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.

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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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.…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
“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?…
Dog Won’t Take Pills? A Vet Shares 13 Game-Changing Tricks

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

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…
STOP Trying To Be The Alpha! The Truth About Dog Pack Behavior

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?

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

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 Secretly Trying To Get You Evicted? The Poop-Rolling Conspiracy

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!)

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

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

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…
Best Online Dog Training Courses: Professional Help At Home

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…
When She Makes The First Move: Why Does My Female Dog Hump My Male Dog?

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.…
Get Fit Together: 20 Fat-Burning Exercises & Hacks For You And Your Dog!

Get Fit Together: 20 Fat-Burning Exercises & Hacks For You And Your Dog!

Whether you want to improve your overall fitness, tone your body, or just lose a few pounds, your dog is…
Why is My Dog Constantly Licking The Floors and Carpet?

Why is My Dog Constantly Licking The Floors and Carpet?

If your dog constantly licks the floor or carpet, you may be concerned that something is wrong. But this behavior…
5 Best Anti-Anxiety And Calming Dog Beds To Soothe Your Pup

5 Best Anti-Anxiety And Calming Dog Beds To Soothe Your Pup

If your pup has anxiety or is just happier with a snuggly dog bed, you have a lot of choices…
Best Training Treats For Dogs: Which Treat Should You Use?

Best Training Treats For Dogs: Which Treat Should You Use?

Picking a treat to give your dog while training can be tricky. You want to find something super tasty to…
Barn Hunting For Dogs: What Is It & Where To Find A Barn Hunt Event Near You

Barn Hunting For Dogs: What Is It & Where To Find A Barn Hunt Event Near You

If you're wondering what a Barn Hunt is, you've come to the right place. This exciting dog sport has been…
Bad Behavior In Dogs: How To Stop Chewing, Biting, Digging & More

Bad Behavior In Dogs: How To Stop Chewing, Biting, Digging & More

Looking to stop bad behavior in your family dog? Get some of our best tips to nip these annoying habits…
Bitter Apple Spray For Dogs & Your Best Anti-Chew Alternatives

Bitter Apple Spray For Dogs & Your Best Anti-Chew Alternatives

Puppy and dog chewing is normal behavior because canines use their mouths to explore the world around them (and help…
How To Stop Your Dog From Jumping On Visitors And Strangers

How To Stop Your Dog From Jumping On Visitors And Strangers

Does your dog jump on everyone who enters your home? Have you ever tried to teach them to stop? Learn…
Why Do Dogs Lick Their Wounds?

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Wounds?

We've all heard the expression "licking one's wounds" (meaning to recover after defeat or embarrassment). It's believed that this saying…
SpiritDog Training Reviews: Do These Online Courses Work?

SpiritDog Training Reviews: Do These Online Courses Work?

While it's essential to train your four-legged friend to follow your commands and behave properly in many situations, hiring a…
K9 Training Institute Reviews: Is It Legit & How Much Does It Cost?

K9 Training Institute Reviews: Is It Legit & How Much Does It Cost?

As canine owners, we have many different motivations for training our pups. When bringing home a new puppy, we must…
Dog Training Advice: Get Help Turning A Disobedient Dog Into An Obedient One

Dog Training Advice: Get Help Turning A Disobedient Dog Into An Obedient One

Suppose you just adopted a dog, but her behavior isn't quite up to par with where you'd like it to…
What Is Pet Therapy? And Is Therapy For Dogs Worth It?

What Is Pet Therapy? And Is Therapy For Dogs Worth It?

Do you think your dog is suffering from mental and emotional issues? Is there such a thing as a dog…
Best CBD Oil For Dogs: An All-Natural Way To Ease Anxiety And Pain?

Best CBD Oil For Dogs: An All-Natural Way To Ease Anxiety And Pain?

Want to weed out manufactured pharmaceuticals to help relieve some of your pup’s ongoing health problems? You’re not alone. More…
Why Does My Dog Walk Backwards?

Why Does My Dog Walk Backwards?

Dogs have a lot of interesting behaviors. Sometimes, these can be a sign of something severe, and other times, it…
How To Introduce A Cat To A Dog: Socialization Tips & Tricks

How To Introduce A Cat To A Dog: Socialization Tips & Tricks

Introducing a new cat or dog into your household when the other species is present can be challenging. But, if…
Best Dog Crates For Separation Anxiety: Soothing An Anxious Pup

Best Dog Crates For Separation Anxiety: Soothing An Anxious Pup

If your dog struggles with separation anxiety, you may have grown all too familiar with coming home to accidents in…
Why Do Dogs Howl At Sirens? 5 Different Reasons

Why Do Dogs Howl At Sirens? 5 Different Reasons

Wondering why do dogs howl at sirens? Does your dog howl every time an ambulance or emergency vehicle rolls by?…
DIYK9 Review: Are These Dog Training Courses Effective And Worth Your Money?

DIYK9 Review: Are These Dog Training Courses Effective And Worth Your Money?

Don’t know where to start with training your pup? Can’t afford an expensive professional dog trainer? Online dog training programs…
What Do I Do If My Dog Bites Someone?

What Do I Do If My Dog Bites Someone?

So many questions come to mind when you think about what would happen if your dog bit someone. "What do…