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.
Can Dogs Understand Humans? Here’s What The Science Says
August 19, 2025
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…
How To Stop A Dog From Biting: Proven Tips For Puppies And Adults
August 18, 2025
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…
Dog Whining Decoded: What Your Pup’s Whimper Really Means
August 14, 2025
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
August 13, 2025
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
August 12, 2025
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…
Dog Sneezing Like Crazy? 8 Reasons Behind That Achoo Attack
August 1, 2025
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…
Why Do Dogs Sit, Sleep, Or Lay on Your Feet? Here Are 8 Reasons, And You Won’t Believe #6!
July 29, 2025
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
July 28, 2025
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…
4 Best Dog Training Clickers (We Tested 11 So You Don’t Have To!)
July 22, 2025
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 To Introduce Dogs Peacefully: 5 Must-Know Tips For Dog Owners
July 21, 2025
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
July 16, 2025
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…
Dog Pees When Excited? Welcome To The Splash Zone!
July 14, 2025
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…
Your Dog’s Butt-Sniffing Habit, Explained (It’s Not Just Weird!)
July 14, 2025
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
July 14, 2025
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
July 9, 2025
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
July 1, 2025
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
July 1, 2025
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
June 30, 2025
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…
From Whining to Wagging: 7 Ways To Beat Dog Travel Anxiety
June 14, 2025
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?
June 13, 2025
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
June 13, 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…
27 Dog Tricks You Can Teach Your Pup Right Now
June 11, 2025
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
June 11, 2025
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
June 11, 2025
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
June 10, 2025
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,…
Is Your Dog Secretly A Cow? Top 7 Reasons They Like To Graze
June 9, 2025
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
June 9, 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…
I Thought My Dog Was Just Being Weird. Then I Learned Why Dogs Eat Dirt
June 5, 2025
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 Stretch When They See You? It’s Not Just a Cute Quirk!
May 27, 2025
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
May 20, 2025
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
May 20, 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?…
“Born This Way”? What Your Dog’s Same-Sex Behavior Might Really Mean
May 19, 2025
“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
May 15, 2025
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
May 14, 2025
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
May 12, 2025
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…
Why Is Your Dog Marking Territory? Unraveling the Mystery
May 8, 2025
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 Mouth Me? A Vet Explains The Real Reasons
May 7, 2025
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…
Why Dogs Bark At Literally Nothing & What You Can Actually Do About It
April 20, 2025
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
April 18, 2025
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…