OPINION: Lately, there’s been a real shift in how people think about their dogs and honestly, it’s about time, writes Darran Rowe.
We’re seeing a move away from “commands and control” and towards something way more meaningful: understanding how our dogs actually feel and learn. Science is catching up with what many of us have known for years…dogs aren’t little robots that need programming – they’re emotional, intelligent beings who want to feel safe, understood, and connected to us.
At the same time, tech and wellbeing are joining forces. Smart collars tracking sleep, apps helping us train, tools that tell us when stress levels spike (yes, really). It’s not about replacing the relationship — it’s enhancing it.
So what does all this mean for your dog?
It means they’re not “being stubborn”…they’re communicating.
It means stress and reactivity aren’t “bad behaviour”…they’re signs your dog needs help.
It means your bond can get stronger when you focus less on control and more on connection.
The future of dog training isn’t in harsher tools or “being the alpha.” It’s in empathy, mindfulness, and understanding how your dog’s brain works. And let me tell you — when you start to see your dog in this way, everything changes.
Your dog becomes calmer.
You feel less frustrated.
The whole household starts to breathe easier.
If you want support navigating this shift – especially if your dog struggles with anxiety, reactivity, or big feelings in general – that’s what I’m here for.
Real dogs. Real people. Real change. No gimmicks. Just connection.
Darran Rowe 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.
