See the world through your dog’s eyes and become their greatest role model - unlock a deeper bond like never before!

Welcome to Mindfulness4dogs

With over 20 years of experience transforming the way we connect with our dogs, my science-backed, heart-led approach has been featured on TV and radio across New Zealand. I believe every dog is speaking to us—we just need to learn how to listen.

That’s what I call Becoming Bowlingual®—understanding and communicating with your dog in their own language. By tuning into their emotions, body language, and signals, we create a relationship built on mutual trust and respect, not control.

Instead of forcing change, I empower owners to understand their dogs on a deeper level. The most effective dog training isn’t about bribing with treats or using outdated force-based techniques—it’s about building a connection where your dog chooses to listen because they trust and respect you. I don’t just train dogs — I coach you to become your dog’s best role model.
 
When you become Bowlingual®, you instinctively know how to read your dog’s signals, respond in a way they understand, and create a calm, balanced, and responsive companion for life.
 
If you’re ready to unlock your dog’s full potential and speak their language, let’s start the journey together.

Freddy our Irish Setter, loves nothing more than quick cuddle.

No more guesswork. No more frustration.

Just clear communication and real results.

I believe in a gentle, kind, and mindful approach to shaping behavior, helping people see that there’s a better way to create lasting change.
 
Dogs don’t need fear or force to learn—they need understanding. That’s why I use the simplest, gentlest, and most natural methods to help your dog make better choices.
 
I never use shock collars, prong collars or techniques that are fear or dominance based.
 
Instead, I share with you proven tools, techniques, and insights, backed by over two decades of experience and academic studies, to stop unwanted behaviors and create a bond that lasts a lifetime.
 
Because when we truly understand our dogs, they choose to listen, trust, and connect with us. And that’s when the magic really happens.

My dog Ginger helping the elderly with emotional support.

Struggling with your dog’s behaviour can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can become an opportunity for growth and connection.

Bruce and Magic became foster parents to our little kitten Tiger.

My goal is to take the stress out of training and help you give your dog the life they deserve—one built on clear communication, trust, and understanding.
 
True control in dog training isn’t about dominance or force—it’s about your dog learning self-control. When we guide them with clear signals and mindful training, they begin to make better choices on their own.
 
As your dog learns to respect and trust you, you’ll notice a shift—from a power struggle to a real partnership. If you’re working on eliminating unwanted behaviors or teaching new skills, you’ll start to feel like you and your dog are finally on the same team.

Are you ready to build a relationship with your dog based on communication, connection, and cooperation — not dominance and control?

One on One Coaching

for You and Your Dog

Work with the

Online Dog Coach

Areas covered in New Zealand

Mindfulness4dogs provides expert dog training and behavioral advice across the Taranaki – New Plymouth, Inglewood, Stratford, Eltham, Hawera, and the Waikato – Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Matamata. We offer private training sessions and one-on-one behavioral consultations to help you and your dog thrive.

No matter where you are in New Zealand, our online consultations and comprehensive online dog training and coaching bring professional guidance straight to your home, ensuring accessible and effective support for every dog and owner.

Please note one on one’s are available in other areas in New Zealand, subject to expenses.

See the world through your dog’s eyes and become their greatest role model – unlock a deeper bond like never before!

Hi I’m Darran (aka Darran the Dogman)

As seen on TVNZ and Three Now and heard across New Zealand radio such as More FM with Jay-Jay and Flynny, I’ve dedicated over 20 years to transforming the way we connect with our dogs. Through my science-backed, heart-led approach, I know that every dog is speaking to us—we just need to learn how to listen.
 
That’s what I call Becoming Bowlingual®—learning to understand and communicate with your dog in their own language. When we tune into their emotions, body language, and signals, we build a relationship based on mutual trust and respect, not control.
Instead of forcing change, I empower owners to understand their dogs on a deeper level. The most effective dog training isn’t about bribing with treats or using outdated force-based techniques—it’s about building a connection where your dog chooses to listen because they trust and respect you. I don’t just train dogs—I coach you to become your dog’s best role model.
 
When you become Bowlingual®, you instinctively know how to read your dog’s signals, respond in a way they understand, and create a calm, balanced, and responsive companion for life.
 
If you’re ready to unlock your dog’s full potential and speak their language, let’s start the journey together.

No more guesswork. No more frustration.

Just clear communication and real results.

I believe in a gentle, kind, and mindful approach to shaping behavior, helping people see that there’s a better way to create lasting change.
 
Dogs don’t need fear or force to learn—they need understanding. That’s why I use the simplest, gentlest, and most natural methods to help your dog make better choices.
 
I never use shock collars, prong collars or techniques that are fear or dominance based.
 
Instead, I share with you proven tools, techniques, and insights, backed by over two decades of experience and academic studies, to stop unwanted behaviors and create a bond that lasts a lifetime.
 
Because when we truly understand our dogs, they choose to listen, trust, and connect with us. And that’s when the magic really happens.

Struggling with your dog’s behaviour can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can become an opportunity for growth and connection.

My goal is to take the stress out of training and help you give your dog the life they deserve—one built on clear communication, trust, and understanding.
 
True control in dog training isn’t about dominance or force—it’s about your dog learning self-control. When we guide them with clear signals and mindful training, they begin to make better choices on their own.
 
As your dog learns to respect and trust you, you’ll notice a shift—from a power struggle to a real partnership. If you’re working on eliminating unwanted behaviors or teaching new skills, you’ll start to feel like you and your dog are finally on the same team.

Are you ready to build a relationship with your dog based on communication, connection, and cooperation — not dominance and control?