Behavior
The best way to understand your dog’s behavior is to understand what their actions mean. Canine Journal can give you advice and feedback that will have you, your dog, and your family on a level of understanding that will make it fun and rewarding to live together. We address both ends of the leash in our behavioral topics, as it’s just as important that your pup understand your actions and the reasons behind your behavior.
Why Do Dogs Lick Their Wounds? Does It Help Them Heal?
1 day ago
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 Is My Dog Suddenly Digging? 7 Reasons & How To Stop It
1 day ago
Why Is My Dog Suddenly Digging? 7 Reasons & How To Stop It
When your dog suddenly digs up the yard, look at where, when, and why it happens. These clues can reveal…
Why Your Dog Thinks They’re The Only One Allowed To Touch You
3 days ago
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…
Things Dogs Do When They’re Jealous: 10 Ways They Say, “What About Me?”
3 days ago
Things Dogs Do When They’re Jealous: 10 Ways They Say, “What About Me?”
Pawing, barking, stealing another pet’s spot, and other perfectly timed interruptions can look a lot like jealousy. Here is what…
6 Reasons Your Dog Barks At Other Dogs (And How To Help)
4 days ago
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.…
Puppy Crying in Crate? How to Stop Whining Day & Night
4 days ago
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…
The Poop Loop: Why Dogs Circle Before Pooping
4 days ago
The Poop Loop: Why Dogs Circle Before Pooping
Owning a dog is like living with a furry little mystery machine. Every day brings new questions. Why is he…
Why Does My Dog Walk Backwards?
5 days ago
Why Does My Dog Walk Backwards?
Seeing your dog suddenly walk backward can be pretty strange, and it's understandable to wonder if something is wrong. While…
Why Do Dogs Howl? 7 Reasons Your Dog Has Joined The Choir
5 days ago
Why Do Dogs Howl? 7 Reasons Your Dog Has Joined The Choir
Wondering why do dogs howl at sirens? Does your dog howl every time an ambulance or emergency vehicle rolls by?…
Your Dog Is Afraid Of… A Trash Bag? 14 Surprisingly Common Dog Fears
6 days ago
Your Dog Is Afraid Of… A Trash Bag? 14 Surprisingly Common Dog Fears
What are dogs scared of, and why do some reactions seem so random? From loud noises and strangers to slippery…
Why Is My Dog Eating Wood? When Chewing Sticks Becomes Dangerous
6 days ago
Why Is My Dog Eating Wood? When Chewing Sticks Becomes Dangerous
Dogs chew on wood because they like chewing on things. That's why you see dogs play with chew toys, and…
Think You Know Which Dog Breeds Attack The Most? The Truth May Surprise You
1 week ago
Think You Know Which Dog Breeds Attack The Most? The Truth May Surprise You
Owning a dog is a wonderful privilege and a huge responsibility. Along with the many positive benefits having a canine…
New Dog Bite Statistics Revealed: Top Dog Breeds Linked To Bites & Bite Risks
1 week ago
New Dog Bite Statistics Revealed: Top Dog Breeds Linked To Bites & Bite Risks
According to a study from the Center For Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States…
Why Does My Dog Keep Licking Their Lips? What This Strange Behavior Means
1 week ago
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…
9 Things Dogs Do When They’re Overtired: The Wild Signs They Need A Nap
1 week ago
9 Things Dogs Do When They’re Overtired: The Wild Signs They Need A Nap
Overtired dogs do not always look sleepy. They may race around, nip, bark, chew, ignore commands, or struggle to settle.…
How to Teach a Dog to Come When Called: Easy Recall Training
2 weeks ago
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
2 weeks ago
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
2 weeks ago
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 Your Dog Chases Their Tail — And When It’s Not Just A Silly Habit
2 weeks ago
Why Your Dog Chases Their Tail — And When It’s Not Just A Silly Habit
Tail chasing can be hilarious, but sometimes there’s more behind all that spinning. Learn why dogs chase their tails, what…
Why Does My Dog Stare At Me? 8 Reasons Explained
2 weeks ago
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…
Why Is My Dog Suddenly So Quiet? When Calm May Mean Something’s Wrong
2 weeks ago
Why Is My Dog Suddenly So Quiet? When Calm May Mean Something’s Wrong
Is your normally playful, social, or vocal dog suddenly acting unusually quiet? Learn how to distinguish ordinary tiredness from stress,…
When Your Dog Knows Exactly How To Get Your Attention: Adorable Or Annoying?
2 weeks ago
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…
Is Your Dog Mouthing Or Biting? Here’s How To Tell
2 weeks ago
Is Your Dog Mouthing Or Biting? Here’s How To Tell
Why does your dog keep mouthing you, and when does it cross the line from playful to problematic? We explain…
Why Is My Dog Licking The Floor? It’s Not Always About The Crumbs
3 weeks ago
Why Is My Dog Licking The Floor? It’s Not Always About The Crumbs
An occasional lick may mean your dog found a missed crumb. Sudden, frequent, or frantic floor licking can point to…
That Feeling Something Isn’t Right With Your Dog? Here’s What To Look For.
3 weeks ago
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,…
Your Dog Knows What They Did… Or Do They?
3 weeks ago
Your Dog Knows What They Did… Or Do They?
That tucked tail, lowered head, and sideways glance sure look guilty. But does your dog really know what they did?…
Why Do Dogs Eat Their Vomit? 6 Reasons & When To Worry
4 weeks ago
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…
Dog Scratching Your Floors? 7 Reasons Why & How To Stop It
4 weeks ago
Dog Scratching Your Floors? 7 Reasons Why & How To Stop It
Dogs scratching at the floor is a common behavior. Pet owners often see their pups digging outside, pawing at the…
Does Your Dog Act Like They’re In Charge? Here’s What’s Really Going On
4 weeks ago
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
4 weeks ago
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…
Do Dogs Know When You’re Sad? Signs, Science & Sweet Stories
4 weeks ago
Do Dogs Know When You’re Sad? Signs, Science & Sweet Stories
Do dogs know when you are sad? Do canines understand when a human cries? We often wonder if our pets…
How Your Dog Knows You’re Having A Bad Day & The Sweet Things They Do About It
4 weeks ago
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…
Why Do Dogs Bury Bones? How Can I Stop It?
August 5, 2026
Why Do Dogs Bury Bones? How Can I Stop It?
Why do dogs bury bones, toys, and other treasures? Learn what drives this instinctive behavior, why some dogs “bury” things…
My Dog Loses It Around Other Dogs—Is It Aggression Or Reactivity?
August 3, 2026
My Dog Loses It Around Other Dogs—Is It Aggression Or Reactivity?
Does your dog bark, lunge, or growl at other dogs? Learn how to tell aggression from reactivity, identify common triggers,…
Think Your Dog Is Fine? These 10 Subtle Stress Signals Are Easy To Miss
August 3, 2026
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…
Why Does My Dog Lick Me? What They’re Really Trying to Say
July 30, 2026
Why Does My Dog Lick Me? What They’re Really Trying to Say
Does your best furry friend shower you with her slobbery tongue all the time? If so, you may wonder, why…
Dog Body Language: The Hidden Messages Revealed
July 27, 2026
Dog Body Language: The Hidden Messages Revealed
Dogs may not speak our language, but they constantly talk to us. Every wag of the tail, head tilt, or…
Why Dogs Bark At Literally Nothing & What You Can Actually Do About It
July 27, 2026
Why Dogs Bark At Literally Nothing & What You Can Actually Do About It
Ever feel like your dog’s barking has turned into their full-time job? Whether it's at the doorbell, the neighbor’s cat,…
Think Your Dog Is Acting Out? It Might Just Be Boredom.
July 27, 2026
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?
July 20, 2026
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…
Why Do Dogs Sit, Sleep, Or Lay on Your Feet? Here Are 8 Reasons, And You Won’t Believe #6!
July 17, 2026
Why Do Dogs Sit, Sleep, Or Lay on Your Feet? Here Are 8 Reasons, And You Won’t Believe #6!
Ever feel like your dog’s treating your feet like a heated throne? One minute you're standing, the next you’re stuck,…
STOP Trying To Be The Alpha! The Truth About Dog Pack Behavior
July 17, 2026
STOP Trying To Be The Alpha! The Truth About Dog Pack Behavior
So, what’s the truth about dog pack behavior? Do dogs really see humans as part of their pack? And if…
6 Dog Habits That Mean They Trust You
July 14, 2026
6 Dog Habits That Mean They Trust You
Your dog may be showing you just how much they trust you without you even realizing it. From sleeping soundly…
Why Does My Dog Check On Me? The Sweet Reason They Keep Making Sure You’re Still There
July 14, 2026
Why Does My Dog Check On Me? The Sweet Reason They Keep Making Sure You’re Still There
Ever notice your dog quietly peeking into the room before walking away again? If you've wondered, "Why does my dog…
Can Dogs Understand Humans? Here’s What The Science Says
July 7, 2026
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…
Would Your Dog Actually Stay? What Dog Owners Often Overlook About Unfenced Yards
June 29, 2026
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…
Why Does My Dog Sleep on My Clothes? 5 Reasons Your Laundry Feels Like Home
June 26, 2026
Why Does My Dog Sleep on My Clothes? 5 Reasons Your Laundry Feels Like Home
You bought the luxury dog bed, but your sweaty shirt still wins. Here’s why your scent feels like home to…
Would You Trust An Invisible Fence For Your Dog?
June 26, 2026
Would You Trust An Invisible Fence For Your Dog?
Would you trust an invisible fence with your dog? Discover how invisible fences work, what can go wrong, which dogs…
Why Does My Dog Bring Me Random Things? What They’re Really Trying To Say
June 25, 2026
Why Does My Dog Bring Me Random Things? What They’re Really Trying To Say
Whether it's a dirty sock, favorite toy, shoe, or stick, dogs often carry objects to communicate. Learn what this quirky…
Do Dogs Get Lonely? The Difference Between Missing You And Actually Struggling
June 25, 2026
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…