Mindfulness4Dogs

Mindfulness4Dogs I am presently the President of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand - APDTNZ.

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.

09/01/2026

🐾 Sammy Showing Off His Recall Skills 🎄🌟

Over the last few weeks — including right through the Christmas period — we’ve been quietly putting the work in with Sammy, our ARAN rescue guest dog, focusing on one of the most important life skills of all…

👉 Recall.

Coming back when called isn’t about control — it’s about trust, value, and safety.
We’ve worked on making Sammy want to return, choosing the person over the environment, even when there are interesting things happening around him.

And it’s paying off.

Sammy’s recall is coming together beautifully. He’s responding with enthusiasm, checking back in, and showing that the foundations are absolutely there.

Just like loose-lead walking, recall isn’t something you “finish”.
It’s a lifelong conversation — one you keep reinforcing as your dog grows, changes, and experiences new places.

But for Sammy?
The groundwork is solid. The understanding is there. And with his future family, this skill will only get stronger.

Well done, Sammy — smart choices, happy returns, and a very bright future ahead 💚

08/01/2026

🐕‍🦺 Sammy’s Off-Lead Walking… and the Choices That Matter 🌿

In today’s video, you’ll see Sammy, our ARAN Animal Rescue NZ guest dog, practising off-lead walking — building directly on the weeks of calm, consistent on-lead training we’ve already done.

And here’s the thing…
For us, off-lead walking isn’t actually a different skill.

It’s the same conversation, just without the lead.

The real difference isn’t freedom — it’s choice.

Sammy knows he could run off.
But he doesn’t.
He chooses to stay connected, to move with the person, to check in.

That’s the bit that matters.

🐾 Just because your dog can walk off-lead doesn’t mean they should.

There are places where a lead is still the kindest, safest option — like near roads. Even with a “perfect” dog, all it takes is a cat on the other side of the road… and well… let’s not go there.

Off-lead skills are powerful when they’re used appropriately:
• In safe, low-risk environments
• When the dog has solid foundations
• When connection is chosen, not forced

Sammy is doing beautifully. The understanding is there, the trust is there, and the foundations are strong.

Freedom with responsibility.
Choice with connection.
That’s the kind of training that lasts 💚

For more details about Sammy adoption check out ARAN's trademe page : https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/pets-animals/dogs/dogs-to-adopt/listing/5687847238?fbclid=IwY2xjawPH6SpicmlkETFPaWI0TmhOaUo1dENid0pvc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoxX73drTuQbh005rDh3syG9GSi8ClA06Vtaf9yq9P-0I0VAhUIv4J_dl-0R&brid=su_w7J_o3DBq1gtziZkFeQ

And you can check out his training journey on our Youtube Channel : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVHE2mSY2tjE71X3WagZSS_zqmgszNXZt&si=uYKED1lRC5qUMuMp

07/01/2026

🐾 First sheep encounter — done thoughtfully 🐑

Today Sammy, our ARAN Rescue Guest dog, had his very first exposure to sheep — and it told us so much.

One of the big (often overlooked) challenges for rescue dogs is the transition from town life to rural living. Stock animals introduce movement, smell, sound, and instinct — and we never assume how a dog will respond until we see it carefully and safely.

Some dogs want to:

• chase

• play

• fixate

• herd

• or… in worst-case scenarios, grab

And some dogs, like Sammy today, simply go: “Oh… sheep. Cool.” 🐾

No chasing, no intensity, no stress. Just calm curiosity and then… not bothered.

That doesn’t mean we tick the box and move on forever — dogs are dynamic, not robots, and behaviour can change with arousal, context, or maturity. But careful, controlled exposure gives us valuable information and helps dogs build neutral, thoughtful responses rather than reactive ones.

Key pieces that matter:

✔ Distance first — no pressure

✔ On lead, with choice

✔ Calm humans = calm dogs

✔ Observing, not testing

✔ Ending the session before excitement builds

For rescue dogs especially, these moments matter. They help us understand what environments will suit them best and how to support future families — whether that’s urban, semi-rural, or full farm life.

Sammy took it all in stride today. No drama. No instincts spilling over. Just information gathered the kind way.

Slow exposure. Clear observations. No assumptions.

That’s how confidence is built — for dogs and humans. 🐾💜

07/01/2026

🐕‍🦺 Sammy’s Top-of-the-Class Moment 🎓✨

Today we had a bit of fun with Sammy, our ARAN rescue guest dog, teaching the presentation position —
that lovely little move where the dog comes around behind you and sits neatly at your side.

It might look like a party trick…
but it’s actually a really useful life skill.

🐾 It can help when:
• You’re greeting people
• You need your dog close and settled
• You’re waiting at crossings or doorways
• You want a calm reset in busy environments

And Sammy?
Well… he went straight to the top of the class, of course 😏

He picked it up quickly, offered the behaviour with confidence, and clearly thought “Yes, I’ve got this.”

Now here’s the big question…

👉 Could this be you standing beside Sammy?
Are you the one about to step into his new owner’s shoes and continue this learning journey with him?

Sammy’s foundations are strong, his attitude is joyful, and he’s ready for someone to guide him forward.

🐾 For more details about Sammy and how to make him part of your family, check out his Trade Me page.

Smart dog. Big heart.
And always up for learning something new 💚

06/01/2026

🐾 Big moments done the calm way 🐾

Today was a huge step for Sammy, our ARAN Animal Rescue NZ guest dog. He met Lala (our older blue merle girl) properly for the very first time — not just passing on the way to the paddock, but sharing the same space indoors.

We chose calm over chaos.

Both dogs already have a strong, positive association with coming into the house: settle on a bed and chew a hoof. Chewing is their go-to behaviour — it lowers arousal, keeps mouths busy, and creates emotional safety. Perfect conditions for a first introduction.

Sammy has shown no signs of food guarding, which made this a safe and appropriate setup. Importantly, this avoided the intense, high-energy interactions that can happen outside — running, chasing, overstimulation… and the kind of silly mistakes that can shape a relationship in the wrong direction.

💡 A gentle but important reminder:
If you are unsure about either your rescue dog or your existing dog around food, always crate the one you’re uncertain about. One early mistake can dictate the relationship from that point on. Don’t leave it to chance — set everyone up to succeed.

And just to put this into perspective…
We’ve had Sammy for four weeks, and this is the first time he’s been in the room with our other dogs. His first interaction with Lala lasted 15 minutes. There’s no rush when you’re building trust — slow is safe, and safe is successful.

Proud of you, Sammy. Foundations first. Calm always. 🐾💜

06/01/2026

🥕 Sammy’s Special Treat (and a little life lesson) 🐶

In today’s video, you’ll see Sammy, our ARAN Animal Rescue NZ guest dog, happily crunching on a carrot like it’s the best thing in the world.

And for Sammy… it kind of is 💚

We’re using carrot as a training treat right now — not because it’s fancy, but because it works:
• It’s gentle on his body
• We know exactly what’s in it
• And let’s be honest… treats are expensive, and times are a bit tight for many families

Carrots won’t replace all rewards, but they’re a brilliant everyday option when you’re doing lots of reps and want something healthy and affordable.

🥕 A little dog wisdom moment…
Sometimes dogs need to see that something is safe before they’ll try it.

We learned this years ago with Billy, our Irish Setter — he was not a vegetable fan at all.
So we did what any good role model would do… we ate the veg first

Once Billy realised “Oh, you’re eating it… must be okay” — everything changed.
Now he’ll happily eat most vegetables.

For Sammy, every vegetable is a brand-new experience. New smells, new textures, new learning moments. And that’s okay. We go slow, we stay curious, and we let him decide.

🐾 Training isn’t just about behaviour — it’s about confidence, choice, and trust.

Sometimes the best teaching tool isn’t a command…
It’s a carrot 🥕

💚 Raw, plain, simple
💚 Used thoughtfully
💚 Supporting both learning and health

PLEASE NOTE : in the video the Mushrooms are for HUMAN to eat, not for dogs.

🥕 Vegetables Dogs Can Eat Safely 🥦(Yes… some of what’s in your fridge!)Adding small amounts of fresh veg can be a lovely...
06/01/2026

🥕 Vegetables Dogs Can Eat Safely 🥦
(Yes… some of what’s in your fridge!)

Adding small amounts of fresh veg can be a lovely way to boost enrichment, fibre, and micronutrients for our dogs — when it’s done thoughtfully 🐾

Here are some low-risk, everyday vegetables most dogs can enjoy in moderation:

✅ Carrots
✅ Green beans
✅ Cucumbers
✅ Peas
✅ Celery
✅ Sweet potato (cooked, plain)
✅ Broccoli (small amounts)

🌱 Keep it simple
• Raw or lightly cooked
• Plain — no oils, salt, garlic, or spices
• Small portions alongside a balanced diet

Veg should be a supporting player, not the main meal. Think toppers, training treats, enrichment, not food replacement.

📚 This guidance aligns with current whole-dog, evidence-based nutrition thinking, including insights from The Forever Dog Life by Dr Karen Becker & Rodney Habib (https://bit.ly/4jt9lxI)— a great resource for anyone wanting to support their dog’s long-term health with informed, practical choices.

🐶 As always: every dog is an individual. If your dog has digestive sensitivities, kidney issues, or medical conditions, check in with your vet before adding new foods.

Calm choices. Thoughtful feeding. Dogs who feel good from the inside out 💚

—
Darran the Dogman
Mindfulness4dogs 🐾

04/01/2026

🐕‍🦺 Sammy’s Learning to Be a LeashStar 🌟

Our ARAN Animal Rescue NZ guest dog Sammy has been working on one of those quietly important life skills — walking to heel.

Heel work isn’t about marching everywhere in perfect formation.
In real life, we only use it when it’s needed:
• When people pass closely
• When kids are playing nearby
• When space feels a bit tighter or busier

You know the moments.

The rest of the time? We want dogs to move, sniff, explore, and decompress. Connection over control, always.

The lovely thing about Sammy is how quickly he’s picked this up. He’s tuning in, offering focus, and understanding that coming back beside the person on the other end of the lead is a safe, predictable place to be.

🐾 That said — this is just the beginning.

Loose lead and heel work isn’t a “train it once and you’re done” skill. It’s an ongoing conversation you keep reinforcing throughout your dog’s life, especially as environments, emotions, and distractions change.

And Sammy?
He’s doing beautifully.

His foundations are strong — calm engagement, choice, and trust. With his potential new family, this will continue to grow into something really special.

Well done, Sammy.
From rescue dog… to LeashStar in the making 🌟

What all rescue dogs want at Christmas. A warm mat, and a tasty Hoof! Will Santa Clause bring you Sammy in your stocking...
26/12/2025

What all rescue dogs want at Christmas. A warm mat, and a tasty Hoof! Will Santa Clause bring you Sammy in your stocking this year?
For more information about this little darling check out the ARAN Animal Rescue NZ trademe page - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/pets-animals/dogs/dogs-to-adopt/listing/5687847238

And don't forget you can follow along with his Training Journey on our Youtube Channel at : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVHE2mSY2tjE71X3WagZSS_zqmgszNXZt&si=EOv81J-YfqQIit8G

Both Myself and Papia and all our dogs wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Remember the Christmas ...
24/12/2025

Both Myself and Papia and all our dogs wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Remember the Christmas message is all about helping those in need, so why not welcome a rescue dog into your life in the coming year or donate to a your local dog charity.

19/12/2025

🐾 Sammy’s Recall Foundations — Learning Through Choice, Not Command

Today our ARAN Rescue guest dog, Sammy, took a huge step forward in his training journey. We’ve been laying the foundations of recall, and to put that into practice we tested his ability to greet Papia with a calm down — even with excitement and distraction swirling around him.

And you know what? He smashed it. 💛

At Mindfulness4dogs, we train through the element of choice. That means the dog isn’t coerced, commanded, or micromanaged into obedience. Instead, they learn to choose the most appropriate behaviour for the moment — and when the right choice is reinforced well, it becomes the behaviour they offer again and again.

Too often, people rely on commands alone and then wonder why their dog’s behaviour isn’t consistent. (“He comes back sometimes…”) When the behaviour isn’t owned by the dog, it disappears the second the environment changes.

Sammy is learning a different way.
He’s discovering that calm choices open doors, earn connection, and make the world feel predictable. He now has a growing set of skills he can apply to new people, new places, new situations — not just with us, but with anyone he meets.

That’s the power of giving dogs agency.
When they understand why a behaviour works, they’ll choose it long after the trainer has gone home.

This boy is becoming a confident, thoughtful, beautifully connected dog — and he’s going to make an incredible addition to someone’s family.

✨ Sammy is available for adoption through ARAN Animal Rescue NZ

Let’s help him find the home he’s been waiting for. 🐶💛
http://www.jotform.com/aranrescuenz/questionnaire

🌟 Meet Sammy — Your New Best Mate in the Making📍 9 months old • Whanganui • Mixed-breed superstarSammy isn’t just anothe...
18/12/2025

🌟 Meet Sammy — Your New Best Mate in the Making

📍 9 months old • Whanganui • Mixed-breed superstar

Sammy isn’t just another rescue dog — he’s the kind of pup who steals your heart the moment he looks up at you. A soulful, playful, deeply affectionate boy who found himself in the pound through no fault of his own, Sammy is now searching for the one thing he’s been missing: a family who will love him as much as he loves the world.

At around 9 months old, Sammy is that perfect blend of puppy joy and growing maturity. He’ll be a medium–large dog once fully grown — the ideal companion for walks, adventures, river swims, beach missions, and snuggly evenings on the couch. He would absolutely adore having a friendly dog buddy to play with, learn from, and explore alongside.

This boy has been thriving in training — learning impulse control, taking treats gently by choice, and discovering that calm brings connection. He tries so hard to get things right, and his eagerness to engage makes him a dream for anyone wanting a dog who genuinely wants to bond.

💛 Sammy Is Looking For

A loving home where:

People are around more often than not

He gets companionship, structure, and gentle guidance

He has a secure outdoor space for play and downtime

He is welcomed indoors as part of the family

He’s never chained, isolated, or left long hours alone

If you want a dog who greets every day with enthusiasm and every person with a wag, Sammy is your boy.

🐾 What ARAN Has Already Covered

Sammy has been:

✔️ Desexed

✔️ Vaccinated

✔️ Registered

✔️ Microchipped

His adoption fee of $300 is heavily subsidised — simply a contribution to ARAN toward the care he’s already received.

🌱 Adoption Trial & Support

All ARAN Animal Rescue NZ adoptions include an approval process and a 2-week trial, giving you time to make sure Sammy is the perfect fit. But we’re quietly confident he’ll win you over completely.

🌟 If You’re Looking for a Loyal, Loving, Adventure-Ready Companion… Sammy is waiting.

He’s ready to brighten your mornings, join your adventures, and become the happy, connected family dog he was always meant to be.

👉 Express an interest in adopting Sammy - http://www.jotform.com/aranrescuenz/questionnaire
👉 Check out Sammy's training journey -
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVHE2mSY2tjE71X3WagZSS_zqmgszNXZt&si=HQV0-K17ndmzgj6g
👉 Find him on TradeMe - https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/pets-animals/dogs/dogs-to-adopt/listing/5676089408

Let’s get this beautiful boy the fresh start he deserves. 🐶💛

Address

Stratford

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+64274585872

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