Darran the Dogman - The Canine Behaviourist

29/04/2026

The New Plymouth Pool Party. They open the public pools to the dogs for th elast day of the season, So cool?

10/10/2024

🚧 Building Strong Foundations for Balanced Dogs at Mindfulpaws Doggy Daycare! 🐾

Hi everyone, it’s Darran Rowe, your Canine Behaviourist! Today marks an exciting step forward for our new Mindfulpaws Doggy Daycare—we’ve just laid the concrete flooring! A huge thank you to Steve McEwen and Kane Potroz (On Point Contracting 2021 Limited) for their expert work in creating the perfect foundation. 🏗️

As a behaviourist, I know how important it is for dogs to feel secure and stable in their environment. A solid foundation, both physically and emotionally, is key to fostering balanced, well-behaved dogs. At Mindfulpaws, we’re building a space that supports not only your dog’s physical needs but also their mental well-being. From structured play to calm, mindful rest, we’re creating an environment where every dog can thrive.

If you’re interested in how we can help your dog lead a balanced, stress-free life, check out more details and secure your spot at www.mindfulpawsdoggydaycare.com !

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.