The EngaDogBlog

Breaking the High-Energy Spiral Dogs are not engines. We often mistake energy for a need to burn, but overstimulation can create anxious, demanding, and frustrated dogs and leave owners completely exhausted. Sometimes the smartest move is to slow down. The behavioural trap Many owners of working breeds believe the only way to satisfy their dog is to keep them constantly busy. Imagine a Border Collie ready to go at 6:30 a.m.: Fetch, chase, tug-of-war, training, zoomies, all in

Why Challenging Situations Matter A dog who can’t manage impulses struggles in life, gets frustrated, or overreacts. Self-regulation teaches them to stay cool under pressure, handle surprises, and make safer, smarter choices. Self-regulation is your dog’s ability to manage impulses, emotions, and behaviour independently. It is staying composed when another dog walks by, resisting the urge to lunge, or calmly moving through a stressful environment. Genetics set the stage, expe

Why tiny size doesn’t mean tiny needs (or tiny IQ!) If training has ever felt optional because your dog fits in your handbag, here’s a reality check: small dogs experience the world just as intensely as large ones – only closer to the ground. And they pay the price when expectations don’t match their cognitive and emotional capabilities. A small dog jumps up at a visitor, paws on their legs, barking excitedly. Most people smile. Some laugh. A few even encourage it. Now imagin

Why lasting behaviour change starts with understanding – not control If training feels like managing symptoms rather than creating real change, you’re not alone. Progress doesn’t come from tighter control, louder cues, or perfect timing – it comes from working with the brain that drives behaviour.   From control to comprehension For decades, dog training has taught owners that obedience is the goal: Sit. Stay. Don’t. Stop. Let go. The aim was compliance – fast, visible, measu