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.
Is My Dog Barking At Ghosts… Or Am I The Crazy One? (A Vet Explains)
1 hour ago
Is My Dog Barking At Ghosts… Or Am I The Crazy One? (A Vet Explains)
Your dog stares into the corner of the room. Nothing’s there. Then the barking starts. It’s late; you're half asleep,…
The Poop Loop: Why Your Dog Must Spin Before They Go
3 days ago
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…
Can Dogs Smile? The Truth Behind Those Happy Faces
3 days ago
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…
Dog Grinding Their Teeth Like A Stressed-Out Accountant In April? Here’s What It Means
4 days ago
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?…
Dog Won’t Take Pills? A Vet Shares 13 Game-Changing Tricks
6 days ago
Dog Won’t Take Pills? A Vet Shares 13 Game-Changing Tricks
Getting your dog to take a pill can feel like a battle of wits. One that you may find yourself…
Is Your Dog Secretly A Cow? Top 7 Reasons They Like To Graze
6 days ago
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…
Can Dogs Smell Fear? Understanding Your Pup’s Super Senses
6 days ago
Can Dogs Smell Fear? Understanding Your Pup’s Super Senses
Does your furry friend's behavior change when they encounter someone who's scared of dogs? Or you may have noticed your…
Why Is Your Dog Marking Territory? Unraveling the Mystery
1 week ago
Why Is Your Dog Marking Territory? Unraveling the Mystery
Are you tired of cleaning up after your dog’s constant marking? It can feel like a never-ending battle, especially in…
Why Does My Dog Run In Circles? The Surprising Science Behind Zoomies Revealed!
1 week ago
Why Does My Dog Run In Circles? The Surprising Science Behind Zoomies Revealed!
Have you ever settled down for a quiet night, and your dog barrels through the room with a sudden burst…
The Poop Buffet: Why Your Dog Treats The Backyard Like A Golden Corral
1 week ago
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,…
Dog Body Language: The Hidden Messages Revealed
2 weeks ago
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…
7 Reasons Your Dog Barks Excessively & What You Can Do About It
2 weeks ago
7 Reasons Your Dog Barks Excessively & What You Can Do About It
Is your dog's excessive barking driving you crazy, and bothering your neighbors? There are actually several reasons this could be…
Why Does My Dog Mouth Me? A Vet Explains The Real Reasons
2 weeks ago
Why Does My Dog Mouth Me? A Vet Explains The Real Reasons
So, why does your dog mouth you all the time? And more importantly, how can you stop it without damaging…
Best Dog Training Collars: Educator vs Dogtra vs SportDog vs PetSafe vs Pet Resolve vs PetSpy vs SpotOn vs Halo & More
2 weeks ago
Best Dog Training Collars: Educator vs Dogtra vs SportDog vs PetSafe vs Pet Resolve vs PetSpy vs SpotOn vs Halo & More
These wireless collars allow you to train your dogs to obey you when they're off-leash, giving your pup room to…
Wait… Dogs Can Be Ticklish?! What Happens When You Find The Spot!
3 weeks ago
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…
Your Dog’s Butt-Sniffing Habit, Explained (It’s Not Just Weird!)
3 weeks ago
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…
When Your Dog Holds It In: A Vet Explains Why Your Dog Won’t Poop Or Pee On Walks
3 weeks ago
When Your Dog Holds It In: A Vet Explains 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…
When Your Dog’s Love Language Is Physical Touch … And The Pawing Is Driving You Nuts!
4 weeks ago
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.
Ever Feel Stalked…By Your Own Dog? A Vet Explains Why Your Dog Follows You Everywhere You Go
4 weeks ago
Ever Feel Stalked…By Your Own Dog? A Vet 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…
Is That Barking Even Legal? What Every Dog Owner (And Neighbor) Should Know
4 weeks ago
Is That Barking Even Legal? What Every Dog Owner (And Neighbor) Should Know
Whether you own a dog that won’t stop barking or you’re dealing with a neighbor’s noisy pup, you may be…
Why Dogs Bark At Literally Nothing & What You Can Actually Do About It
4 weeks ago
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,…
STOP Trying To Be The Alpha! The Truth About Dog Pack Behavior
4 weeks ago
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…
Why Do Dogs Sniff Crotches? Because They Don’t Need Therapy to Know You Have Issues
4 weeks ago
Why Do Dogs Sniff Crotches? Because They Don’t Need Therapy to Know You Have Issues
If dogs ran the world, privacy wouldn’t exist. No secret would be safe—not your emotions, not your medical history, and…
From Vicious To Obedient: The Truth About Transforming Aggressive Dogs
April 17, 2025
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…
Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails? It’s Not Always A Sign Of Happiness!
April 16, 2025
Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails? It’s Not Always A Sign Of Happiness!
Why do dogs wag their tails? The answer isn’t as simple as you think. If you’ve been assuming every wag…
Dog Butt-Licking: Gross Habit Or Vet Emergency?
April 15, 2025
Dog Butt-Licking: Gross Habit Or Vet Emergency?
If your dog won’t stop licking their butt, don’t just brush it off as another one of their quirky behaviors.…
How To Stop A Dog From Eating Poop: 9 Vet-Tested Solutions
April 15, 2025
How To Stop A Dog From Eating Poop: 9 Vet-Tested Solutions
Does your dog like to eat poop? If so, you are not alone. It’s high time we discussed this fairly…
Do Dogs Ever Shut Up, Or Are We Doomed Forever? Here’s The Barking Truth
April 14, 2025
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…
Is Your Dog Seeing Things You Can’t at Night? Human vs. Canine Night Vision
April 14, 2025
Is Your Dog Seeing Things You Can’t at Night? Human vs. Canine Night Vision
Many of us have no choice but to walk our dogs in the dark, whether it's a late-night potty break…
Is Your Dog Acting Like a Juiced-Up, Rage-Fueled Gym Bro? Here’s Why They’re Suddenly So Aggressive
April 14, 2025
Is Your Dog Acting Like a Juiced-Up, Rage-Fueled Gym Bro? Here’s Why They’re Suddenly So Aggressive
Did your dog suddenly become aggressive to you or another animal? Perhaps your normally sweet pup became aggressive to someone…
Why Do Dogs Eat Their Vomit? And How To Stop This Nasty Habit
April 7, 2025
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…
Top 15 Best Anti-Chew Sprays For Dogs (Tested & Reviewed)
April 2, 2025
Top 15 Best Anti-Chew Sprays For Dogs (Tested & Reviewed)
So, you have a new pup that shreds anything he can sink his teeth into? Or maybe your middle-aged dog…
Paw-Licking: The Canine Version of Doomscrolling Or A Red Flag For A Serious Health Issue?
March 13, 2025
Paw-Licking: The Canine Version of Doomscrolling Or A Red Flag For A Serious Health Issue?
Do you think your dog is licking his paws too much? Occasional paw licking is a normal part of a…
7 Weird Dog Sleeping Positions: #5 Will Have You Crying Laughing!
March 7, 2025
7 Weird Dog Sleeping Positions: #5 Will Have You Crying Laughing!
There’s nothing more heart-melting than watching your dog sleep—until they suddenly look like a tangled pile of misplaced limbs. One…
Is Your Dog Secretly Trying To Get You Evicted? The Poop-Rolling Conspiracy
March 6, 2025
Is Your Dog Secretly Trying To Get You Evicted? The Poop-Rolling Conspiracy
Dog owners, we’ve all been there. One minute, you’re enjoying a beautiful day, and the next, your dog is gleefully…
What Do Dogs Dream About? The Adorable Truth Will Melt Your Heart
March 6, 2025
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?…
The Real Reason Dogs Chase Their Tails (It’s Not What You Think!)
March 6, 2025
The Real Reason Dogs Chase Their Tails (It’s Not What You Think!)
Watching a dog spin in circles, chasing its own tail, is one of those classic dog behaviors that never fails…
Best Dog Training Whistle For Barking, Recall & More (21+ Tested!)
March 5, 2025
Best Dog Training Whistle For Barking, Recall & More (21+ Tested!)
If you're contemplating using a dog whistle to train your pup, I'm here to help. I give you some guidance…
Why Do Dogs Scratch The Floor? 7 Reasons & How To Stop
March 3, 2025
Why Do Dogs Scratch The Floor? 7 Reasons & How To Stop
Dogs scratching at the floor is a common behavior. Pet owners often see their pups digging outside, pawing at the…
Why Are Dogs Scared Of Fireworks? Help Ease Your Dog’s Fireworks Anxiety
March 3, 2025
Why Are Dogs Scared Of Fireworks? Help Ease Your Dog’s Fireworks Anxiety
Is your dog scared of fireworks? He's not alone! Although fireworks are a fun, exciting sight for us humans, dogs…
Why Do Dogs Howl? Find Out Which Dogs Howl, Why & How To Stop It
March 3, 2025
Why Do Dogs Howl? Find Out Which Dogs Howl, Why & How To Stop It
Dogs use vocalization to express all kinds of emotions. Yips, barks, muffled snorts, and even sneezes all have meanings that…
House Training An Older Dog
March 3, 2025
House Training An Older Dog
Bringing home an adult dog is an unusually large undertaking for any family. Whether this is your first or fiftieth…
How To Deal With Separation Anxiety In Dogs
March 3, 2025
How To Deal With Separation Anxiety In Dogs
Are you unable to leave home without your dog destroying the place? Or maybe your neighbor calls your landlord to…
Why Does Your Dog Follow You To The Bathroom? A Vet Uncovers 10 Reasons
February 20, 2025
Why Does Your Dog Follow You To The Bathroom? A Vet Uncovers 10 Reasons
It’s happened to every dog owner… you go to the bathroom, and your dog can’t help but join you. They…
Best Dog Pee Pads: Our Top 6 Picks & More
February 19, 2025
Best Dog Pee Pads: Our Top 6 Picks & More
Do you have a new puppy that is peeing everywhere? Or maybe your old dog is starting to leak. If…
Best Online Dog Training Courses: Professional Help At Home
February 13, 2025
Best Online Dog Training Courses: Professional Help At Home
Nothing is more frustrating than a dog who misbehaves. Or maybe your pup is already obedient, but you want to…
New Dog Bite Statistics Revealed: Top Dog Breeds Linked To Bites & Bite Risks
February 12, 2025
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…
From Fearful To Fearless: Helping Your Pooch Through Puppy Fear Periods
February 12, 2025
From Fearful To Fearless: Helping Your Pooch Through Puppy Fear Periods
Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. But as they grow, you may notice…
How To Stop A Dog From Digging Holes Under Fences, In Bed, In Yard & More – Why Do Dogs Dig Holes?
February 6, 2025
How To Stop A Dog From Digging Holes Under Fences, In Bed, In Yard & More – Why Do Dogs Dig Holes?
Why do dogs dig holes? Is your yard starting to look like a minefield? It's important to know that your…
When She Makes The First Move: Why Does My Female Dog Hump My Male Dog?
February 6, 2025
When She Makes The First Move: Why Does My Female Dog Hump My Male Dog?
Friends and dog lovers, it's time we had the talk about a… rather sensitive topic: female dogs humping male dogs.…