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.
Why Do Dogs Lick Your Face? Spoiler: It’s Not Just About Love
2 days ago
Why Do Dogs Lick Your Face? Spoiler: It’s Not Just About Love
You lean down and, before you know it, your dog’s tongue is all over your face. Sound familiar? Whether it’s…
Why Do Dogs Lick? Answers To Why They Lick People, Paws, Themselves, Wounds & More
3 days ago
Why Do Dogs Lick? Answers To Why They Lick People, Paws, Themselves, Wounds & More
Is your dog constantly licking, and you have no idea why? Licking is a very natural way for dogs to…
Why Do Dogs Lick You? It’s More Than A Canine Kiss
3 days ago
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…
How To Introduce Dogs Peacefully: 5 Must-Know Tips For Dog Owners
4 days ago
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…
Fireworks Freaking Out Your Dog? Here’s What Actually Helps
4 days ago
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
4 days ago
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…
Why Do Dogs Howl? 10 Weird Reasons You Won’t Believe
5 days ago
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,…
Can Dogs See Ghosts? A Deep Sniff Into the Paranormal
2 weeks ago
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,…
From Whining to Wagging: 7 Ways To Beat Dog Travel Anxiety
2 weeks ago
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…
The Poop Buffet: Why Your Dog Treats The Backyard Like A Golden Corral
2 weeks 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 Barks At Nothing… Is It A Ghost, Or Am I The Crazy One?
2 weeks ago
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
2 weeks ago
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
3 weeks ago
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
3 weeks ago
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
3 weeks ago
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
3 weeks ago
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,…
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…
Is Your Dog Secretly A Cow? Top 7 Reasons They Like To Graze
3 weeks 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…
From Vicious To Obedient: The Truth About Transforming Aggressive Dogs
3 weeks ago
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…
Unlocking The Silence: 7 Real Reasons Your Dog Won’t Stop Barking
3 weeks ago
Unlocking The Silence: 7 Real Reasons Your Dog Won’t Stop Barking
You’re enjoying a quiet afternoon in the yard. Birds are chirping, the water feature is trickling, and everything feels peaceful…
I Thought My Dog Was Just Being Weird. Then I Learned Why Dogs Eat Dirt
3 weeks ago
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 Sniff Crotches? Our Researchers Dig In
4 weeks ago
Why Do Dogs Sniff Crotches? Our Researchers Dig In
If dogs ran the world, privacy wouldn’t exist. No secret would be safe—not your emotions, not your medical history, and…
Why Do Dogs Not Like Certain People? Discover What Your Dog Might Be Sensing
4 weeks ago
Why Do Dogs Not Like Certain People? Discover What Your Dog Might Be Sensing
Do dogs pick favorites? Absolutely — and while many pups form strong bonds with one person in the household, they’re…
When Your Dog’s Love Language Is Physical Touch … And The Pawing Is Driving You Nuts!
May 28, 2025
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.
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…
Can Dogs Smell Fear? Understanding Your Pup’s Super Senses
May 12, 2025
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
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 Run In Circles? The Surprising Science Behind Zoomies Revealed!
May 8, 2025
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…
Dog Body Language: The Hidden Messages Revealed
May 7, 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…
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…
Best Dog Training Collars: Educator vs Dogtra vs SportDog vs PetSafe vs Pet Resolve vs PetSpy vs SpotOn vs Halo & More
May 6, 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…
Your Dog’s Butt-Sniffing Habit, Explained (It’s Not Just Weird!)
April 27, 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 That Barking Even Legal? What Every Dog Owner (And Neighbor) Should Know
April 21, 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 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…
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.…
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…