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.
How To Get Rid Of Dog Smell In Your Home
Household

How To Get Rid Of Dog Smell In Your Home

Let’s face it: Dogs smell. Even the cleanest, best-groomed pup can leave behind a lingering canine scent that settles into…
Puppy Crying in Crate? How to Stop Whining Day & Night
Behavior

Puppy Crying in Crate? How to Stop Whining Day & Night

If your puppy is crying in the crate, you probably want to know one thing: How do I get them…
6 Reasons Your Dog Barks At Other Dogs (And How To Help)
Behavior

6 Reasons Your Dog Barks 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.…
Found A Mat In Your Dog’s Fur? Here’s What To Do Next
Household

Found A Mat In Your Dog’s Fur? Here’s What To Do Next

Matted dog hair can go from a tiny tangle to a painful problem surprisingly fast. Learn how to safely tackle…
Why Do Dogs Lick Their Wounds? Does It Help Them Heal?
Behavior

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Wounds? Does It Help Them Heal?

Dogs instinctively lick cuts, scrapes, and sore spots, but too much licking can interfere with healing. Learn why dogs lick…
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…
Embrace vs Lemonade: Which Is Your Best Bet For Pet Insurance?
Pet Insurance

Embrace vs Lemonade: Which Is Your Best Bet For Pet Insurance?

Embrace has a longstanding solid reputation and is known for its extensive coverage and faster-than-average claim payouts. Lemonade is newer…
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…
Best Pet Insurance For Jack Russell Terriers
Pet Insurance

Best Pet Insurance For Jack Russell Terriers

From joint problems to allergies, Jack Russells can rack up some pricey vet bills over their lifetime. That’s where pet…
You Thought They’d Mellow With Age? 20 Dog Breeds That Never Lose Their Playfulness
Breeds

You Thought They’d Mellow With Age? 20 Dog Breeds That Never Lose Their Playfulness

Some dogs grow older without ever completely growing up. From toy-obsessed retrievers to mischievous terriers, these 18 dog breeds are…
18 Dog Breeds You’d Never Expect To Be This Clingy
Breeds

18 Dog Breeds You’d Never Expect To Be This Clingy

Some dogs look independent, confident, or downright intimidating — until they decide you're their person. Meet 18 surprisingly clingy dog…
Why Does My Dog Keep Licking Their Lips? What This Strange Behavior Means
Behavior

Why Does My Dog Keep Licking Their Lips? What This Strange Behavior Means

Why does your dog keep licking or smacking their lips when there’s no food around? Sometimes it’s completely normal, but…
How to Teach a Dog to Come When Called: Easy Recall Training
Training

How to Teach a Dog to Come When Called: Easy Recall Training

Yelled “Come!”, but got a tail flick and a disappearing butt instead? You’re not alone. Teaching a dog to come…
Your Dog Isn’t Just Kissing You — What Face Licking Really Means
Behavior

Your Dog Isn’t Just Kissing You — What Face Licking Really Means

Why does your dog lick your face? Those slobbery “dog kisses” can mean affection, excitement, attention-seeking, stress, or something much…
Why Dogs Wag Their Tails: What Your Dog Is Telling You
Behavior

Why Dogs Wag Their Tails: What Your Dog Is Telling You

Why do dogs wag their tails? The answer isn’t as simple as you think. If you’ve been assuming every wag…
Why Does My Dog Stare At Me? 8 Reasons Explained
Behavior

Why Does My Dog Stare At Me? 8 Reasons Explained

If your dog seems to stare at you all the time, you’re probably wondering what that look means. Most dog…
When Your Dog Knows Exactly How To Get Your Attention: Adorable Or Annoying?
Behavior

When Your Dog Knows Exactly How To Get Your Attention: Adorable Or Annoying?

Dogs are surprisingly good at figuring out exactly what makes their humans react. From intense staring and strategic paw taps…
The Spider In Your Basement Could Kill Your Dog—Here’s What To Know
Conditions

The Spider In Your Basement Could Kill Your Dog—Here’s What To Know

Our curious canine companions often don’t use caution when exploring their world. And this can lead to a web of…
That Feeling Something Isn’t Right With Your Dog? Here’s What To Look For.
Behavior

That Feeling Something Isn’t Right With Your Dog? Here’s What To Look For.

Has your dog suddenly started acting weird? Learn the most common reasons dogs behave differently, what changes to watch for,…
Why Do Dogs Eat Their Vomit? 6 Reasons & When To Worry
Behavior

Why Do Dogs Eat Their Vomit? 6 Reasons & When To Worry

As if dog vomit isn’t already enough to turn an owner’s stomach, what about those precious pooches who consider their…
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…
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…
Don’t Let Their Reputation Fool You: 15 Dog Breeds That Are Way More Sensitive Than People Think
Breeds

Don’t Let Their Reputation Fool You: 15 Dog Breeds That Are Way More Sensitive Than People Think

Some of the toughest, smartest, and most confident dog breeds have surprisingly soft sides. From Dobermans and Rottweilers to Chihuahuas…
How Your Dog Knows You’re Having A Bad Day & The Sweet Things They Do About It
Behavior

How Your Dog Knows You’re Having A Bad Day & The Sweet Things They Do About It

Have you ever noticed your dog becoming extra gentle when you're having a rough day? From quietly following you to…
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…
Think Your Dog Is Fine? These 10 Subtle Stress Signals Are Easy To Miss
Behavior

Think Your Dog Is Fine? These 10 Subtle Stress Signals Are Easy To Miss

Dogs don't always show stress in obvious ways. From yawning and lip licking to pacing and clinginess, learn the 10…
Think Your Dog Is Acting Out? It Might Just Be Boredom.
Behavior

Think Your Dog Is Acting Out? It Might Just Be Boredom.

Think your dog is just being naughty? From chewing furniture and stealing socks to barking at invisible threats, many unwanted…
Is Your Shih Tzu At Risk? 10 Common Shih Tzu Health Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore
Conditions

Is Your Shih Tzu At Risk? 10 Common Shih Tzu Health Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore

The Shih Tzu, a beloved toy breed known for its charming personality and luxurious coat, is generally a long-lived dog…
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…
12 Puppy Mistakes Most Owners Make Without Realizing
Puppies

12 Puppy Mistakes Most Owners Make Without Realizing

Bringing home a puppy is exciting—until you're surviving on little sleep, cleaning up accidents, wondering if all the biting is…
Why Is My Dog Always Waiting For Me?
Behavior

Why Is My Dog Always Waiting For Me?

Wondering why your dog always waits for you by the door, window, or even outside the bathroom? Discover the sweet…
Your Dog Has Diarrhea: Home Remedies That Actually Help
Conditions

Your Dog Has Diarrhea: Home Remedies That Actually Help

One minute, your dog seems completely fine. The next, you’re outside at 2 a.m. wondering how one animal can possibly…
10 Maltese Health Issues That Are Easy To Miss At First
Conditions

10 Maltese Health Issues That Are Easy To Miss At First

Maltese are generally healthy, but they're prone to several inherited conditions. Learn the symptoms to watch for, treatment options, and…
Can Dogs Understand Humans? Here’s What The Science Says
Behavior

Can Dogs Understand Humans? Here’s What The Science Says

Do dogs really understand what we say—or are they simply reacting to tone, routines, and body language? Explore what science…
Best Dog Food For Pit Bulls: Our Top Picks For All Ages, Skin Allergies & Affordable Options
Food

Best Dog Food For Pit Bulls: Our Top Picks For All Ages, Skin Allergies & Affordable Options

Pit Bulls aren’t an officially recognized breed but rather a term we use in the U.S. for several breeds or…
10 Common Pit Bull Health Issues Every Owner Should Know
Breeds

10 Common Pit Bull Health Issues Every Owner Should Know

Pit Bulls are generally healthy dogs, but they're prone to certain conditions, including allergies, skin problems, joint disorders, heart disease,…
Would Your Dog Actually Stay? What Dog Owners Often Overlook About Unfenced Yards
Behavior

Would Your Dog Actually Stay? What Dog Owners Often Overlook About Unfenced Yards

Would your dog actually stay in an unfenced yard? Learn the risks, the dogs most likely to wander, and how…
Do Dogs Get Lonely? The Difference Between Missing You And Actually Struggling
Behavior

Do Dogs Get Lonely? The Difference Between Missing You And Actually Struggling

Do dogs get lonely when left alone? Learn the emotional signs of loneliness in dogs, how to tell normal alone…
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…
Why Does My Dog Sleep With Their Butt In My Face Every Night?
Behavior

Why Does My Dog Sleep With Their Butt In My Face Every Night?

Your dog climbs into bed, spins around, and somehow ends up with their butt pointed directly at your face. As…
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?”…
Fetch vs Lemonade Pet Insurance: Which One Truly Has Your Pet’s Back?
Pet Insurance

Fetch vs Lemonade Pet Insurance: Which One Truly Has Your Pet’s Back?

When it comes to protecting your pet, Fetch and Lemonade Pet Insurance are two top contenders, each with standout features.…
Can You Please Just Pick A Toy? Why Your Dog Keeps Changing The Rules Of Fetch
Behavior

Can You Please Just Pick A Toy? Why Your Dog Keeps Changing The Rules Of Fetch

Your dog brings you a tennis ball, only to immediately swap it for a squeaky duck, rope toy, or stuffed…
Why Your Dog Treats the Space Between Your Legs Like A VIP Lounge
Behavior

Why Your Dog Treats the Space Between Your Legs Like A VIP Lounge

Ever wonder why your dog treats the space between your legs like a VIP lounge? Whether they are acting like…
The Right Time To Stop Feeding Puppy Food Isn’t What Most Owners Think
Puppies

The Right Time To Stop Feeding Puppy Food Isn’t What Most Owners Think

Your puppy won’t stay a tiny food-obsessed goblin forever — even if they still act like meals are a competitive…
The 10 Biggest Corgi Health Problems Owners Should Prepare For
Conditions

The 10 Biggest Corgi Health Problems Owners Should Prepare For

One of the world's most popular herding dogs, Corgis are lively little companions, well-known for their affectionate and fun-loving personalities.…
22 Independent Dog Breeds Who Prefer Doing Things Their Own Way
Breeds

22 Independent Dog Breeds Who Prefer Doing Things Their Own Way

Some dogs want constant attention. Others prefer emotional distance, selective affection, and making their own decisions whenever possible. From aloof…
How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch: A Step-By-Step Guide
Training

How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch: A Step-By-Step Guide

While some dogs, especially retrievers, may instinctively play fetch with little or no training, not all dogs grasp the concept…
Best Dog Doors By Type: Smart, Automatic, In Wall, Sliding Glass, Screen Door & More
Household

Best Dog Doors By Type: Smart, Automatic, In Wall, Sliding Glass, Screen Door & More

Do you feel like you always have to let your dog in and out, especially when you're in the middle…
Dog Life Insurance: Does It Make Financial Sense?
Pet Insurance

Dog Life Insurance: Does It Make Financial Sense?

Many people get life insurance for themselves or their spouse — it can be a wise financial investment to help…