Behavior Archives - Canine Journal

girl whispering into a goldens ear with family behind her all sitting on a sofa

Can Dogs Understand Humans? What Do They Really Know About Us?

We all talk to our furry family members and would love to imagine that they’re grasping our conversations with them. But in reality, how much do dogs understand what we say? Do dogs understand English and other languages? Sure, dogs can recognize basic verbal commands, but do they comprehend human-to-human dialogue? Over the last decade, scientists have conducted several experiments to uncover how our canine counterparts interpret our speech. We’ll share some of the most recent discoveries on how our pups process human language.

White dog licking paw (Caption: Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?)

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws? 7 Reasons & How To Get Them To Stop

Do you think your dog is licking his paws too much? Occasional paw licking is a normal part of a dog’s self-grooming routine and isn’t anything to worry about. But what does it mean when dogs lick their paws excessively? If your dog is licking or chewing his paws a lot, this could indicate a health or behavioral problem. We’ll help you figure out what may be causing your dog’s paw licking and when it’s time for a vet visit.

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 originated hundreds of years ago from people observing animals licking their injuries after a predator’s attack. Have you ever wondered why dogs and other animals lick wounds in the first place? And is it beneficial or harmful to their healing?…

Dog licking its face (Caption: Why Do Dogs Lick?)

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 communicate with one another. After a mother has her pups, she licks them to help them start breathing and clean them. This initial licking sticks with dogs throughout their lives, and they use it for many reasons. Licking for dogs is similar to humans biting their nails — both release pleasurable endorphins, which create comfort and relieve stress.

dog licking a girl laying on her back outside

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 does my dog lick me so much? It simply means your pup adores you, right? Not always. Although we tend to perceive licking as the human equivalent of kissing, showing affection isn’t the only reason dogs lick us.

two dogs fighting in grass about to bite each other

Dog Bite Statistics (Most Common Breeds & How Likely Are You To Get Bit?)

According to a study from the Center For Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, and 800,000 of those bites result in medical care. The U.S. population was approximately 328.2 million people in 2019. That means a dog bites 1 out of every 73 people. These are scary statistics. But scary becomes a lot less so when you’re armed with the right information. From the top breeds to be wary of, to considering your behavior around animals, to why dogs bite in the first place, we give you an arsenal of information so that you can bite back in the dog bite debate.

dog grinding teeth looking at camera outside in the grass

Dog Grinding Teeth: Why They Do It & How To Stop

Dog owners often observe their pets grinding their teeth. This leads to many questions and concerns. Grinding teeth together is called bruxism and can affect dogs, cats, and even people. Though not all dogs grind their teeth, some do, and there are a few reasons behind it. While mild grinding may not be cause for concern, if it happens often or your dog clenches their jaw, there might be cause for concern. Owners need to know why pets experience bruxism, when to call the vet, and how to stop dental grinding.

Lab next to fence (Caption: Tips For Separation Anxiety In Dogs)

How To Deal With Separation Anxiety In Dogs

Are you unable to leave home without your dog destroying the place? Or maybe your neighbor calls your landlord to complain about the howling pup? If this story sounds familiar, there’s a chance your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. So, let’s explore what dog separation anxiety is and how you can help your dog overcome his fears.

Dog eating grass (caption: Why Dogs Eat Grass & How To Stop)

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? (7 Reasons & How To Stop)

Our dogs often do things that we struggle to understand. One of those things is eating grass. While we may feed our dogs a perfectly well-balanced diet and provide them with all the stimulation they need, they may still take to consuming grass. There are many theories behind just why our canine friends impersonate cows chewing cud, and we are going to take a shot at the reasoning behind them…

Puppy sniffing dirt (caption: Why do dogs eat dirt?)

Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt? (Is It An Unhealthy Habit?)

Dogs love digging holes in the ground, but what happens if they take it a step further and eat the dirt? In addition to making them a muddy mess, is ingesting soil harmful to your pup? First, you need to determine the frequency of your dog’s dirt disposition. If your dog consumes soil infrequently, it’s probably fine (but it’s always good to discuss this with your vet). However, if your dog routinely devours dirt, there may be cause for concern…

The dog holds in paws heart pillow (Caption: Pet therapy guide)

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 psychiatrist? Yes, the pet equivalent of a shrink is a behavioral therapist. Of course, pet counselors don’t use talk therapy like their counterparts for humans, but they do have expert training in techniques to help pets showing a variety of worrisome and harmful behaviors. We’ll help you know how to tell if your dog needs counseling, how to find a certified pet therapist, and more.

Dog behaviorist with black Dachshund on leash (caption: Dog Behavioral Therapy)

Does My Dog Need Behavioral Therapy & How To Find A Behaviorist Near You

Have you noticed a change in your dog’s behavior? Does your dog seem more aggressive or anxious than normal? It could be that your dog has a behavioral issue that needs diagnosing and they could benefit from behavioral therapy. Find out how behavioral therapy could help eliminate unhealthy behaviors.