Mindfulness4Dogs

06/11/2025

☕ Café confession: that “under-the-chair” bark-and-lunge isn’t naughtiness—it’s stress. Busy spaces are hard for dogs. When we’re chatting with mates, we miss the small signals… and that’s when trouble starts. Communication over correction, every time. 🐶💛

Try this at home first:

Set up a “mock café”: table, plates, a couple of friends. Teach a settle on mat and reward calm.

Start far away, add one thing at a time (people → clinks → dropped food). Keep sessions short and easy.

Use management: comfy harness, short lead to your chair, a chew on the mat. Exit early while it’s going well.

Level up with quiet off-peak visits before tackling a busy brunch.

Keep it safe. Keep it simple. If café training feels tough, I can help you build a step-by-step plan that fits your dog’s temperament and history. —Darran the Dogman · Mindfulness4dogs

05/11/2025

🐾 Cambridge & Hamilton, I’m Coming Your Way! 🐾
15–17 November — Behaviour Consults Now Open

Kia ora, I’m Darran,
I help dogs and their families find calm, connection, and real change — without gimmicks, force, or “quick fixes.”

Whether you’re dealing with reactivity, aggression, anxiety, or just feeling stuck with your dog’s behaviour, I’m here to help you understand why things are happening — and how to overcome the frustration it causes.

✅ 20+ years’ experience in behaviour and training (including SPCA, councils, schools & 1:1 clients)
✅ Mindful, positive, positive evidence-based approach
✅ Postgraduate study in Canine Science
🎓 Currently completing a Master’s in Clinical Animal Behaviour through the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (Edinburgh)

I’ll be in the Cambridge & Hamilton region for two days only (15–17 November). Limited spaces available for in-home or park-based behaviour consults.

If you’re ready for a better understanding of your dog — and a calmer life for everyone - email me or give me a ring and let’s chat.

🐶 Real behavioural support, Tailored to you and your dog

❤️ Connection, not correction. Let’s help your dog feel safe, understood, and set up for success.

— Darran the Dogman

05/11/2025

🐾 What’s Really Trending in the Dog World Right Now?
(and why your dog will thank you if you pay attention)

Lately, there’s been a real shift in how people think about their dogs and honestly, it’s about time.

We’re seeing a move away from “commands and control” and towards something way more meaningful: understanding how our dogs actually feel and learn. Science is catching up with what many of us have known for years…dogs aren’t little robots that need programming - they’re emotional, intelligent beings who want to feel safe, understood, and connected to us.

At the same time, tech and wellbeing are joining forces. Smart collars tracking sleep, apps helping us train, tools that tell us when stress levels spike (yes, really). It’s not about replacing the relationship — it’s enhancing it.

So what does all this mean for your dog?

➡️ It means they’re not “being stubborn”…they’re communicating.
➡️ It means stress and reactivity aren’t “bad behaviour”…they’re signs your dog needs help.
➡️ It means your bond can get stronger when you focus less on control and more on connection.

The future of dog training isn’t in harsher tools or “being the alpha.” It’s in empathy, mindfulness, and understanding how your dog’s brain works. And let me tell you — when you start to see your dog in this way, everything changes.

Your dog becomes calmer.
You feel less frustrated.
The whole household starts to breathe easier.

If you want support navigating this shift - especially if your dog struggles with anxiety, reactivity, or big feelings in general - that’s what I’m here for.

Real dogs. Real people. Real change. No gimmicks. Just connection. 🐾

— Darran the Dogman
Mindfulness meets dog behaviour, every day.

03/11/2025

Another marvelous day working from the office!!!

14/10/2025

It's not surprising some cats and dogs don't get on. The tail says it all, but not necessarily the same story for both animals. One wags for play the other wags for annoyance. Does your dog and cat get on, like these guys? Let me know why they do below?

10/10/2025

Tail wagging! Always a happy dog yes? Well, maybe it's a bit more complicated than we think. Check out the Darran the Dogman tips this week.

24/09/2025

Important read.

🚨 New Dog Tethering Rules in Effect Today (25 Sept 2025) 🐶

From today, new dog tethering regulations under the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations are active in New Zealand.

These rules aren’t about banning tethering entirely - they’re about preventing harm and protecting dogs. SPCA New Zealand have put together some great FAQs you can read on this at the bottom of this post - but here's a quick summary:

⭕𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟱𝗔 – 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴
It will now be an offence to tether a dog if two or more “signs of prolonged tethering” are present. Examples include ground worn bare, buildup of faeces, injuries from the tether, locked collars, fly strike dermatitis, or behavioural signs like constant pacing or barking.
⭕𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟱𝗕 – 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀
Tethering vulnerable dogs (puppies under 6 months, pregnant or nursing dogs, dogs in heat) will only be allowed in very short, supervised situations (e.g. for vet care or brief necessary tasks). Otherwise it’s prohibited.
➡️𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗻
Dogs can still be tethered for periods of time - as long as they’re not showing signs of harm, and especially not vulnerable dogs outside the allowed exceptions.
📖𝗘𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Inspectors will begin with a focus on education, helping people understand the new rules. But in serious or non-compliant cases, infringement fines can be issued ($500 for prolonged tethering, $300 for vulnerable dog violations). Importantly, the regulations give inspectors clearer legal backing to step in earlier where harmful tethering is occurring.
❓𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆
If you suspect a dog is tethered in breach of the rules (signs of harm, vulnerable dog, etc.), SPCA encourages you to submit a welfare complaint via their website or contact your local SPCA centre.

These regulations aren’t aimed at responsible dog owners - they’re designed to protect dogs in situations where, until now, inspectors haven’t had the legal tools to step in.

If you’re a dog guardian, now is a great time to double-check how and where your dog is tethered - make sure it’s safe, supervised, and doesn’t show signs of stress or physical harm.

SPCA FAQ: https://www.spca.nz/news-and-events/news-article/dog-tethering-regulations-faqs

20/09/2025

Had a great time at the Pet Expo in Auckland yesterday. Good opportunity to catch up with friends, learn new things and make new connections. Its still on today, so pop along and support a dog charity.

19/09/2025

🐾 Why Do Dogs Get “Raised Hackles”? 🐾

Ever noticed the fur along your dog’s back standing up like a little mohawk? This is called piloerection, and it’s basically your dog’s body saying, “I’m feeling something really strongly right now!”

Raised hackles don’t always mean aggression. They just mean arousal — that could be excitement, fear, surprise, or even play.

✨ Happy Hackles: Loose, wiggly body, tail wagging, playful vibe.
⚠️ Warning Hackles: Stiff body, tense face, tail high or tight — your dog may be scared or ready to defend themselves.

Always look at the whole dog — ears, tail, face, posture — to read the situation correctly.

👀 Next time you see hackles, take a moment to observe before reacting. Your dog is giving you valuable emotional info in real-time!

12/09/2025

Suzy’s (aka CeCe) our Rescue Dog's doorway dance 💜🐾

This wee rescue girl didn’t grow up being invited inside. For the last 6 months, “coming in” has been big feelings: peek in → grab a treat → zoom back out. Repeat. (Today’s hero snack = tiny carrot coins 🥕)

What you’ll see in the video:

suzy edges to the door, checks the room, nibbles a carrot, then chooses safety outside again.

the other dogs stroll in/out like it’s no biggie — that “copy-dog” confidence boost helps.

Our approach:

Her pace, not our agenda. No pulling, no pressure, no shame.

Choice & retreat allowed. Brave seconds count. Retreating is part of learning.

Good feelings at the threshold. Door open, pathway clear, soft voices, treats arrive, scary stuff doesn’t.

Tips for other nervous rescues:

make the doorway a “good news zone” (quiet, comfy mat, yummy but simple treats).

let your calm dogs model.

several tiny reps beat one “big push.” end on success, even if that’s a nose poke and a sniff.

Six months of micro-wins add up. Today suzy came one paw further. Tomorrow? Maybe two. We’re cheering for brave, not perfect. 💫

11/09/2025

New Puppy in the family? 🐶🎉
Here’s your job list (no formal training yet — just life skills):

• Habituation: tiny tours of the world — different floors, smells, umbrellas, hats, wheelie bins, light rain. Keep it short + yummy.
• Desensitisation: spooky stuff at puppy pace — car doors, vacuums, skateboards. Start far/quiet → feed treats → finish before they worry.
• Gentle socialisation: calm, kind people and safe dog friends. Quality over quantity. One great hello beats ten chaotic ones.
• Handling love: paws, ears, collar, vet-style cuddles = treat party.
• Alone-time micro-moments: 30–90 seconds in a safe space, chew to enjoy, you return like it’s no big deal.

Golden rules: short, sweet, positive. If pup looks unsure, add distance, lower the volume, try again tomorrow. 💜

Want a step-by-step plan? Grab our FREE Puppy Survival Course — comment PUPPY and I’ll send you the link! 🐾

10/09/2025

Had a lovely coffee at Gathers Container Cafe over the weekend. Wonderful coffee and the best thing is there is plenty of room for your dogs to enjoy themselves too. Check them out.