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.
Wait… Why Is My Dog Licking Another Dog’s Ear?
October 29, 2025
Wait… Why Is My Dog Licking Another Dog’s Ear?
You glance over at the dog park and, yep, your pup is tongue-deep in another dog’s ear. Gross? Sweet? A…
Why Is My Dog Obsessed With Licking Other Dogs’ Mouths?
October 16, 2025
Why Is My Dog Obsessed With Licking Other Dogs’ Mouths?
If you’ve ever taken your pup to the dog park, you’ve probably seen it: two dogs sniff hello, then one…
How to Train a Dog Without Treats – Yes, Even Your Stubborn Gremlin
October 14, 2025
How to Train a Dog Without Treats – Yes, Even Your Stubborn Gremlin
So your dog only listens when you’re holding a chicken nugget hostage? Same. Mine used to stare me down like…
Dog Anxiety: Why Your Pup Acts Like You Died Every Time You Leave The Room
October 13, 2025
Dog Anxiety: Why Your Pup Acts Like You Died Every Time You Leave The Room
You step out for coffee. Your dog acts like you vanished into a black hole. Chewed shoes, dramatic howling, pacing…
Best Dog Training Collars: Educator vs Dogtra vs SportDog vs PetSafe vs Pet Resolve vs PetSpy vs SpotOn vs Halo & More
October 9, 2025
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…
Paw-Licking: The Canine Version of Doomscrolling Or A Red Flag For A Serious Health Issue?
October 9, 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…
New Dog Bite Statistics Revealed: Top Dog Breeds Linked To Bites & Bite Risks
October 5, 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…
Best Dog Pee Pads: Our Top 6 Picks & More
October 3, 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 Dog Training Whistle For Barking, Recall & More (21+ Tested!)
October 3, 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…
Is That Barking Even Legal? What Every Dog Owner (And Neighbor) Should Know
September 30, 2025
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 Do Dogs Lick You? It’s More Than A Canine Kiss
September 25, 2025
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…
Dog Fighting Facts: We Need To Break The Chain
September 23, 2025
Dog Fighting Facts: We Need To Break The Chain
Dogfighting is not a relic of the past. Across the United States, federal agents and rescue teams continue to uncover…
Top 15 Best Anti-Chew Sprays For Dogs (Tested & Reviewed)
September 18, 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…
Why Do Dogs Eat Other Dogs’ Poop? Facts, Dangers & Fixes
September 17, 2025
Why Do Dogs Eat Other Dogs’ Poop? Facts, Dangers & Fixes
You’re enjoying a nice, peaceful walk when suddenly your dog dives headfirst into the unspeakable. Before you can react, they’ve…
The Poop Buffet: Why Your Dog Treats The Backyard Like A Golden Corral
September 12, 2025
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,…
Why Do Dogs Sleep On Their Backs? These 5 Reasons Are Weirdly Sweet
September 9, 2025
Why Do Dogs Sleep On Their Backs? These 5 Reasons Are Weirdly Sweet
Ever catch your dog passed out on their back, legs splayed like roadkill, tongue flopped out like they just ran…
Why Do Dogs Sniff? What Your Pup’s Nose Knows That You Don’t
September 8, 2025
Why Do Dogs Sniff? What Your Pup’s Nose Knows That You Don’t
If you’ve ever taken your dog on what was supposed to be a “quick walk,” only to spend 10 minutes…
Separation Anxiety In Dogs: The Real Reason Your Pup Freaks Out When You Leave
August 21, 2025
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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 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…