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

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…
How To Stop A Dog From Biting: Proven Tips For Puppies And Adults

How To Stop A Dog From Biting: Proven Tips For Puppies And Adults

Every year, millions of people, including children, are bitten by dogs, often in situations their owners never saw coming. If…
Separation Anxiety In Dogs: The Real Reason Your Pup Freaks Out When You Leave

Separation Anxiety In Dogs: The Real Reason Your Pup Freaks Out When You Leave

They’re not mad. You just vanished into the void again, and they’re spiraling. Separation anxiety in dogs is that dramatic…
Dog Whining Decoded: What Your Pup’s Whimper Really Means

Dog Whining Decoded: What Your Pup’s Whimper Really Means

Every whine is a message, and some could save your dog’s life. Your dog’s whimper isn’t just background noise; it’s…
Dog Twitching In Sleep Isn’t Just Cute: It’s A Peek Inside Their Dreams

Dog Twitching In Sleep Isn’t Just Cute: It’s A Peek Inside Their Dreams

You notice it out of the corner of your eye, your dog, curled up and still, suddenly twitches. A leg…
Is Your Dog Growling? Here’s What They’re Really Trying To Say

Is Your Dog Growling? Here’s What They’re Really Trying To Say

A dog growling can stop a moment cold. At my house, it starts the second someone knocks. Daisy, my 85-pound…
Can Dogs Understand Humans? Here’s What The Science Says

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

I talk to my dog all day, about emails, snacks, and why the mailman is not a villain. But does…
The Poop Buffet: Why Your Dog Treats The Backyard Like A Golden Corral

The Poop Buffet: Why Your Dog Treats The Backyard Like A Golden Corral

You let your dog outside to do its business, and before you know it, they are cleaning up after themselves,…
When Your Dog’s Love Language Is Physical Touch … And The Pawing Is Driving You Nuts!

When Your Dog’s Love Language Is Physical Touch … And The Pawing Is Driving You Nuts!

Is your dog constantly pawing at you? Pawing can mean a variety of things, from seeking attention to dominance.
Dog Sneezing Like Crazy? 8 Reasons Behind That Achoo Attack

Dog Sneezing Like Crazy? 8 Reasons Behind That Achoo Attack

Trying to figure out why your dog is sneezing all the time? There's actually a number of different reasons this…
23 Dog Attacks By Breed: Top States & Stats

23 Dog Attacks By Breed: Top States & Stats

Owning a dog is a wonderful privilege and a huge responsibility. Along with the many positive benefits having a canine…
Why Do Dogs Sit, Sleep, Or Lay on Your Feet? Here Are 8 Reasons, And You Won’t Believe #6!

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,…
Dog Stair Safety: 8 Proven Tips To Prevent Slips, Falls & Vet Bills

Dog Stair Safety: 8 Proven Tips To Prevent Slips, Falls & Vet Bills

Did you know stair-related falls send thousands of dogs to the vet every year, and that many of these injuries…
Dog Agility Training: Turn Your Chaos Goblin Into A Backyard Athlete

Dog Agility Training: Turn Your Chaos Goblin Into A Backyard Athlete

Your dog’s got Olympic energy and zero boundaries. Couch parkour? Elite level. Zoom call sock theft? Unmatched. And somehow, they’re…
4 Best Dog Training Clickers (We Tested 11 So You Don’t Have To!)

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

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

If you’ve ever watched two dogs meet at the park or on a simple walk — sniffing, circling, then suddenly…
How To Introduce Dogs Peacefully: 5 Must-Know Tips For Dog Owners

How To Introduce Dogs Peacefully: 5 Must-Know Tips For Dog Owners

I was so nervous when I brought home my dog Falkor. He was an eight-week-old ball of puppy fluff, so…
Why Do Dogs Love Mud? 7 Filthy Facts That Explain Everything

Why Do Dogs Love Mud? 7 Filthy Facts That Explain Everything

You just spent $50 on grooming. Fifteen minutes later, your dog is proudly marinating in a mud puddle like it’s…
What Smells Do Dogs Hate Most? These 10 Might Be In Your Home

What Smells Do Dogs Hate Most? These 10 Might Be In Your Home

What smells do dogs hate? It’s a question I never really thought about until I started walking Falkor, my Poodle…
Dog Pees When Excited? Welcome To The Splash Zone!

Dog Pees When Excited? Welcome To The Splash Zone!

If your canine companion seems to pee every time they get excited, you aren't alone! This behavior happens frequently in…
Unlocking The Silence: 7 Real Reasons Your Dog Won’t Stop Barking

Unlocking The Silence: 7 Real Reasons Your Dog Won’t Stop Barking

You’re enjoying a quiet afternoon in the yard. Birds are chirping, the water feature is trickling, and everything feels peaceful…
Your Dog’s Butt-Sniffing Habit, Explained (It’s Not Just Weird!)

Your Dog’s Butt-Sniffing Habit, Explained (It’s Not Just Weird!)

Dogs sniff butts. A lot. It's one of those canine behaviors that's equal parts hilarious, embarrassing, and completely normal. But…
Dog Body Language: The Hidden Messages Revealed

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…
Is Your Dog Yawning Or Throwing Shade? You’ll Be Surprised By The Answer

Is Your Dog Yawning Or Throwing Shade? You’ll Be Surprised By The Answer

If your dog just let out a huge yawn, they could be tired or quietly judging your life choices. Dog…
Why Do Dogs Howl? 10 Weird Reasons You Won’t Believe

Why Do Dogs Howl? 10 Weird Reasons You Won’t Believe

Your dog isn’t broken. They just really, really need to be heard. But why do dogs howl at sirens, songs,…
Fireworks Freaking Out Your Dog? Here’s What Actually Helps

Fireworks Freaking Out Your Dog? Here’s What Actually Helps

Is your dog scared of fireworks? He's not alone! Although fireworks are a fun, exciting sight for us humans, dogs…
How To Stop Dog Eating Poop – Home Remedies That Feel Like A Miracle

How To Stop Dog Eating Poop – Home Remedies That Feel Like A Miracle

How to stop a dog eating poop? Step one: admit you live with a tiny, furry poop connoisseur. A steaming…
Why Do Dogs Lick Your Face? Spoiler: It’s Not Just About Love

Why Do Dogs Lick Your Face? Spoiler: It’s Not Just About Love

You lean down and, before you know it, your dog’s tongue is all over your face. Sound familiar? Whether it’s…
Why Do Dogs Lick? Answers To Why They Lick People, Paws, Themselves, Wounds & More

Why Do Dogs Lick? Answers To Why They Lick People, Paws, Themselves, Wounds & More

Is your dog constantly licking, and you have no idea why? Licking is a very natural way for dogs to…
Why Do Dogs Lick You? It’s More Than A Canine Kiss

Why Do Dogs Lick You? It’s More Than A Canine Kiss

Does your best furry friend shower you with her slobbery tongue all the time? If so, you may wonder, why…
Can Dogs See Ghosts? A Deep Sniff Into the Paranormal

Can Dogs See Ghosts? A Deep Sniff Into the Paranormal

Can dogs see ghosts? My dog barks like an absolute maniac at nothing, all day and all night. At least,…
From Whining to Wagging: 7 Ways To Beat Dog Travel Anxiety

From Whining to Wagging: 7 Ways To Beat Dog Travel Anxiety

My dog Daisy, a senior Pitbull-Labrador mix, has always struggled with travel anxiety. She’s calm and relaxed at home, but…
Dog Barks At Nothing… Is It A Ghost, Or Am I The Crazy One?

Dog Barks At Nothing… Is It A Ghost, Or Am I The Crazy One?

Your dog stares into the corner of the room. Nothing’s there. Then the barking starts. It’s late; you're half asleep,…
Do Dogs Ever Shut Up, Or Are We Doomed Forever? Here’s The Barking Truth

Do Dogs Ever Shut Up, Or Are We Doomed Forever? Here’s The Barking Truth

Whenever the doorbell rings, a truck drives by, a neighbor takes a walk, or the wind blows, my dog Falkor…
27 Dog Tricks You Can Teach Your Pup Right Now

27 Dog Tricks You Can Teach Your Pup Right Now

Looking for some new dog tricks to teach your sweet pup? Teaching your dog different dog tricks isn't necessarily hard.…
Ever Feel Stalked…By Your Own Dog? This Explains Why Your Dog Follows You Everywhere You Go

Ever Feel Stalked…By Your Own Dog? This Explains Why Your Dog Follows You Everywhere You Go

Does your dog follow you all over your house, everywhere you go? This behavior can be based on your pup's…
When Your Dog Holds It In: Why Your Dog Won’t Poop Or Pee On Walks

When Your Dog Holds It In: Why Your Dog Won’t Poop Or Pee On Walks

It’s a beautiful day, leash in hand, and your dog is trotting happily beside you. But after 20 minutes, there’s…
Why Do Some Dogs Keep Licking & Smacking Their Lips? Hint: It’s Not Always About Food

Why Do Some Dogs Keep Licking & Smacking Their Lips? Hint: It’s Not Always About Food

Dogs do many things that leave us scratching our heads: circling before they poop, barking at invisible squirrels, and, yes,…
Wait… Dogs Can Be Ticklish?! What Happens When You Find The Spot!

Wait… Dogs Can Be Ticklish?! What Happens When You Find The Spot!

If you’ve ever caught your pup mid-scratch-session, leg flailing and eyes full of betrayal, you’re not alone. Dog parents everywhere…
Is Your Dog Secretly A Cow? Top 7 Reasons They Like To Graze

Is Your Dog Secretly A Cow? Top 7 Reasons They Like To Graze

Before you start worrying or rushing to stop your dog from grazing, let’s break it all down. Is eating grass…
From Vicious To Obedient: The Truth About Transforming Aggressive Dogs

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…
I Thought My Dog Was Just Being Weird. Then I Learned Why Dogs Eat Dirt

I Thought My Dog Was Just Being Weird. Then I Learned Why Dogs Eat Dirt

Of all the things your dog could eat, shoes, couch cushions, mysterious sidewalk snacks, they go for dirt. Plain, flavorless,…
Why Do Dogs Sniff Crotches? Our Researchers Dig In

Why Do Dogs Sniff Crotches? Our Researchers Dig In

If dogs ran the world, privacy wouldn’t exist. No secret would be safe—not your emotions, not your medical history, and…
Why Do Dogs Stretch When They See You? It’s Not Just a Cute Quirk!

Why Do Dogs Stretch When They See You? It’s Not Just a Cute Quirk!

We all know our charming canine companions have some bone-afide quirky habits, but decoding their behavior can sometimes feel like…
Can Dogs Smile? The Truth Behind Those Happy Faces

Can Dogs Smile? The Truth Behind Those Happy Faces

Every day, when I walk through the door, my dog Daisy is there, her tail wagging furiously, eyes shining, and…
What Do Dogs Dream About? The Adorable Truth Will Melt Your Heart

What Do Dogs Dream About? The Adorable Truth Will Melt Your Heart

So, what exactly is your dog dreaming about? And how can you make sure they have the sweetest dreams possible?…
“Born This Way”? What Your Dog’s Same-Sex Behavior Might Really Mean

“Born This Way”? What Your Dog’s Same-Sex Behavior Might Really Mean

Pup owners have a tendency to anthropomorphize their dogs. After all, many of us consider our furry friends as beloved…
The Poop Loop: Why Your Dog Must Spin Before They Go

The Poop Loop: Why Your Dog Must Spin Before They Go

Owning a dog is like living with a furry little mystery machine. Every day brings new questions. Why is he…
Dog Grinding Their Teeth Like A Stressed-Out Accountant In April? Here’s What It Means

Dog Grinding Their Teeth Like A Stressed-Out Accountant In April? Here’s What It Means

Is your dog producing sounds reminiscent of a midnight tax crunch—clenching their jaw, grinding their teeth, and appearing unusually tense?…