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 Whining Decoded: What Your Pup’s Whimper Really Means
5 days ago
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…
Can Dogs Smile? The Truth Behind Those Happy Faces
5 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…
7 Weird Dog Sleeping Positions: #5 Will Have You Crying Laughing!
6 days ago
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…
How To Stop A Dog From Digging Holes Under Fences, In Bed, In Yard & More – Why Do Dogs Dig Holes?
1 week ago
How To Stop A Dog From Digging Holes Under Fences, In Bed, In Yard & More – Why Do Dogs Dig Holes?
Dogs dig for many reasons, from boredom and excess energy to anxiety, hunting instincts, and the need to stay cool.…
The Poop Loop: Why Dogs Circle Before Pooping
September 3, 2026
The Poop Loop: Why Dogs Circle Before Pooping
Owning a dog is like living with a furry little mystery machine. Every day brings new questions. Why is he…
New Dog Bite Statistics Revealed: Top Dog Breeds Linked To Bites & Bite Risks
August 31, 2026
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…
Why Dogs Wag Their Tails: What Your Dog Is Telling You
August 27, 2026
Why Dogs Wag Their Tails: What Your Dog Is Telling You
Why do dogs wag their tails? The answer isn’t as simple as you think. If you’ve been assuming every wag…
Why Do Dogs Eat Their Vomit? 6 Reasons & When To Worry
August 12, 2026
Why Do Dogs Eat Their Vomit? 6 Reasons & When To Worry
As if dog vomit isn’t already enough to turn an owner’s stomach, what about those precious pooches who consider their…
Dog Body Language: The Hidden Messages Revealed
July 27, 2026
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…
Why Dogs Bark At Literally Nothing & What You Can Actually Do About It
July 27, 2026
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,…
Why Do Dogs Sit, Sleep, Or Lay on Your Feet? Here Are 8 Reasons, And You Won’t Believe #6!
July 17, 2026
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,…
STOP Trying To Be The Alpha! The Truth About Dog Pack Behavior
July 17, 2026
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…
When Your Dog’s Love Language Is Physical Touch … And The Pawing Is Driving You Nuts!
May 26, 2026
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.
How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch: A Step-By-Step Guide
May 22, 2026
How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch: A Step-By-Step Guide
While some dogs, especially retrievers, may instinctively play fetch with little or no training, not all dogs grasp the concept…
Off-Leash Dog Training: How To, Best Breeds & More
May 22, 2026
Off-Leash Dog Training: How To, Best Breeds & More
Training your dog can be a daunting task. It gets even more complex if you want to off-leash train your…
14 Obedience Training Lessons For Dogs Of Every Size, Breed, & Age (Videos)
May 21, 2026
14 Obedience Training Lessons For Dogs Of Every Size, Breed, & Age (Videos)
Training a dog is a lot of work, but it's critical to have a happy dog and, ultimately a happy…
From Fearful To Fearless: Helping Your Pooch Through Puppy Fear Periods
April 2, 2026
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…
Unlocking The Silence: Why Dogs Bark So Much & What You Can Do About It
April 2, 2026
Unlocking The Silence: Why Dogs Bark So Much & What You Can Do About It
You’re enjoying a quiet afternoon in the yard. Birds are chirping, the water feature is trickling, and everything feels peaceful…
Is Your Dog Acting Like a Juiced-Up, Rage-Fueled Gym Bro? Here’s Why They’re Suddenly So Aggressive
April 1, 2026
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…
What Do Dogs Dream About? The Adorable Truth Will Melt Your Heart
February 9, 2026
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?…
From Vicious To Obedient: The Truth About Transforming Aggressive Dogs
January 23, 2026
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…
Dog Barks At Nothing… Is It A Ghost, Or Am I The Crazy One?
January 15, 2026
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,…
Doggy Dan: The Online Dog Trainer Review
January 8, 2026
Doggy Dan: The Online Dog Trainer Review
Doggy Dan may be just what you need. The Online Dog Trainer (aka Doggy Dan), is one of New Zealand's…
Rehoming An Aggressive Dog: When Is It Time To Say Goodbye?
January 8, 2026
Rehoming An Aggressive Dog: When Is It Time To Say Goodbye?
Saying goodbye to your dog is difficult no matter what the circumstances. In my family's case, we had to bid…
Why Does Your Dog Follow You To The Bathroom? A Vet Uncovers 10 Reasons
January 2, 2026
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…
Can Dogs See Ghosts? A Deep Sniff Into the Paranormal
November 14, 2025
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,…
Bell Training For Dogs: The Communication Trick Every Owner Should Try
November 7, 2025
Bell Training For Dogs: The Communication Trick Every Owner Should Try
Have you ever considered bell training your dog? It is a method in which you train dogs to use a…
Dog Agility Training: Turn Your Chaos Goblin Into A Backyard Athlete
November 7, 2025
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…
Wait… Dogs Can Be Ticklish?! What Happens When You Find The Spot!
November 4, 2025
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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,…
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.…
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…
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,…
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…