Sally Jones

Sally has over 25 years of professional research, writing, and editing experience. Since joining Canine Journal (CJ) in 2015, she has researched and tested hundreds of dog accessories, services, and dog foods. In addition, she brings decades of experience in health sciences writing and communications and is the CJ resident expert on canine health issues. Sally holds a BA in English from James Madison University and an MA from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Journalism & Mass Communications. Her work has appeared in several notable media outlets, including The Washington Post, Entrepreneur, People, Forbes, and Huffington Post. Sally is currently a pet parent to a rescue dog, Tiny, and three rescue cats.
Is Your Senior Dog Acting Strange? These Could Be Early Signs Of Dog Dementia
Conditions

Is Your Senior Dog Acting Strange? These Could Be Early Signs Of Dog Dementia

Perhaps you’ve already noticed it. Your senior pup stands in the hallway staring at a wall or forgets which door…
Busy Schedule? These 20 Dog Breeds Handle It Best
Breeds

Busy Schedule? These 20 Dog Breeds Handle It Best

Being busy doesn’t mean you can’t have a happy, well-adjusted dog. These 20 breeds tend to adapt best to full-time…
The Emergency Room Mistake 90% Of Dog Owners Make — And Don’t Realize Until It’s Too Late
Pet Insurance

The Emergency Room Mistake 90% Of Dog Owners Make — And Don’t Realize Until It’s Too Late

When your dog ends up in the emergency room, the hardest moment often isn’t the diagnosis — it’s the estimate.…
Which Dog Breeds Handle Being Home Alone The Best?
Breeds

Which Dog Breeds Handle Being Home Alone The Best?

Leaving a dog home alone all day can feel uncomfortable, even when everything else is going well. The routine works.…
Adopting Two Puppies Together Sounds Perfect. Here’s The Part No One Talks About.
Behavior

Adopting Two Puppies Together Sounds Perfect. Here’s The Part No One Talks About.

Two puppies sound twice as fun, but raising littermates can come with unexpected challenges. Here’s what littermate syndrome really is…
10 Common Cocker Spaniel Health Problems: What Every Owner Should Know Before Issues Start
Conditions

10 Common Cocker Spaniel Health Problems: What Every Owner Should Know Before Issues Start

From allergies and ear infections to eye, heart, and liver disease, Cocker Spaniels are prone to several health concerns. Learn…
The 20 Happiest Dog Breeds (Did Yours Make The List?)
Breeds

The 20 Happiest Dog Breeds (Did Yours Make The List?)

Certain dogs greet every day like it’s a celebration. Discover 20 of the happiest dog breeds and what fuels their…
Why Do Dogs Facepalm? What That Paw Over The Face Really Means
Behavior

Why Do Dogs Facepalm? What That Paw Over The Face Really Means

Dogs covering their face with a paw can look adorable, dramatic, or slightly suspicious, depending on the timing. Most of…
6 Reasons Your Dog Won’t Stop Barking At Other Dogs (And How To Help)
Behavior

6 Reasons Your Dog Won’t Stop Barking At Other Dogs (And How To Help)

You’re walking your dog when it happens: another pup appears, and suddenly your calm companion turns into a barking machine.…
Your Dog Isn’t Just Kissing You — Here’s Why They Lick Your Face
Behavior

Your Dog Isn’t Just Kissing You — Here’s Why They Lick Your Face

You lean down and, before you know it, your dog’s tongue is all over your face. Sound familiar? Whether it’s…
What Dogs Bark The Least? 24 Surprisingly Quiet Breeds
Breeds

What Dogs Bark The Least? 24 Surprisingly Quiet Breeds

Some dogs bark at the mailman. Others bark at leaves, the wind, or their own reflection. And then there are…
Is Your Dog In Silent Pain? How To Spot & Treat Arthritis Before It’s Too Late
Conditions

Is Your Dog In Silent Pain? How To Spot & Treat Arthritis Before It’s Too Late

Dog arthritis isn’t just about sore joints; it’s a progressive condition that can quietly chip away at your pet’s mobility,…
What Does Your Dog’s Favorite Toy Say About Their Personality?
Behavior

What Does Your Dog’s Favorite Toy Say About Their Personality?

Dogs don’t choose favorite toys at random. The toy your dog fixates on often reflects how they handle excitement, comfort,…
Is Your Dog At Risk? 10 Common Boston Terrier Health Issues
Conditions

Is Your Dog At Risk? 10 Common Boston Terrier Health Issues

Boston Terriers pack a lot of personality into a small, sturdy body. They’re playful, people-focused, and incredibly lovable, but they’re…
Iams vs Pedigree: Which Dog Food Is Better For Your Pup?
Food

Iams vs Pedigree: Which Dog Food Is Better For Your Pup?

Choosing between Iams and Pedigree often feels like a toss-up. Both brands are affordable, easy to find, and marketed as…
Meet The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: The New AKC Breed Everyone’s Curious About
Breeds

Meet The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier: The New AKC Breed Everyone’s Curious About

Curious about this new AKC-recognized breed? The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier blends terrier instincts with a surprisingly steady personality. Here’s what…
Your Dog’s Stare Is A Message. Are You Reading It Right?
Behavior

Your Dog’s Stare Is A Message. Are You Reading It Right?

You feel it before you see it — that unmistakable weight of canine attention. You glance up, and there it…
Is Your Dog At Risk? 10 Common Chihuahua Health Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore
Conditions

Is Your Dog At Risk? 10 Common Chihuahua Health Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore

Chihuahuas may be tiny, but their personalities are anything but — bold, opinionated, and intensely loyal to their people. That…
Does Your Dog Act Like They’re In Charge? Here’s What’s Really Going On
Behavior

Does Your Dog Act Like They’re In Charge? Here’s What’s Really Going On

Sound familiar? Your dog ignores commands they clearly understand, pushes past you through doorways, and seems perfectly comfortable deciding how…
Why Your Dog Thinks They’re The Only One Allowed To Touch You
Behavior

Why Your Dog Thinks They’re The Only One Allowed To Touch You

If I so much as scratch another dog behind the ears, my own pup, Tiny, materializes out of nowhere and…
Why Do Dogs Eat Their Vomit? And How To Stop This Nasty Habit
Behavior

Why Do Dogs Eat Their Vomit? And How To Stop This Nasty Habit

As if dog vomit isn’t already enough to turn an owner’s stomach, what about those precious pooches who consider their…
Does Pet Insurance Cover Behavioral Or Physical Therapy?
Pet Insurance

Does Pet Insurance Cover Behavioral Or Physical Therapy?

Our furry friends experience many of the same health issues as us owners, and pet insurance is a fantastic way…
From Vicious To Obedient: The Truth About Transforming Aggressive Dogs
Behavior

From Vicious To Obedient: The Truth About Transforming Aggressive Dogs

Most of the time, when you see an aggressive dog, he was not born that way. An owner of this…
How To Prepare Your Dog For Your New Baby
Household

How To Prepare Your Dog For Your New Baby

Bringing your newborn home? Your dog might not be as thrilled as you think. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean disaster…
What Is Reverse Sneezing In Dogs? (And How To Stop It)
Conditions

What Is Reverse Sneezing In Dogs? (And How To Stop It)

One of our nicknames for our family dog is Mr. Piggy because he has these strange snorting spells that come…
Why Dogs Reverse Sneeze (And The Home Remedies Owners Swear By)
Conditions

Why Dogs Reverse Sneeze (And The Home Remedies Owners Swear By)

Reverse sneezing can sound alarming, but it’s usually harmless. Learn what triggers it, how to stop an episode at home,…
Resource Guarding In Dogs: Why It Happens & How To Handle It Safely
Behavior

Resource Guarding In Dogs: Why It Happens & How To Handle It Safely

Resource guarding isn’t about dominance or defiance. It’s a response to perceived risk. This guide explains why dogs guard food,…
How To Teach A Dog To Sit Using The Ancient Art Of Butt Placement
Training

How To Teach A Dog To Sit Using The Ancient Art Of Butt Placement

Yes, there’s an ancient method for getting your dog’s furry butt on the floor, and it’s surprisingly effective. And it's…
How to Teach a Dog to Come Without Begging, Bribing, or Crying in Public
Training

How to Teach a Dog to Come Without Begging, Bribing, or Crying in Public

Yelled “Come!”, but got a tail flick and a disappearing butt instead? You’re not alone. Here’s how to teach a…
When Your Dog Ignores You: What’s Really Going On
Behavior

When Your Dog Ignores You: What’s Really Going On

If your dog listens sometimes and tunes you out other times, it’s easy to wonder what changed. In most cases,…
Can Dogs Smell Fear? Science Explains How Dogs Sense Human Emotions
Behavior

Can Dogs Smell Fear? Science Explains How Dogs Sense Human Emotions

Your dog stiffens before you even realize you’re nervous. Your palms sweat, your heart rate rises, and suddenly your pup…
Sick Dog Symptoms: 10 Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Conditions

Sick Dog Symptoms: 10 Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

You know your dog better than anyone. So when they move more slowly than usual, skip a meal, or just…
How Long Can A Dog Go Without Eating? The Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore
Health

How Long Can A Dog Go Without Eating? The Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

There’s nothing more unsettling than watching your dog turn her nose up at her food bowl, especially when mealtime is…
Safe Home Remedies For A Sick Dog Not Eating (And When It’s Time To Call The Vet)
Conditions

Safe Home Remedies For A Sick Dog Not Eating (And When It’s Time To Call The Vet)

A loss of appetite in dogs often goes hand in hand with illness. Sometimes it’s a short-term response to nausea,…
12 Signs Your Dog Has Chosen You As Their Person
Behavior

12 Signs Your Dog Has Chosen You As Their Person

You know that feeling when you stand up, and your dog stands up, too. You walk to the kitchen, and…
Top 8 Sweet Potato Dog Treats Every Pup Obsesses Over
Food

Top 8 Sweet Potato Dog Treats Every Pup Obsesses Over

If you’ve ever looked into your dog’s big, pleading eyes while eating a snack, you know the struggle. Do you…
10 Common Pug Health Problems Every Owner Should Know
Conditions

10 Common Pug Health Problems Every Owner Should Know

Pugs are pure joy — goofy, affectionate, and deeply attached to their people, but they also carry more health risks…
Nutro vs. Science Diet: Which Food Fits Your Dog’s Needs Best?
Food

Nutro vs. Science Diet: Which Food Fits Your Dog’s Needs Best?

Trying to decide between Hill's Science Diet vs. Nutro when comparing dog food brands? We examine each brand by comparing…
How Big Will My Puppy Get? From Tiny Puppy To Grown-Up Dog
Puppies

How Big Will My Puppy Get? From Tiny Puppy To Grown-Up Dog

How big will my puppy get? It’s the question every new dog parent eventually asks…right after “Are you chewing that?”…
5 Best Dog Crates For Poodles: Safe, Comfortable Picks For Every Size
Crates

5 Best Dog Crates For Poodles: Safe, Comfortable Picks For Every Size

Looking for the best dog crate for your toy, miniature, or standard Poodle? We review our favorites by comparing durability,…
What Can Dogs Drink? 12 Safe And Unsafe Drinks Explained
Food

What Can Dogs Drink? 12 Safe And Unsafe Drinks Explained

Dogs try to drink everything. The water bowl. Your iced coffee. A glass of lemonade left on the porch. Some…
Why Do Dogs Not Like Certain People? Discover What Your Dog Might Be Sensing
Behavior

Why Do Dogs Not Like Certain People? Discover What Your Dog Might Be Sensing

Do dogs pick favorites? Absolutely — and while many pups form strong bonds with one person in the household, they’re…
The 12 Most Common Goldendoodle Health Problems (Vets See These a Lot)
Conditions

The 12 Most Common Goldendoodle Health Problems (Vets See These a Lot)

Goldendoodles look like living stuffed animals, but vets know they’re not made of fluff and magic. Behind the curls, these…
Yorkshire Terrier: Tiny Dog, Massive Personality
Breeds

Yorkshire Terrier: Tiny Dog, Massive Personality

Yorkies aren’t just pets, they’re tiny tyrants in luxury coats. One minute they’re snuggling in your lap, the next they’re…
How Do Dogs Communicate With Each Other? The Hidden Language You’ve Been Missing
Behavior

How Do Dogs Communicate With Each Other? The Hidden Language You’ve Been Missing

If you’ve ever watched two dogs meet, sniffing, circling, freezing, then suddenly exploding into play or tension, you’ve witnessed a…
Can’t Afford Vet Bills? Money-Saving Tips Most Pet Owners Don’t Know About
Veterinary

Can’t Afford Vet Bills? Money-Saving Tips Most Pet Owners Don’t Know About

Vet care has never been more expensive, but there are practical ways to cut costs, including clinic savings, seasonal deals,…
Dog Acting Off After A Bug Bite? What You Need To Know About Dog Malaria
Conditions

Dog Acting Off After A Bug Bite? What You Need To Know About Dog Malaria

Every time my pup Tiny and I head out for a warm-weather walk, mosquitoes swarm him like they just got…
Dog Poop Looks Like Red Jelly — Can Home Remedies Help, Or Is It An Emergency?
Conditions

Dog Poop Looks Like Red Jelly — Can Home Remedies Help, Or Is It An Emergency?

Did your dog just poop something that looks like raspberry jam? That moment hits like a punch to the gut.…
5 Best French Bulldog Harnesses: Ratings, Reviews & Top Picks
Harnesses

5 Best French Bulldog Harnesses: Ratings, Reviews & Top Picks

Looking for the best dog harness for your French Bulldog? We review our favorite models by comparing cost, quality, durability,…