Behaviour
Why "being the alpha" is doing your dog more harm than good
Dominance theory has been debunked for decades — so why does it still shape so much dog training advice? Here's what your dog actually needs from you as a leader.
6 min read
The Spogan blog
Straight, kind answers to the questions we hear most.
Practical, evidence-based thinking on dog behaviour — no scare tactics, no quick fixes, no judgement.
Reactivity
Lunging on the lead: what's actually happening, and where to start
Reactivity is rarely about "bad behaviour" — it's usually fear, frustration, or over-arousal. We break down the real causes and the first steps that help.
8 min read
Settling in
The first fortnight with a rescue dog: what to expect, and what to ignore
The "3-3-3 rule" gets thrown around a lot. Here's a calmer, more realistic guide to settling a new rescue dog into your home.
7 min read
Enrichment
Your dog doesn't need a longer walk. They need a better one.
Mental stimulation matters as much as physical exercise — often more. Simple ways to tire out a busy mind, not just busy legs.
5 min read
Methods
"Balanced" training: what it actually means, and why we don't use it
The term sounds reasonable. In practice, it usually means correction tools alongside rewards. Here's why we take a different route.
6 min read
Boarding
Getting your dog ready for their first stay away from home
A few small steps in the weeks before a boarding stay can make all the difference to how settled your dog feels once they arrive.
4 min read
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