Mindfulness4Dogs

Mindfulness4Dogs I am presently the President of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand - APDTNZ.
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Mindfulness4dogs provides personalised dog training, puppy training and Dog Behavioural Issues in New Plymouth, Stratford, Inglewood, Hawera, Eltham, Cambridge, Hamilton. Darran Rowe - Qualified Clinical Canine Behaviourist

I have been working professionally as a Canine behaviourist and dog trainer for over 20 years, so I really understand how to make your life with your dog enjoyable and rewardi

ng. My training utilises only Force Free and Fear Free, positive techniques, so you can rest assured that I’m not going to hurt your dog, just to make them do things for you. I’m all about teaching dogs to make the right choice for themselves, that way you don’t have to shout and scream at them. Coming from a competitive dog agility background, my training is focused on building and promoting a positive relationship between you and your dog, one based on mutual trust and respect using mindful techniques. At the moment I live with 10 dogs at present, 2 Irish Setters, 6 Border collies of various ages (3 of which are rescue dogs) and 2 Groodle. They are all amazing dogs and have taught me so much about the canine world. Education :

Masters in Clinical Animal Behaviour - Royal (Dicks) Veterinary College, Edinburgh University. – In Progress (Studying in my second year)

Waikato University. PSYC501-15A NET (Level 7) – Introduction to Theoretical Foundations of Clinical Animal Behaviour. Post Graduate Certificate in Education, South Bank University, United Kingdom. BSc (Hons) Degree in Biology from Cardiff University , United Kingdom.

04/07/2025

🌟 Happy Tail Alert! 🐾

Khadin, the beautiful rescue boy from ARAN Animal Rescue, has officially found his forever home! 💛

I’ve had the privilege of working with this sweet soul over the past few months — helping him gently face his fears, build confidence, and learn that the world isn’t such a scary place after all.

And now? He’s living his best life alongside a gorgeous dog, donkeys, horses, chickens, and even ducks! 🐶🫏🐴🐔🦆

Khadin’s new human is as kind and committed as they come — and together, they’re already making magic. He’s a happy lad, and we couldn’t be prouder.

👉 If you’ve recently welcomed a rescue dog (or are thinking about it), check out our free Rescue Dog Support Course — it covers the most important things to do in that crucial first week at home. It’s part of our Free Sniff Pass to the Mindfulness4dogs Online Community — packed with heart-led resources to help you and your dog settle in, stress-free.

🎓 Get started here: https://mindfulness4dogs.com/free-sniff-pass/

Massive thanks to the team at ARAN Animal Rescue NZ and his Foster parents for giving Khadin his second chance — and to everyone who believes in the power of patience, love, and a bit of mindful dog magic. 💫

03/07/2025

🚫 Is That Walk Helping… or Harming? 🐾
(An honest question for anyone with an anxious dog.)

We’ve been told that “a walk a day keeps the bad behaviour away” — but what if your dog is telling you that a walk is the last thing they need right now?

If your dog is anxious, over-aroused, or fearful, heading out for a lead walk through a trigger-rich neighbourhood might be doing more harm than good.

How do we know?

We learn to become Bowlingual — fluent in our dog’s body language.

That means learning to spot the real signs of stress:
🐾 Lip licking (when there’s no food in sight)
🐾 Shaking off (like they’ve just had a bath, but haven’t)
🐾 Constant scanning, pulling, freezing
🐾 Heavy panting when it’s not hot
🐾 Tense bodies, tails low or high and stiff, ears flicking back

If your walk looks more like a battle than a bonding session, or if your dog comes home more stressed than settled, it might be time to rethink what they really need.

Sometimes a sniffari in the backyard, some play-based enrichment, or even a decompression period at home does far more for your dog’s wellbeing than pushing them through a walk they’re not ready for.

🧠 Darran the Dogman’s Tip:
A calm brain learns. A stressed brain panics. Don’t walk your dog into failure — listen to what they’re trying to say, and walk with them, not just beside them.

Do you and your dog aim high with your training goals. Well let's all reach for the stars this UFO day, and make our tra...
02/07/2025

Do you and your dog aim high with your training goals. Well let's all reach for the stars this UFO day, and make our training achievements out of this world.

Need some help, check out new website for details. http://mindfulness4dogs.com

Buckle up, buddy.🚗💥 “It’s just a quick drive to the park…”Yeah? Well, meet your new airbag: an unrestrained Terrier at 6...
02/07/2025

Buckle up, buddy.

🚗💥 “It’s just a quick drive to the park…”
Yeah? Well, meet your new airbag: an unrestrained Terrier at 60km/h.

That adorable 7kg bundle of energy, if loose in your car during a crash, turns into a 420kg flying missile. Straight towards your windscreen. Or your face. Or your child.

And thats a small dog!!!

🐶💺 Small dogs don’t mean small risk. In fact, because they’re light and zippy, they fly faster. One sudden stop, one idiot texting while driving another car, and your best mate could be hurtling through the air like a chew-toy of doom.

Whether it’s a harness, crate, or pet seatbelt — secure your dog, every time.
Even for short trips. Especially for short trips.

👉 It could save their life.
👉 It could save yours.
👉 And it definitely saves that awkward conversation with emergency services:
“No officer, that wasn’t a baguette. That was my dog.”

NEED HELP : Contact Darran on 0274585872 or [email protected]

Thinking about bringing a German Shepherd into your life? Let's talk honestly — not just about the loyalty and the looks...
01/07/2025

Thinking about bringing a German Shepherd into your life?

Let's talk honestly — not just about the loyalty and the looks, but the real day-to-day of raising one of the most brilliant, intense, and misunderstood breeds around.

Yes, they’re stunning.
Yes, they’re devoted.
Yes, they can be everything you’ve dreamed of in a dog.

But they don’t come pre-assembled. And they don’t come easy.

The Puppy Phase:
Ah yes, the land shark stage.
If you're bringing home a GSD pup, prepare your ankles. Those razor teeth aren't personal — it's just how they explore the world (and your limbs). It will pass, but not without some strategic redirection, calm energy, and a sense of humour.

The Puberty Phase:
Around 6–18 months, you might feel like you’ve lost the plot — and your dog.
All that gorgeous training? Gone.
The recall? Selective.
The behaviour? Bigger, louder, and more chaotic.
This is the “who even ARE you?” stage — and it's one of the hardest for GSD owners. But it’s also when the real trust-building begins.

German Shepherds are:
🧠 Incredibly intelligent
💪 Bred to work
🎯 Purpose-driven
💥 Emotionally reactive (especially when misunderstood)

If you don’t give them structure, calm guidance, and something to do, they’ll self-employ — usually in ways that aren’t super convenient for family life.

They need:
✅ Mental and physical work, every day
✅ Clear boundaries and kind guidance
✅ A calm human who’s ready to lead without force
✅ Connection over control

They’re not for everyone — and that’s okay.
But if you’re ready for a long-term partnership with a dog who will match your energy, your commitment, and your emotional state…

Then a GSD might just be your heart dog.

🐾 Fierce. Loyal. Complex.
They’ll give you everything — but only if you give them what they need first.

— Darran the Dogman
Helping you raise the dog in front of you, not the one in your head.

“Empty your expectations, and your dog will fill the space with trust.”The more we expect from our dogs —He should walk ...
30/06/2025

“Empty your expectations, and your dog will fill the space with trust.”

The more we expect from our dogs —
He should walk nicely.
She should know better.
He should be over this by now.
— the more pressure we quietly place on them.

And pressure doesn’t grow trust.
It shrinks it.

But when we let go of the shoulds...
When we stop measuring our dog against the version we imagined,
we finally make space for the dog we actually have to show us who they really are.

🌿 Less expectation = more connection.
🧘‍♂️ Less demand = more curiosity.
💛 Less control = more trust.

Your dog doesn’t need perfection.
They need presence.

So breathe.
Let go.
And watch how your dog leans in when the space finally feels safe to do so.

— Darran the Dogman
Compassion first. Control last.

🎉 Huge Congratulations to George the Groodle! 🎉Today marked a very special milestone for our boy George — his first offi...
27/06/2025

🎉 Huge Congratulations to George the Groodle! 🎉

Today marked a very special milestone for our boy George — his first official offsite Behavioural Coaching Session! After two years of mindful, heart-led training, George is now stepping into some very big (and very loved) pawprints — taking over the role of Small Dog Ambassador from our dearly missed Little Freddy 💛

This isn’t just a job for George — it’s a calling. His mission? To gently help scared and traumatised small dogs who’ve had tough experiences with bigger dogs… find confidence, connection, and calm again.

Today, he worked alongside a little Australian Terrier who had developed a deep fear of larger dogs. With empathy, patience and a bit of that Groodle charm, George helped him take the first brave steps towards feeling safe again. 💖

We’ve spent hours and hours investing in George’s emotional resilience, using a carefully balanced mix of behaviour training and mindful practices to bring out the natural healer in him. And wow… today he shone ✨

His connection with the dogs he supports is something truly special — and I honestly couldn’t be prouder of him. He LOVED the session. You could see it in his wag, his eyes, his gentle energy.

This is what mindful dog training is all about — not just obedience, but emotional capacity, empathy, and healing.

🐶Go George! You’re making the world a safer, kinder place for our little canine friends ❤️

Bellawai Dogs NZ Golden Retriever, Retrodoodle, Golden Shepherds NZ

26/06/2025

🎯 It’s Not Tug of War... It’s TUGGY!

Darran the Dogman Training Tip

Let’s set the record straight:
🛑 “Tug of war” is a competition.
✅ Tuggy is a collaboration.

When we play Tuggy with our dogs, we’re not trying to win. We’re trying to help them safely play out their natural predator-prey sequence in a way that builds trust, cooperation, and calm.

Here’s how to do it right:

🔹 Become the prey. Yes, you. Be the rabbit. Move the tuggy erratically. Dart it. Wiggle it. Make it alive.
🔹 Let them catch it. Give them the thrill of the grab. Let them tug. Let them win!
🔹 Then... die. Yep. That’s your Oscar moment. Drop the energy. Go completely still. No tension. No movement. You’re the prey, and now... you’re toast.
🔹 Watch what happens. When the tuggy “dies,” your dog will often release it. Why? Because the game is complete.
🔹 Then bring it back to life! Move it just a little — and BOOM! The prey lives again. The chase is back on.

This isn’t a power struggle. It’s a safe, species-appropriate outlet for your dog to:
✅ Burn energy
✅ Build confidence
✅ Practice impulse control
✅ And most importantly — deepen your bond

Tuggy isn’t about dominance. It’s about connection, communication, and cooperation.

So next time you're tempted to “win” the tug, remember — real leadership is letting your dog win the right way.

🧡 Be the prey. Play the part. And yes... die with dignity.

If you're struggling to understand your dogs behaviour then give me a call on 0274585872 or visit the website https://mindfulness4dogs.com

25/06/2025

Special Discount - Your Dog’s World—Clean, Safe & Sparkling!

I recently sat down with Ray & Julie from Clean Things , New Zealand to chat all things clean. And let me tell you—this isn’t just your average spray ‘n’ pray!

💥 Virosan is a powerhouse sanitiser designed with our furry mates in mind. Whether it’s that well-loved dog bed, the back seat of your car, the crate, or the kitchen floor—Virosan helps eliminate bacteria, fungus, AND viruses without harsh chemicals that’ll upset sensitive snouts.

🐶 Why do I use it for my dogs?
Because keeping our dogs emotionally and physically healthy means looking after the whole environment they live in.

✨ Great for:
✅ Dog bedding & crates
✅ Doggy daycare spaces
✅ Kennels & travel cages
✅ Floors, couches, carpets & cars
✅ That mystery smell you still haven’t tracked down...

🛍️ SPECIAL DEAL for Mindfulness4dogs furparents!
Use the code M4DogsClean at checkout and get 20% OFF your first Virosan purchase! 🎉

➡️ Head over to: https://cleanthings.co.nz/collections/sanitise-and-deodourise-and-remove-odour

Support local. Clean smarter. Smell better. 🐾

Because a healthy dog starts with a clean space—and a clean space starts with Virosan.

Training dogs is so much more than just 'sorting the dog out'. It's so much about building long lasting relationships. I...
25/06/2025

Training dogs is so much more than just 'sorting the dog out'. It's so much about building long lasting relationships. It was great to get some feedback from Marina and her dog Deigo this week.

NEED HELP : Contact Darran on 0274585872 or [email protected]

Marina said - "Thanks to Darran for coaching us through a challenging time. Love my Schnauzer Diego, but walking as well as off lead at our favourite park became too stressful. Due to the coaching sessions I gained much more insight, techniques and we are slowly building confidence. I really appreciate the gentle, understanding, non controlling approach. Definitely would recommend Mindfulness4dogs, knowledgeable and non judgemental. Thanks for getting us back on track."

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Considering a Shetland Sheepdog (a.k.a. the Sheltie) as your next four-legged companion?Well… imagine a Border Collie in...
24/06/2025

Considering a Shetland Sheepdog (a.k.a. the Sheltie) as your next four-legged companion?

Well… imagine a Border Collie in a tiny floofy disguise — but with the volume turned up to "enthusiastic opera singer" and the loyalty set to "Velcro Level 9000."

✔️ Fluffy? Gloriously so.
✔️ Loyal? They’ll follow you into the bathroom and the afterlife.
✔️ Clever? Like, teach-them-to-open-the-fridge clever.
✔️ Barky? Oh. My. Goodness. Yes.

These dogs were bred to herd sheep on the rugged Shetland Islands — clever, quick, and vocal enough to keep flocks (and farmers) in line. That instinct? Still very alive.

⚠️ So don’t be fooled by the Disney eyes and glorious mane — this dog needs a job.

If you don’t give them one, they’ll invent one.
And it might be:
🎤 Alerting you to every passing car
🧹 Herding your kids, cats, or furniture
🎨 Creating art from shredded cardboard while you're at work

They thrive on:
🏃‍♂️ Regular exercise
🧠 Mental challenges
🎯 Clear, consistent boundaries
🤗 And lots of calm connection (they feel your energy — all of it)

But give them what they need, and you’ll have:
💛 A sensitive, intuitive, tail-wagging life coach
🎓 A top student in training (positive reinforcement only please — they’re soft souls)
🏡 A loyal, loving shadow who wants to be part of the family rhythm

Shelties: beauty, brains, and a built-in home security system.
If you're ready for a talkative, whip-smart, emotionally in-tune companion… this might be your perfect match.

Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about the barking.

— Darran the Dogman
Honouring instincts. Guiding hearts. Herding with humour.

“Support does not control; it creates space for change to arise naturally.”Let that land for a moment.So many of us were...
23/06/2025

“Support does not control; it creates space for change to arise naturally.”

Let that land for a moment.

So many of us were taught that training a dog is about control. About making them listen, obey, submit.

But here’s the truth: real, lasting change never grows out of fear or force.

It grows in space.
In safety.
In relationship.

When we try to control behaviour, we often miss the bigger picture — the dog’s why.
Why are they barking? Pulling? Growling? Hiding?

Instead of asking, “How do I stop this?”
Ask, “What’s underneath this? What does my dog need right now?”

🌱 Support is about holding space.
Being the calm centre when your dog is struggling.
Guiding without gripping.
Not pushing for change, but allowing room for it to unfold — like a flower, not a machine.

When a dog feels supported — not corrected — they can choose new behaviours.
When they feel safe, they can grow.

So take a breath.
Let go of the urge to control.
And step into a space of compassionate guidance.

Because your dog isn’t broken.
They’re communicating.
And with the right support, they’ll show you who they can become.

— Darran the Dogman
Creating calm, connected change — without the control.

Address

Stratford

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+64274585872

Website

https://mindfulness4dogs.com/

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