Darran Rowe
Clinical Animal Behaviourist – BSc(Hons), PGCE, CAB PGDip (continuing to Masters)
Darran is a postgraduate qualified Clinical Animal Behaviourist with a wealth of expertise rooted in science and a deep understanding of canine emotions. As the founder of Mindfulness4dogs, Darran has helped thousands of dogs and their owners overcome behavioral and training challenges, using positive, evidence-based strategies that ensure long-lasting results.
Qualifications:
- Studying for a Master’s in Clinical Animal Behaviour (final year – PGDip equiv passed) – University of Edinburgh, Royal (Dick) Veterinary College.
- Accreditted Dog Professional for the Association of professional Dog Trainers NZ and Companion Animals NZ.
- Former President of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand.
Behavioural Experience:
- Over 20 years experience working with behavioural and training cases in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
- Former Manager and Behaviourist at SPCA Waikato, with extensive experience in kennel management.
- Frequently work in a consultancy role with Rescue Centres, Dog Control Departments, and Doggy Daycares.
- Live with my own 10 dogs – 6 Border Collies, 2 Irish Setter and 2 Golden Doodles.
Media Exposure:
- A trusted media presence with 100+ radio episodes on Magic Talk, Today FM, More FM and the Breeze FM.
- Multiple appearances as a behavioural expert on TVNZ and Three Now.
- Featured in articles in News Hub, Stuff.co.nz, Waikato Times, Sunday Daily Star, CareersNZ.
Specialist Approach:
Darran Rowe’s methods are deeply rooted in a unique combination of scientific expertise and real-world experience. Living with 10 dogs of his own, Darran has a profound, hands-on understanding of canine behavior, gained through observing and interacting with dogs in their natural social environment. This wealth of experience allows him to truly empathize with the emotional needs and motivations behind dog behavior.
By integrating scientific principles with practical, everyday solutions, Darran creates tailored training approaches that promote trust, communication, and harmony between dogs and their owners. His methods not only address specific behavioral challenges but also nurture the overall well-being of every dog he works with.
TVNZ : Terrible effects of Laser Pointer toys
Magic Talk : Canine Behavioural Slot
Tell me more about your dog
Book a free call with me to talk about your issues
Darran Rowe
Clinical Animal Behaviourist – BSc(Hons), PGCE, CAB PGDip (continuing to Masters)
I have been working professionally as a Canine behaviourist and dog trainer for over 20 years, so I really understand how to make your life with your dog enjoyable and rewarding.
My training utilises only Force Free and Fear Free, positive techniques, so you can rest assured that I’m not going to hurt your dog, just to make them do things for you. I’m all about teaching dogs to make the right choice for themselves, that way you don’t have to shout and scream at them.
At present I am the President of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers in New Zealand and studying online for a Masters in Clinical Animal Behaviour at Edingburgh University.
I live with our 10 dogs at present, 2 Irish Setters, 6 Border Collies of various ages, 4 of which are rescue dogs and 2 Groodles (Golden Retriever/Poodle). They are all amazing dogs and have taught me so much about the canine world.
Tell me more about your dog
Book a free call with me to talk about your issues
My Timeline…
Born in Beautiful Oxfordshire, UK
Born and raised in the beautiful English county of Oxfordshire. I spent most of my childhood surrounded by dogs and other animals. Our household had a menagerie of four and two legged pets. From Budgies to Anolis lizards my life was surrounded by animals and their unique characters and behaviours
My University Years
After completing my ‘A’ Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Statistics I studied a Bachelors of Science in Applied Biology at the University of Cardiff, Wales. With the help of a very special cat, effectionately called Tibbles, that would visit me every night through my dorm window I graduated with a 2.1 (Hons).
Building a Family
I got married to my wonderful wife Papia and we moved to London. I had a big corporate IT job and Papia was a city Lawyer. Oh yes we also had a large mortgage! This was were we started our family, well fur family, with Queenie, Bruce, Lemon and Sherbet. One of the best things that ever happened to me.
I Became a Primary School Teacher
I had a career change. I left the treadmill of corporate IT and studied at London South Bank University for a Post Graduate Certificate in Primary Education. After passing we moved out of London to Bedfordshire where I started my first teaching job at Lovat Middle School in Milton Keynes. This would be a 15 year teaching career.
My Professional Dog Life Begins
I competed in Agility with Lemon. We travelled the UK winning rosettes at competitions. I started Kukura Dog Services where people called me Darran the Dogman, including private 1-1 training, obedience classes, agility and The Kukura Kites Flyball team. I also qualified as a UK Kennel Club agility judge and a UK Kennel Club Good Citizen judge.
We All Emigrated to New Zealand
After successfully completing the emigration process we were awarded a permanent residence VISA for New Zealand. We move all the family, four dogs and us, to a little place called Puhoi. This was the dogs first taste of freedom, a small rural house on the top of a hill surrounded by native bush.
We Started Mindfulness4dogs
We built a house and set up a small farm. Living the ‘Good Life’. We also introduced two little Irish Setter puppies into our growing family, Fred and Ginger along with three cats Monkey, Tiger and Meow Meow.. The underlying concepts of Mindfulness4dogs were establish here as all our animals lived together in harmony.
We moved to the Waikato, NZ.
After successfully completing the emigration process we were awarded a permanent residence VISA for New Zealand. We move all the family, four dogs and us, to a little place called Puhoi. This was the dogs first taste of freedom, a small rural house on the top of a hill surrounded by native bush.
The Radio Beckons!
We welcomed a beautiful Irish Setter called Billie into our family, making our fur-family eight strong. I also worked alongside Waipa Dog Control officers in projects to help educate the public about dog safety and behaviour. I started a two year radio gig on Magic Talk, the Sunday Cafe with Roman Travers, recording over 80 episodes.
Ginger and I Hit the Big Screen!
Following on from our success on Magic Talk, Ginger and I were invited to speak on National Three Now, on The Cafe with Mel Homer and on The AM Show with Duncan Garner. I was also regularly featured on The Breeze Waikato with Stu & Camille, Today FM with Loyd Burr, More FM in various regions.
Two Penteronda Collie Puppies
We welcomed two wonderful little Border Collie puppies to our fur-family, Twinkle and Star. Media coverage accelerated including TVNZ Breakfast, TV3 Breakfast, ZB Talk Back Radio and RNZ National Radio. The Darran the Dogman Dog Segment was officially launched by Jay-Jay and Flynny from More FM.
Accreditation and Education
I was Accredited by the Companion Animal NZ (CANZ) and Endorsed by the Association of Professional Dog Trainer NZ (APDTNZ). I started a 2 year position as the President of the APDTNZ. I started studying for a Masters in Clinical Animal Behaviour at the Royal (Dicks) Veterinary College, Edinburgh University.
Two Bellawai Puppies
We welcomed a rescue dog called Stella who just happened to be Star and Twinkle’s sister into our fur-family at the beginning of the year. And at the end of the year 2 little Golden Doodles called Maggie and George joined the family. Project with Totara Primary School to promote Child Safety around dogs. Supported and advertised by Jay Jay and Flynny – More FM.
Moved to the Taranaki
We gave a home to a beautiful Blue Merle Border Collie called Tizzy, who I had previous trained and now found himself without a home. We moved down to Stratford to a 2.5 hectare dog paradise. We have now opened Mindfulpaws Doggy Daycare and Board and Train Centre. Launched TheOnlineDogCoach.com