wobble. The important thing is that we keep showing up, with love, patience, and the belief that a better kife is always possible. 💛

Rehabilitation of a rescue dog is about the long game, not the short game.

10/04/2025

Darran the Dogmans - Training tip - Surround Your Dog with Positives

Don't think of a white dog…
What popped into your head just now?

Yep. A white dog. 🐾

You see, our brains don’t process negatives very well – and guess what? Neither do our dogs.

When we constantly say "Don’t jump!" or "Don’t bark!", we’re not giving our dogs any clarity. We’re pointing out what we don’t want, but forgetting to show them what we do want instead.

That’s where positive communication comes in. 💛

Tell your dog what TO do.
👉 “Sit please.”
👉 “Four paws on the floor.”
👉 “Let’s go!”
👉 “Quiet now, thank you.”

By surrounding your dog in a world of clear, kind guidance, you’re not only building better behaviour – you’re building trust, connection, and a shared language.

Positive reinforcement isn’t about spoiling your dog – it’s about helping them succeed. And when they know what you want, they can choose the right behaviour. That’s where the magic happens. ✨

So today, catch yourself. Shift from “Don’t…” to “Do this instead…”
And watch your dog shine. 🌟

Check out my website : https://mindfulness4dogs.com for more details on the behavioural and training help I provide. Or give me a ring on 0274 585 872

09/04/2025

🌪️ The Silent Killer – Let’s Talk About Bloat & Twisted Gut in Deep-Chested Dogs 🐾

This week, we tragically lost one of our beloved dogs to bloat and twisted gut – medically known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). It happened so suddenly, with very little warning. One minute everything seemed normal, and the next… we were saying goodbye.

We’re sharing this because if it helps just one dog… it’s worth it.

What is GDV?
GDV is a life-threatening condition where the dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow. It primarily affects deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Weimaraners, Standard Poodles, Dobermans, Setters, and more.

Signs to watch for:
🚨 Swollen or tight abdomen
🚨 Unproductive retching (trying to vomit but nothing comes out)
🚨 Restlessness or pacing
🚨 Excessive drooling
🚨 Signs of pain (whining, hunched posture)
🚨 Collapse or weakness

It is an emergency. Immediate vet attention is critical!
If left untreated, GDV can be fatal in a matter of hours if not sooner.

How can we reduce the risk?
🔸 Feed smaller meals more frequently
🔸 Avoid heavy exercise before and after meals
🔸 Use slow-feeder bowls
🔸 Raise awareness with fellow dog owners
🔸 In at-risk breeds, speak with your vet about gastropexy (a preventative surgical option)

Losing a dog this way is deeply traumatic – it’s fast, brutal, and unexpected. Please, share this with anyone who has a deep-chested dog. Knowing the signs can save a life.

💔 Run free, our beautiful soul – you were loved beyond measure and are missed beyond words.

07/04/2025

It's with a very sad heart that we had to say good bye to our beautiful Irish Setter - Freddy this evening. Unfortunately he developed internal complications that left us no choice. Freddy would have been 13 this year, and those years have been filled with love for us and for all the dogs he has helped.

He'll be missed by us all so much, I've personally learnt so much from him over the years and I thank him dearly for his canine wisdom. We'll all miss you Little Freddy. Now you finally get to run free again with your sister Ginger.

04/04/2025

🌟 Cece’s Journey (2 weeks in) – From Uncertainty to Belonging

This week has been all about Cece from ARAN Animal Rescue NZ

No training goals. No to-do lists. Just one mission: to help her feel safe, seen, and slowly connected to her new furry foster family.

We’ve been introducing Cece to our other dogs—one at a time, at her pace, with plenty of decompression time in between. It’s been a very, very slow process, and honestly, that’s exactly how it should be. There’s no rush when it comes to building trust.

✨ And then… something beautiful happened.
Cece met Tizzy—and it was instant. A perfect match. They just clicked. Watching the two of them play and bond has been such a joy.

With four of our ten dogs being rescue dogs, we know how important it is to support each introduction with care and intention. This week, it paid off. After just a few days of gentle integration, Cece is now drawing confidence from the whole family—what a transformation.

💬 Taking on a rescue dog is no small thing.
They often arrive emotionally unbalanced, their world turned upside down. They need time—sometimes weeks—just to decompress before they’re even ready to begin again. And depending on their past trauma, it could take longer.

Trust doesn’t happen overnight.
You’ve got to be willing to give them space, offer consistency, and drop ALL judgement about their behaviour as they find their feet again during this period.

This week, I gave Cece that time.
And now, she’s got friends.
She’s got support.
She’s got a furry foster family that believes in her. 💛

🎥 Watch the moment Cece started finding her place...

Remember when adopting a RESCUE dog:
R – REACTIVE : Often responding quickly to triggers due to past trauma or stress.
E – EMOTIONALLY FRAGILE : Their world has been turned upside down, they can't cope.
S – STRESSED - New environments, new people, and uncertainty leads to heightened anxiety.
C – CONFUSED : Don’t understand what’s expected of them yet—and that’s okay.
U – UNBALANCED : Their routine, relationships, and sense of safety have been disrupted.
E – EXHAUSTED : From survival mode, constant adaptation, or emotional overload.

03/04/2025

🐶 He growled—and I smiled.
Not because I enjoy aggression, but because I understood it.

That growl? It wasn’t a threat. It was a message.
“I’m not okay with this.”

Once I stopped seeing aggression as bad behaviour, and started seeing it as communication, everything changed.
Less conflict. More connection.
A dog who trusted me—because I finally listened.

💭 If you’ve ever felt confused or ashamed about your dog’s behaviour, you’re not alone. But aggression doesn’t mean your dog is broken.

It means they’re trying to speak.

👉 Read the blog: Understanding Dog Aggression – A Functional Perspective
📚 Science-based. No pack theory. Just real communication.

💬 Want help decoding your dog’s behaviour?
Join our exclusive Aggression Support Community waitlist—a safe space for real answers, expert guidance, and zero judgement.

Discover how dog aggression functions as natural communication. Learn science-backed insights into social order, boundaries, and canine behaviour.

03/04/2025

Darran the Dogmans - Training tip.

Have you ever wondered why dogs do what they do? What makes then do one behaviour over another?

Check out my website : https://mindfulness4dogs.com for more details on the behavioural and training help I provide. Or give me a ring on 0274 585 872

02/04/2025

🐾 Understanding Dog Aggression: A Functional Perspective

Living with 10 dogs might sound like chaos to some—but for me, it’s a daily masterclass in communication, boundaries, and trust. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned? Aggression isn’t always “bad behaviour.” It’s often a dog’s way of navigating the world and maintaining peace within the family.

Yet somehow, we’ve come to believe that any growl or bark must be stopped—as if it’s automatically a sign of aggression. But here’s the truth: those sounds are often a form of communication, not conflict.

🔹 It’s Communication, Not Combat
When one of my dogs growls, it’s not about being naughty—it’s a message. “I need space.” “That’s mine.” “I’m not comfortable.” These ritualised signals exist to prevent fights, not cause them.

🔹 Boundaries in Action
Fred might let out a quiet grumble if someone gets too close to his blanket, or Lala might bark when another dog charges past her bed. These aren’t signs of bad behaviour—they’re healthy expressions of boundaries.

🔹 Nature’s Peacekeepers
In the wild, full-blown fights are dangerous. That’s why dogs evolved to use body language and vocalisations to sort things out before it escalates. And in our home, with ten dogs living socially under one roof, I witness that wisdom daily.

✨ If we rush to correct every growl or bark, we risk silencing our dog’s only way of saying, “I’m not okay.” or "What you're doing is not ok". Understanding these signals is the first step to real communication and deep trust.

Let’s stop seeing all aggression as defiance—and start seeing it for what it really is: a conversation worth listening to and understanding. Fights only happen when one side doesn't want to listen!

With love (and a bit of volume!) from me, Fred, Pixie, Twinkle, Star, Stella, Tizzy, Billy, George, Maggie, and Lala 🐾💛

🎥 Watch the Communication in Action
Check out the short video below of our adolescent Groodles, Maggie and George, getting a little too intense during play. Just as their energy starts to bubble over, Star calmly steps in—one growl, and the mood shifts. No fights, no panic—just a perfectly timed canine intervention. Life coaching at its best...

This is the kind of communication we’re talking about. Well balanced dogs know how to de-escalate—if we let them speak.

Penteronda BorderCollies Bellawai Dogs NZ Golden Retriever, Retrodoodle, Golden Shepherds NZ