Darran Rowe - The Canine Behaviourist

14/08/2024

What an awesome training day I've had in Gisborne with Teresa, Cris and their dogs Oso and Fern. It's been so much fun helping these guys with their behaviour and training. The step from one dog to two can often cause some unexpected issues to arise, but with a little understanding and an appreciation of the reasons why the issues are happening in the first place, we can bring balance back to the household. Remember, creating a strong connection and improving the clarity of your communication with your dogs will always bring us success.

**Note all training was performed with leads attached to harness point.**

13/05/2024

Do you need to desensitise an adolescent dogs to new things?

We always think about desensitisation with puppies, but it's so important to do with an adolescent dog as well.

During puberty their brain remodels, in the similar way it did in the first 16 weeks, so you really need to do all the things you did with your puppy again with your adolescent dog. Crazy eh?

We are having lots of excavation work done at the moment to build our 10 dogs their new kennels. Today I'm helping Maggie over come her fear of the Mechanical Diggers.

09/05/2024

So I gave four of our dogs a cow hoof today for enrichment. Chewing is so important for a dog, it helps a dog to naturally reduce their stress levels, by releasing 'happy' hormones.

Anyway I left them alone for a few minutes to make a cuppa and when I came back this was what I found!!!

Although Maggie, the super Groodle, stole everyone else's hoof, amazingly stealing them from 2 Border Collies,, I'm so impressed that she managed to do it. I wish I had a camera in the kennels to see her stealing strategies.

06/05/2024

How do you know your Dog Behaviourist is qualified to do the job? Check this out...

DARRAN ROWE - Canine Behaviourist and Trainer

Qualifications : Completing Masters Degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour (CAB) at The University of Edinburgh, Royal (Dicks) Veterinary College, UK.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education, LSBU: London South Bank University, UK.
Bachelor of Science 2.1 (Hons) Degree in Applied Biology from Cardiff University, UK.

Endorsements - Accredited Trainer - Companion Animals New Zealand , Endorsed Trainer - Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand

Experience - 25 years training and behavioural experience, former SPCA manager.

Membership - President - Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand, Member of The Pet Professional Guild, Member of IAABC Foundation.

05/05/2024

I did enjoy judging thd Barking Mad Market dog show on Saturday at the Purina Event Centre, Ardmore, Auckland. It wad such a great day with hundreds of owners and their dogs attending.

03/04/2024

01/04/2024

Looking forward to representing the APDTNZ again to day on TVNZ advocating for dog welfare. Laser pointers toys that have been linked with Obsessive Compulsive Disorders.

17/02/2024

What a lovely morning of training at Day Park in Hamilton. The main docus was teaching to understand the body language of other people's dogs.

That being said there were lots of awesome dogs all having such a great time in the water. The perfect place for your dog to cool off after a run around the park.

14/02/2024

Adolescent dogs! What's the most important thing you need to know?

24/12/2023

Well what a crazy end to the year. After 8 months of crazy stuff we have finally moved. And in before Christmas as well.

We have relocated ourselves and the dogs down to the Taranki, just outside Stratford. A lovely little Villa with alot more land, about 2.5 hectares. So the dogs are loving the extra space to run around in, without any horses staring at them from next door!!

P.S. I'll still be up in the Waikato regularly to continue the Behavioural and training work. Business as usual for Mindfulness4Dogs with myself, Carla and Tonka. We'll also be expanding the team during the year so watch this space.

08/12/2023

13/11/2023

🐾 Canine Behavioral Insights 🐾

Greetings, pet lovers! Have you ever pondered the saying, 'Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is the definition of insanity'? I must admit, I've found myself guilty of this, particularly in the context of our beloved canine companions.

We often attribute certain behaviors in our dogs to a lack of understanding, but perhaps it's time to reconsider. Dogs, much like humans, respond to triggers – ingrained behaviors that persist without our conscious awareness. The key lies in changing the association with these triggers.

Take, for example, the typical chaos that ensues when reaching for your car keys – a clear signal for an upcoming walk, right? But what if we introduced a slight variation to this routine?

Picture picking up your keys but deviating from the usual path by engaging in a neutral activity, like making a cup of tea. ☕ Over time, this subtle change might create a new association in your dog's mind, transforming the once frenzied anticipation into a more tranquil moment. Adjust your actions, and observe the corresponding shift in their reactions. It's a mutually beneficial outcome!

Let's collectively strive to break the conventional cycle and maintain our collective sanity. Who's up for joining this exploration? Your insights and experiences are highly valued as we delve into the scientific aspects of canine behavior. 🌐🐾

04/11/2023

I would like to discuss a matter that has been occupying my thoughts recently. While it is somewhat puzzling, I believe it is worth considering.

As of late, my stress levels have escalated due to factors beyond my control and an environment that is markedly different from my customary living conditions. This situation has prompted me to observe some intriguing changes in the behavior of my ten dogs.

It appears that several of our canine companions, typically known for their tranquil disposition, have displayed heightened levels of excitation. Consequently, their prey drive has intensified, leading to uncharacteristic pursuits of birds and vehicles, activities that had been dormant for years. One of our normally sociable dogs has exhibited decreased tolerance for the younger pups, necessitating her own kennel, an unusual development given her previously unproblematic behavior. Furthermore, another previously fearless member of our canine household has begun to exhibit signs of anxiety, which is particularly concerning as the fireworks season approaches.

The reason I share this with you is to pose an intriguing question - could there be a correlation between my emotional state and the behavior of my dogs? Could my psychological state be influencing my dogs' demeanor? While establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship is a complex matter, I am aware of research that explores the correlation between cortisol levels in dogs and their owners, primarily in the context of agility training.

I am eager to hear from those who might have noticed a similar phenomenon in their own lives. This could potentially serve as a valuable starting point for my future dissertation work, and I am keen to collect insights and experiences from others who may have observed these intriguing connections.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this matter, and I look forward to engaging in a thoughtful discussion with you all.

01/11/2023

I'm so pleased the final marks are in and ratified. So it's official I have passed my 2nd year of my Masters in Clinical Animal Behaviour at Edinburgh Uni, Veterinary College. That completes the taught assessment part, so now on to the dissertation which I'll start next September.

Overall Average - Post Graduate Diploma - equiv - 67.75%

First Year - Average 70%
- Clinical Animal Behaviour – 66%
- Anthrozoology – 71%
- Principles of Applied Animal Behaviour – 73%

Second Year - Average 65.5%
- Animal ethics, policy and law – 62%
- - Clinical Animal Behaviour in Practice – 62%
Evidence Based Veterinary Medicine in Clinical Practice B –
63%
- Research Methods and Data Analysis – 75%

I'm so pleased as this was a massive task and there was alot of anxiety associated with doing fulltime postgraduate education after so long away from serious studying. Not to mention running a business at the same time! Massive thanks to Papia who was there for me all the way.

In a world where dog training and behavioural work is unregulated with no requirements for qualifications it so important to know that the person you engage to help your dog actually has the skills and education to do so. There are so many people selling themselves as Dog Behaviourists without the correct skill set or knowledge.

09/10/2023

Proactive Tips for Reactivity: The 1-2-3 Game

If you have a furry friend who sometimes gets a bit reactive around other dogs, we've got a fantastic game to share with you today. It's called the "1-2-3 Game," and it can be a game-changer in keeping your pup calm and collected.

What is the 1-2-3 Game?

The 1-2-3 Game is a proactive approach to manage reactivity in dogs. It's designed to teach your dog to focus on you and calmly disengage from potentially stressful situations.

How to Play: 1️⃣ Spot the Trigger: When you notice your dog getting a bit reactive around other dogs, gently redirect their attention to the trigger (the other dog).

2️⃣ Count to Three: Count out loud "One, two, three," as your dog observes the trigger. Keep your tone relaxed and soothing.

3️⃣ Disengage: After reaching "Three," gently guide your dog's attention away from the trigger and towards you. Reward them with treats and praise for their focus on you.

Why the 1-2-3 Game Works:

👁️‍🗨 Teaches Focus: By counting to three, you give your dog a chance to observe the trigger without reacting immediately. This encourages them to stay calm and focused.

🐕 Positive Reinforcement: When your pup disengages and looks at you, they're rewarded for their self-control with treats and praise, reinforcing good behavior.

🔗 Strengthens Bond: This game strengthens your bond and communication with your dog, making them more likely to look to you for guidance in potentially reactive situations.

Remember, every dog is unique, and what works best may vary. The 1-2-3 Game is just one tool in your training toolkit. If your dog's reactivity continues to be a challenge, don't hesitate to consult a professional dog trainer for tailored advice. 🐾

So, give the 1-2-3 Game a try and let us know how it goes with your furry friend! Share your experiences and other proactive tips in the comments below. Together, we can help our dogs be happier and more confident. 🐶💖

14/12/2022

Catchup with my section with Jay Jay and Flynny on More FM.

Listen to Jay-Jay & Flynny 3-7pm on More FM or on the ROVA App

09/06/2022

I'm really pleased to let everyone know that I am now the President of the of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand . This is a massive honour and I'm really looking forward to promoting the Force-free, Positive reinforcement style of training through this organisation. If you have never heard of the APDTNZ then check out the website at https://www.apdtnz.org.nz

23/04/2022

We had a Penteronda BorderCollies party this morning. It was great to have little Po join Star, Twinkle and Stellar for a run in the paddock. Such great socialisation for Po.

21/04/2022

Don't you just love it when they name a street in honour of you!! Not sure if Freddy was as impressed as me?

20/04/2022

Really please today as my final grade for Semester 2 of my Masters has come through - 70.2%. This was a biggy, as I had to film a training session with my dog and them critically analyse with supporting research. I loved every minute of it.
One more paper this year Anthrozoology! Have to admit I had to look that one up as well...

19/04/2022

It's important that dogs get on with family members. Sometimes this includes horses, cows and chickens. I loved helping this gorgeous dog and owner the tools for impulse control.

Thanks guys you were Awesome students.

06/04/2022

Billy won his first Breed Show Challenge. Nine more and he'll be deemed a Champion. We had so much fun at the Cambridge breed show at the weekend. With a little help from Shona, Billy's first Mummy, he was groomed to perfection. Thanks Shona for all the support.

30/03/2022

Mental health and play. Such a connection.

27/03/2022

A massive thanks to the Irish Setter Club for running an awesome breed show at the weekend in South Auckland. It's so great to see so many beautiful Irish Setters in the same place. The icing on the cake for me was the fact that our little Billy won the 'Best Neutered/Speyed' class, sponsored by Black Hawk Pet Care, Black Hawk Pet Care New Zealand . This was our first show ever and we have a lot to learn, but we are both looking forward to the next one.

Why not come down to the Park next to Cambridge High School at the weekend and see what the Breed shows are all about. If you are thinking of getting a puppy this is a great place to see what your chosen breed is all about.