TV
The AM Show NZ TV3 – 22/10/20 – Aspen the Husky appeal.
Its a terrible thing if your dog does something wrong and out of character, especially if it lands them in...
SCIENCE-BASED · ONLINE ACROSS NZ, AUSTRALIA & UK
Calmer dogs, happier homes,
wherever you live
Force-free, science-based help from Darran Rowe, Clinical Animal Behaviourist. Online courses, a members' community and live video consults for families across New Zealand, Australia and the UK.
Local to Taranaki? In-person sessions at our Stratford centre →
- Clinical Animal Behaviourist
- BSc (Hons) Applied Biology
CANZ accredited
APDTNZ endorsed- Qualified primary teacher (UK/NZ)
What's your dog struggling with?
Pick the one that sounds most like home. Every path is kind, force-free and built around how your dog is feeling.
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Reactivity
Lunging, barking or growling on lead, or big reactions to other dogs or people.
Anxiety & separation
Worried, clingy or panicky when left alone, or nervous out in the world.
Puppy
Nipping, toilet training, sleep and settling. Build great foundations from day one.
Rescue dog
Helping a new rescue dog decompress, feel safe and start to trust you.
Kids & dogs
A new baby on the way, or a toddler and a dog learning to share a home.
Muzzle training
Teach your dog to love wearing a muzzle, calmly and at their own pace.
Four ways to work with Darran
Learn at your own pace, join a supportive community, get one-to-one help by live video, or work with Darran in person at our Stratford centre.
1. Online courses
The Attuned Puppy Course
For puppies from 8 to 24 weeks
NZ$175
Settle your new arrival, learn to read what your puppy is telling you, and build trust from the very first day.
See the course →Free starter courses
Puppy Parent Survival · Rescue Dog Survival · Desexing & Muzzling
Free
Short, kind lessons you can fit around family life, included with the Free Sniff Pass.
Get free access →Prices in NZ$.
2. Membership
Free Sniff Pass
Free
Test out the Learning Hub with our free online courses and resources. Upgrade any time.
Join freeAll Ears Access
NZ$65/month, or NZ$190/quarter
Online courses, resources and community, covering puppy training, adolescent and adult dog training.
Join All EarsVery Important Paws (VIP)
NZ$175/month, or NZ$515/quarter
More personalised help: upload your training videos for feedback from your trainer, a VIP training journal, and higher-level resources and training tools.
Join VIPPrices in NZ$. The membership sign-up page can also show prices in A$.
3. Online consults
One-to-one behaviour support by live video, for families anywhere in New Zealand, Australia or the UK. It starts with a free 15-minute call so we can understand your dog and check this is the right fit. The package includes:
- 3 live video sessions: a 1-hour initial consultation and two structured follow-ups
- A personalised behaviour plan
- Weekly video review: upload one clip a week for Darran's feedback
- Our online platform with video journalling, resources and community support between sessions
Appointment times are shown in your own time zone when you book.
4. In person at the Stratford centre
Prefer to work face to face? Private, one-to-one sessions at our purpose-built Stratford centre in Taranaki. It starts with the same free 15-minute call, so we can understand your dog and choose the right fit. At the centre you'll find:
- Behaviour consultations, one-to-one training and puppy lessons with Darran
- Fully fenced, park-like grounds with an agility field and enrichment areas
- An indoor, all-weather venue, so sessions go ahead whatever the weather
- A calm, private space for nervous, reactive or easily overwhelmed dogs. We'll meet you at your car if that helps.
295 Skinner Road, Stratford. Families come from New Plymouth, Inglewood, Eltham, Hāwera and all over Taranaki.
Start your journey
Not sure where to begin? These are a gentle first step for the whole family.
FREE TO READ
George the Groodle and the Tiny Human
A new baby is on the way. See the world through George's eyes and learn how to help your dog and baby get off to a safe, happy start.
Read it free in our online reader →
FREE TO READ
George the Groodle and the Growing Human
The tiny human is growing up. A story for families with children and dogs, full of practical, kind ideas for sharing a home.
Read it free in our online reader →
FREE SNIFF PASS
Free online courses
Get free access to the Learning Hub and three starter courses:
- Puppy Parent Survival
- Rescue Dog Survival
- Desexing & Muzzling
How online consultations works
Three simple steps, from wherever you are.
- 1
Free 15-minute call
Tell us about your dog. We'll listen, answer your questions and suggest the kindest next step.
- 2
Live video consult
Darran sees your dog relaxed at home, where the behaviour actually happens, and builds a plan with you.
- 3
Ongoing support
Keep moving between sessions with our online platform, video reviews and a friendly members' community.
Does online work for reactivity or aggression?
Often, yes. Many reactive or anxious dogs find a stranger in the house stressful, so seeing your dog relaxed at home on video can give a clearer picture of what's really going on. You do the hands-on work with your own dog, guided step by step, using only force-free methods.
Every dog is different, though. If your dog has bitten, or you're worried about anyone's safety, please book a free call first. We'll talk it through honestly and plan the safest way forward together, which may include in-person sessions or working alongside your vet.
Book a free callWhat families say
Real words from real clients.
“I highly recommend Mindfulness4dogs, especially if you’re looking for a trainer who is very knowledgeable on dog behaviour and has a force-free, positive reinforcement based approach to training. Both my dog and I got lots out of our training with Darran. I really liked his calm, positive energy and my dog’s behaviour has significantly improved over the sessions we have had. She continues to improve with each day.”
“Thanks to Darran for coaching us through a challenging time. Love my Schnauzer Diego, but walking aswell 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.”
“We had a fear aggression issue with strangers when my puppy was 6 months old. Had 3 private lessons with Darran. My dog now has a quick sniff when meeting strangers, waits for a pat then walks away. I would recommend contacting Darran if you and your dog need help.”
“Great to go through the 1:1 training with Darran over the last six months. Some really good progress made with my young rottweiler. I learnt a lot about how the mindfulness training techniques work and now I feel much more confident in carrying on the journey on my own.”
Meet Darran
Darran Rowe is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and the founder of Mindfulness4dogs. He helps families understand what their dogs are feeling, then builds calm, practical plans using only force-free, science-based methods.
- BSc (Hons) Applied Biology
- Studying for a Master's in Clinical Animal Behaviour
- CANZ accredited and APDTNZ endorsed
- Qualified primary teacher (UK/NZ)
Darran also works with local vets on behaviour referrals, so your dog's health and behaviour can be looked at together.
Read more about Darran → 
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In person at our Stratford centre
Prefer to work face to face? Behaviour consultations and training at our purpose-built Stratford centre in Taranaki, with fenced, park-like grounds and an indoor venue. If you live in New Plymouth, Inglewood, Stratford, Eltham or Hāwera, you're welcome to visit the centre for training.
See the Stratford centre
Questions families ask
What time zone are sessions in?
When you book, appointment times are shown in your own time zone, so the time you choose is the time you meet, whether you're in Auckland, Perth or London. Because of the time difference, UK appointments are usually in your morning or evening. Online courses and the Learning Hub are available any time.
Which currency are prices in?
Prices on this page are in New Zealand dollars (NZ$). On the membership sign-up page you can also view prices in Australian dollars (A$).
How do online sessions work?
Sessions are live video calls from your home. Darran watches your dog in their everyday surroundings, talks through what's happening and builds a plan with you. Between sessions you can upload a short clip each week for feedback and use our online platform for resources and support.
Do I need to be in New Zealand?
No. Online courses and membership work wherever you have an internet connection, and online consults are available for families in New Zealand, Australia and the UK.
Should I choose in-person or online?
If you're in Taranaki, you can choose either. In-person sessions are at our Stratford centre. Online works well for many dogs, especially those who find visitors stressful. Not sure? Book a free call and we'll help you decide.
Ready for a calmer dog?
Book a free 15-minute call and tell us about your dog. No pressure, just a friendly chat about the kindest next step.
Book a free callOr call us on +64 274 58 58 72
