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 Obedience Tips: Patience Is Key

By: Michelle Schenker | Updated September 18, 2018 | Filed Under: Training | Comments: Comments Off
Girl with Dog Jumping

One of the most frustrating aspects of bringing a new dog home is teaching obedience. Obedience training can include a wide variety of skills including housebreaking, not biting, listening and responding to your commands, and more. While the variety of commands you may desire to teach may differ, teaching obedience will ensure a well-behaved dog who understands basic commands and what is expected from it. Using these dog obedience tips will help get your relationship with your pup off on the right paw…

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How To Deal With Separation Anxiety In Dogs

By: Kimberly Alt | Updated December 14, 2021 | Filed Under: Behavior | Comments: Comments Off
Sad dog (Caption: How to Deal with Separation Anxiety in Dogs?)

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. In this article, we will explain what dog separation anxiety is and how you can help your dog overcome her fears.

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Why Does My Dog Walk Backwards?

By: Julie Fritz | Updated December 10, 2021 | Filed Under: Behavior | Comments: Comments Off
Dog standing backwards looking up (Caption: 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 can just be a quirk. The same is true of a dog walking backwards. If your pup is exhibiting this behavior, we’ll help you understand what it could mean for him.

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Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? (And How To Train Them To Stop)

By: Sadie Cornelius | Reviewed By: Elizabeth Racine, DVM - DVM | Updated September 28, 2021 | Filed Under: Behavior | Comments: Comments Off
Dog eating grass (caption: Why Dogs Eat Grass: 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…

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Why Does My Dog Keep Licking His Butt?

By: Sally Jones | Reviewed By: Dr. JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM - DVM | Updated September 7, 2021 | Filed Under: Behavior | Comments: Comments Off
Dog licking butt (caption:Why Do Dogs Lick Their Butt?)

As dog parents, we all know our pups can perform some pretty repulsive displays of behavior (especially when we have company over). And a dog licking its butts is arguably one of the worst. Although you may want to avert your eyes, this behavior could indicate a health concern that requires your attention…

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Do Dogs Dream?

By: Kimberly Alt | Updated August 31, 2021 | Filed Under: Behavior | Comments: Comments Off
Maltese og sleeping on carpet dreaming (Caption: Do Dogs Dream?)

Our dogs are so cute when they are sleeping — twitching, whimpering, and chasing squirrels. But do dogs have dreams? If so, what do dogs dream about, and why do dogs dream? Do dogs dream about their owners? One can wish! Learn more about what might be going on inside a dog’s head when he sleeps and how to tell if your doggy is dreaming when he dozes off.

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Why Is My Dog Shaking Or Shivering?

By: Kimberly Alt | Updated August 20, 2021 | Filed Under: Behavior | Comments: Comments Off
Dog shaking water off (Caption: Dog Shaking Explained)

Ever wonder why your dog shakes all the time? Why is she shaking? You may notice that your dog shakes when she gets out of the water, but dogs shake when they’re dry too. Your dog may shake after greeting people, while playing, when getting up, or readjusting to a different position. Each shake has a different reason. You may also notice that your dog’s shaking is more like shivering or trembling – and there are other reasons for that too.

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Dog Eating Wood: How To Make Them Stop

By: Alex Schenker | Reviewed By: Elizabeth Racine, DVM - DVM | Updated August 9, 2021 | Filed Under: Behavior | Comments: Comments Off
Dog chewing on piece of wood

Dogs chew on wood because they like chewing on things. That’s why you see dogs play with chew toys, and why chew bones and treats are so popular with dogs. While it’s fairly common for a dog to chew on wood (especially if you use sticks or small logs to throw to them when you’re playing fetch) your dog will thank you if you help them lay off the wood. Why?…

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Dog Body Language Guide: What Is Your Dog Trying To Tell You?

By: Sadie Cornelius | Updated August 6, 2021 | Filed Under: Behavior | Comments: Comments Off
Dog with head tilted (Caption: Dog Body Language)

Dogs can’t talk, but they have an effective way of communicating with their body language, showing signals to indicate their feelings. As we learn to recognize how dogs communicate, we can better understand what our furry friend is telling us. You don’t have to be Cesar Millan to know when a pup is happy, hurt, or angry. Dog facial expressions and dog tail and ear languages are ways to find out what your dog might be thinking. 

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