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: 13
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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Do Dogs Dream?

By: Kimberly Alt | Updated August 31, 2021 | Filed Under: Behavior | Comments: 2
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: 2
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: 173
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: 19
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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Why Do Dogs Howl? Find Out Which Dogs Howl, Why & How To Stop It

By: Julie Fritz | Updated July 26, 2021 | Filed Under: Behavior | Comments: 10
Dog howling at the moon (Caption: Why Do Dogs Howl?)

Dogs use vocalization to express all kinds of emotions. Yips, barks, muffled snorts, and even sneezes all have meanings that a dog is trying to convey. The most primal, hair-raising sound a dog makes comes from deep in his throat when he holds his nose high, purses his lips, and howls like a wolf. But, what does it mean, and why do dogs howl?

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Why Do Dogs Lick? Answers To Why They Lick People, Paws, Themselves, Wounds & More

By: Kimberly Alt | Updated July 21, 2021 | Filed Under: Behavior | Comments: 1
Dog licking its face (Caption: Why do dogs lick?)

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.

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Why Do Dogs Growl When Playing? Fighting, Tips To Avoid, And More

By: Kimberly Alt | Updated July 20, 2021 | Filed Under: Behavior, Training | Comments: 4
Dogs playing (Caption: Why Do Dogs Growl When Playing?)

You roll up to the dog park, and Fido is excited to play with all the pups. After a little bit, Fido has selected his playmate, and you notice the dogs are growling at each other while playing. Are they being aggressive, or are they just playing? How do you know when playtime has escalated to aggression? And why do dogs growl when playing? We’ll help you understand why your dog growls when playing, so you can monitor the situation and ensure it doesn’t turn into aggression.

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How To Stop A Dog From Digging Holes Under Fences, In Bed, In Yard, And More – Why Do Dogs Dig Holes?

By: Kimberly Alt | Updated May 24, 2021 | Filed Under: Behavior | Comments: 109
Dog digging hole (caption: How To Stop Dog From Digging Holes)

Why do dogs dig holes? Is your yard starting to look like a minefield? It’s important to know that your dog isn’t intentionally trying to be malicious and ruin your landscaping. Instead of getting upset with your dog, consider why your dog may be digging holes in your backyard. Here are some common reasons your dog might dig holes in your yard and how to stop a dog from digging.

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