Calmer Dogs,
Happier Homes
I’m Darran the Dogman – your personal canine coach. Making sense of your dog’s behaviour, together — to overcome the frustration and embarrassment of everyday struggles.
Mindful, Heart-Led Coaching
We don’t just teach dogs — we guide humans too. We blends mindfulness practices with behaviour science to create calmer, clearer communication between you and your dog.
Experts You Can Trust
Everything we do is grounded in science-based behaviour methods. But we deliver it with empathy, humour, and zero judgement — because growth happens when you feel supported, not shamed.
Understanding, Not Blame
We don’t label dogs as “naughty” or “stubborn.” We dig deeper to understand what your dog is really trying to say. Because every behaviour has a function, and every dog deserves to be heard.
Starting your Dog Training Journey is as Easy as 1-2-3
1
Tell us about your dog
What’s your dog like? What behaviours are you finding frustrating, worrying, or just hard to manage? Share anything you think will help me understand your situation before our free call.
2
Speak with Darran the Dogman
Let’s take 10 minutes to talk and explore your dog’s behaviour and what’s been going on. If you are ready to take the next step then book a consultation with Darran.
3
I Help Resolve your Struggles
From reactivity to anxiety to everyday chaos — I offer heartfelt, science-based coaching tailored to you and your dog. Whether online or in home or both, you’ll get calm, kind guidance that works in real life.
How can I help you and your dog?
What some of my clients say
Linda and Zeek. Their journey through reactivity.
Julia and Carter. Their training with the dog door.
Tania and Rusty. Managing adolescent dog manners.
Lead your best life with your dog
You brought a dog into your life for companionship, love, and adventure. But somewhere along the way, things didn’t go as planned. Your dog pulls on the leash, ignores your commands, barks at everything, or just doesn’t seem to listen. It’s frustrating, and despite trying different training methods, you’re left feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.
The real issue? It’s not that your dog is stubborn or “bad.” The problem is that you and your dog are speaking different languages. Traditional training methods focus on controlling behavior rather than understanding what’s driving it.
Without clear communication, frustration grows, and connection is lost.
Like many owners, you may have tried:
❌ Bribing with treats, only for your dog to ignore you when the treats are gone.
❌ Harsh commands or force-based techniques that feel wrong and don’t create lasting change.
❌ Training methods that focus on obedience over understanding, making you feel like you’re always in conflict with your dog.
You just want a calm, well-behaved dog who listens—but without the stress, guilt, or guesswork.
Clear communication, real results
no guesswork, no frustration.
I’m Darran the Dogman, and I’ve spent over 20 years helping dog owners understand and communicate with their dogs in a way that truly works. As a Master’s student in Clinical Animal Behaviour at Edinburgh University’s Royal (Dick) Veterinary College, I combine cutting-edge scientific research with a compassionate, heart-led approach to training.
My work has been featured on TV and radio across New Zealand, and it’s based on one simple truth:
Your dog is already speaking to you—you just need to learn how to listen.
I call this Becoming Bowlingual®—the ability to understand your dog’s emotions, body language, and signals so you can build a relationship based on trust, communication, and cooperation—not control.
Instead of forcing obedience, I empower you to become the best role model for your dog. My approach is simple:
✅ Learn to Read Your Dog’s Language – Recognize what your dog is truly saying through their emotions, body language and behavior.
✅ Use Gentle, Science-Backed Methods – No more dominance, force, or outdated training myths.
✅ Create a Bond Built on Trust – When your dog trusts you, they naturally choose to listen and respond.
I never use shock collars, prong collars, or fear-based techniques. Instead, I share proven tools and insights to help stop unwanted behaviors and create a strong, lifelong connection between you and your dog.
Turning behavior challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.
If you’re struggling with your dog’s behavior, feeling frustrated, or simply want a deeper, more intuitive connection, now is the time to take action. No more confusion. No more frustration.
👉 Are you ready to unlock your dog’s full potential and start speaking their language?
Let’s begin your journey to Becoming Bowlingual®.
Ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away. Without clear communication, unwanted behaviors escalate, and the bond with your dog weakens. Frustration turns into resentment, and training feels like a constant battle. The longer it goes on, the harder it is to rebuild that trust.
When you become Bowlingual®, everything changes.
🐾 Your dog starts responding to you naturally, without force or bribery.
🐾 Walks become relaxed and enjoyable.
🐾 Unwanted behaviors fade as communication improves.
🐾 You feel connected, confident, and in sync with your dog like never before.
Because when we truly understand our dogs, they choose to listen, trust, and connect with us—and that’s when the magic really happens.
Are you ready to build a relationship with your dog based on communication, connection, and cooperation—not dominance and control?
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.