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.
Why Is My Dog Scared Of Something That Never Bothered Them Before?
Anxiety

Why Is My Dog Scared Of Something That Never Bothered Them Before?

Your dog has encountered the same people, places, and everyday situations countless times. So why are they suddenly scared? From…
Does Your Dog Jump On Everyone? Here’s How To Finally Stop It
Training

Does Your Dog Jump On Everyone? Here’s How To Finally Stop It

Does your dog greet visitors like they've just returned from a five-year expedition? Jumping may be your pup's way of…
How Old Is My Dog In Human Years? Dog Years Chart By Size
Household

How Old Is My Dog In Human Years? Dog Years Chart By Size

You've likely heard the adage that 1 year for a dog is equal to 7 human years. Well, we did…
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…
Why Is My Dog Drinking So Much Water? The Clues That Matter Most
Health

Why Is My Dog Drinking So Much Water? The Clues That Matter Most

Is your dog suddenly draining the water bowl faster than usual? From heat and diet changes to diabetes, kidney disease,…
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

Dogs are constantly communicating with each other, often in ways we barely notice. Learn what tail wags, sniffing, staring, growling,…
12 Things Dogs Do When They’re Trying To Keep The Peace
Behavior

12 Things Dogs Do When They’re Trying To Keep The Peace

Your dog may be trying to avoid conflict long before you notice anything is wrong. From a quick head turn…
From Wolves To Lapdogs: How Dogs Became Our Best Friends
Breeds

From Wolves To Lapdogs: How Dogs Became Our Best Friends

How did ancient wolves evolve into everything from tiny Chihuahuas to giant Great Danes? Discover the surprising history of dog…
Senior Dog Care: 7 Signs of Aging & 8 Ways to Help
Care

Senior Dog Care: 7 Signs of Aging & 8 Ways to Help

As your dog gets older, you may notice subtle changes in their daily routine. They might sleep more, slow down…
Reverse Sneezing In Dogs: What To Do, Home Remedies & When To Worry
Conditions

Reverse Sneezing In Dogs: What To Do, Home Remedies & When To Worry

Reverse sneezing can sound alarming, but it’s usually harmless. Learn what triggers it, how to stop an episode at home,…
When Do Dogs Stop Growing? 6 Months, 1 Year & Beyond
Puppies

When Do Dogs Stop Growing? 6 Months, 1 Year & Beyond

When do dogs stop growing? It depends largely on their size. Small dogs may reach full height within a year,…
What Is The Healthiest Dog Food? See Our Top Picks For All Types Of Diets
Food

What Is The Healthiest Dog Food? See Our Top Picks For All Types Of Diets

A healthy dog starts with a healthy bowl. But between trendy buzzwords and endless ingredient lists, finding food that’s actually…
4 Best Dog-Proof Soccer Balls For Dogs Of All Sizes (13 Tested!)
Toys

4 Best Dog-Proof Soccer Balls For Dogs Of All Sizes (13 Tested!)

With so many to choose from, which is the best soccer ball for your dog? We wondered the exact same…
4 Best Dog Training Clickers (We Tested 11 So You Don’t Have To!)
Training

4 Best Dog Training Clickers (We Tested 11 So You Don’t Have To!)

Training a new puppy or leveling up your dog training game? Many pros swear by clickers for better results. We…
10 Best Rope Toys For Dogs (50+ Tested)
Toys

10 Best Rope Toys For Dogs (50+ Tested)

In our search for the best dog rope toys, we evaluated more than 50 options across different sizes, materials, and…
25 Affectionate Small Dog Breeds That Form Incredible Bonds With Their People
Breeds

25 Affectionate Small Dog Breeds That Form Incredible Bonds With Their People

Big love comes in small packages! Meet 25 affectionate small dog breeds, from devoted snugglers to playful companions, and discover…
20 Dog Breeds That Will Find A Job If You Don’t Give Them One
Breeds

20 Dog Breeds That Will Find A Job If You Don’t Give Them One

Some dogs were born to work—even if their modern job is retrieving socks, supervising the backyard, or keeping the family…
20 Affectionate Dog Breeds For Seniors, From Lap Warmers To Gentle Giants
Breeds

20 Affectionate Dog Breeds For Seniors, From Lap Warmers To Gentle Giants

Looking for a loving canine companion for your golden years? From devoted lap dogs to surprisingly mellow gentle giants, we…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Your Dogs Used To Get Along. So, Why Don’t They Now?
Behavior

Your Dogs Used To Get Along. So, Why Don’t They Now?

Your dogs used to get along, but now something feels off. From subtle tension to sudden reactions, here’s what’s really…
Is Your Dog Your Personality Twin? Here’s How It Actually Happens
Behavior

Is Your Dog Your Personality Twin? Here’s How It Actually Happens

You didn’t just get a dog—you may have created a personality match. Here’s how it happens (and why it’s so…
10 Common Border Collie Health Issues Every Owner Should Know
Conditions

10 Common Border Collie Health Issues Every Owner Should Know

From sudden limping to seizures and hidden genetic risks, here are the most common Border Collie health issues and what…
Think A Pet Savings Account Is Enough? The Math Says Otherwise
Pet Insurance

Think A Pet Savings Account Is Enough? The Math Says Otherwise

A few hundred dollars saved. A multi-thousand-dollar vet bill. Here’s why “just saving” doesn’t always work the way people expect.
Why Is My Dog Acting Starving All Of A Sudden?
Conditions

Why Is My Dog Acting Starving All Of A Sudden?

Your dog just ate… so why are they acting starving? From normal reasons like activity and behavior to medical causes,…
Why Do Doodles Look Like Tiny People In A Dog Suit?
Mixed Breeds

Why Do Doodles Look Like Tiny People In A Dog Suit?

Ever feel like a Doodle is about to respond to you? There’s a surprising reason these dogs can seem so…
8 Everyday Household Items That Can Lead To A $3,000 Vet Bill
Pet Insurance

8 Everyday Household Items That Can Lead To A $3,000 Vet Bill

The laundry basket, kitchen trash, and coffee table may look harmless, but to your dog, they’re a buffet. These common…
Is Your Doodle At Risk? 10 Common Labradoodle Health Issues
Health

Is Your Doodle At Risk? 10 Common Labradoodle Health Issues

From allergies and ear infections to hip dysplasia and bloat, Labradoodles can face several health challenges. Here are the most…
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.…
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…
Why Do Dogs Cover Their Face? The Truth Behind The “Dog Facepalm”
Behavior

Why Do Dogs Cover Their Face? The Truth Behind The “Dog Facepalm”

Dogs covering their face with a paw can look adorable, dramatic, or slightly suspicious, depending on the timing. Most of…
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…