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.

How Do Dogs Communicate With Each Other? The Hidden Language You’ve Been Missing

How Do Dogs Communicate With Each Other? The Hidden Language You’ve Been Missing

If you’ve ever watched two dogs meet at the park or on a simple walk — sniffing, circling, then suddenly…
Unlocking The Silence: 7 Real Reasons Your Dog Won’t Stop Barking

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…
Why Dogs Bark At Other Dogs (And How To Stop It)

Why Dogs Bark At Other Dogs (And How To Stop It)

You’re walking your dog when it happens: another pup appears, and suddenly your calm companion turns into a barking machine.…
How to Teach a Dog to Come Without Begging, Bribing, or Crying in Public

How to Teach a Dog to Come Without Begging, Bribing, or Crying in Public

Yelled “Come!”, but got a tail flick and a disappearing butt instead? You’re not alone. Here’s how to teach a…
Your Dog’s Bored — Here’s How To Fix It In 5 Minutes A Day

Your Dog’s Bored — Here’s How To Fix It In 5 Minutes A Day

Most dog parent think their pup needs longer walks. In reality, the secret to calm, happy dogs is working their…
Think You Know Which Dog Breeds Attack The Most? The Truth May Surprise You

Think You Know Which Dog Breeds Attack The Most? The Truth May Surprise You

Owning a dog is a wonderful privilege and a huge responsibility. Along with the many positive benefits having a canine…
Do Dogs Understand Death Like We Do? The Answer Might Surprise You

Do Dogs Understand Death Like We Do? The Answer Might Surprise You

Science says dogs may not think about death the way humans do, but growing research and countless heart-wrenching owner stories…
Why Is My Dog Obsessed With Licking Other Dogs’ Mouths?

Why Is My Dog Obsessed With Licking Other Dogs’ Mouths?

If you’ve ever taken your pup to the dog park, you’ve probably seen it: two dogs sniff hello, then one…
Why Do Dogs Lick? Answers To Why They Lick People, Paws, Themselves, Wounds & More

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…
How to Train a Dog Without Treats – Yes, Even Your Stubborn Gremlin

How to Train a Dog Without Treats – Yes, Even Your Stubborn Gremlin

So your dog only listens when you’re holding a chicken nugget hostage? Same. Mine used to stare me down like…
Dog Anxiety: Why Your Pup Acts Like You Died Every Time You Leave The Room

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…
New Dog Bite Statistics Revealed: Top Dog Breeds Linked To Bites & Bite Risks

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…
Best Dog Pee Pads: Our Top 6 Picks & More

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!)

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…
Wait… Why Is My Dog Licking Another Dog’s Ear?

Wait… Why Is My Dog Licking Another Dog’s Ear?

You glance over at the dog park and, yep, your pup is tongue-deep in another dog’s ear. Gross? Sweet? A…
Is That Barking Even Legal? What Every Dog Owner (And Neighbor) Should Know

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 Do Dogs Lick Your Face? Spoiler: It’s Not Just About Love

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 You? It’s More Than A Canine Kiss

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…
Dog Fighting Facts: We Need To Break The Chain

Dog Fighting Facts: We Need To Break The Chain

Dogfighting is not a relic of the past. Across the United States, federal agents and rescue teams continue to uncover…
Do Dogs Know When You’re Sad? Signs, Science & Sweet Stories

Do Dogs Know When You’re Sad? Signs, Science & Sweet Stories

Do dogs know when you are sad? Do canines understand when a human cries? We often wonder if our pets…
How To Teach A Dog To Sit Using The Ancient Art Of Butt Placement

How To Teach A Dog To Sit Using The Ancient Art Of Butt Placement

Yes, there’s an ancient method for getting your dog’s furry butt on the floor, and it’s surprisingly effective. And it's…
Top 15 Best Anti-Chew Sprays For Dogs (Tested & Reviewed)

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…
Why Do Dogs Eat Other Dogs’ Poop? Facts, Dangers & Fixes

Why Do Dogs Eat Other Dogs’ Poop? Facts, Dangers & Fixes

You’re enjoying a nice, peaceful walk when suddenly your dog dives headfirst into the unspeakable. Before you can react, they’ve…
The Poop Buffet: Why Your Dog Treats The Backyard Like A Golden Corral

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,…
When Your Dog’s Love Language Is Physical Touch … And The Pawing Is Driving You Nuts!

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 Sleep On Their Backs? These 5 Reasons Are Weirdly Sweet

Why Do Dogs Sleep On Their Backs? These 5 Reasons Are Weirdly Sweet

Ever catch your dog passed out on their back, legs splayed like roadkill, tongue flopped out like they just ran…
Why Do Dogs Sniff? What Your Pup’s Nose Knows That You Don’t

Why Do Dogs Sniff? What Your Pup’s Nose Knows That You Don’t

If you’ve ever taken your dog on what was supposed to be a “quick walk,” only to spend 10 minutes…
Why Do Dogs Not Like Certain People? Discover What Your Dog Might Be Sensing

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…
Separation Anxiety In Dogs: The Real Reason Your Pup Freaks Out When You Leave

Separation Anxiety In Dogs: The Real Reason Your Pup Freaks Out When You Leave

They’re not mad. You just vanished into the void again, and they’re spiraling. Separation anxiety in dogs is that dramatic…
Can Dogs Understand Humans? Here’s What The Science Says

Can Dogs Understand Humans? Here’s What The Science Says

I talk to my dog all day, about emails, snacks, and why the mailman is not a villain. But does…
How To Stop A Dog From Biting: Proven Tips For Puppies And Adults

How To Stop A Dog From Biting: Proven Tips For Puppies And Adults

Every year, millions of people, including children, are bitten by dogs, often in situations their owners never saw coming. If…
Dog Whining Decoded: What Your Pup’s Whimper Really Means

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…
Dog Twitching In Sleep Isn’t Just Cute: It’s A Peek Inside Their Dreams

Dog Twitching In Sleep Isn’t Just Cute: It’s A Peek Inside Their Dreams

You notice it out of the corner of your eye, your dog, curled up and still, suddenly twitches. A leg…
Is Your Dog Growling? Here’s What They’re Really Trying To Say

Is Your Dog Growling? Here’s What They’re Really Trying To Say

A dog growling can stop a moment cold. At my house, it starts the second someone knocks. Daisy, my 85-pound…
Dog Sneezing Like Crazy? 8 Reasons Behind That Achoo Attack

Dog Sneezing Like Crazy? 8 Reasons Behind That Achoo Attack

Trying to figure out why your dog is sneezing all the time? There's actually a number of different reasons this…
Why Do Dogs Sit, Sleep, Or Lay on Your Feet? Here Are 8 Reasons, And You Won’t Believe #6!

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,…
Dog Stair Safety: 8 Proven Tips To Prevent Slips, Falls & Vet Bills

Dog Stair Safety: 8 Proven Tips To Prevent Slips, Falls & Vet Bills

Did you know stair-related falls send thousands of dogs to the vet every year, and that many of these injuries…
Dog Agility Training: Turn Your Chaos Goblin Into A Backyard Athlete

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…
4 Best Dog Training Clickers (We Tested 11 So You Don’t Have To!)

4 Best Dog Training Clickers (We Tested 11 So You Don’t Have To!)

Training a new puppy or leveling up your dog training game? Many pros swear by clickers for better results. We…
How To Introduce Dogs Peacefully: 5 Must-Know Tips For Dog Owners

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…
Why Do Dogs Love Mud? 7 Filthy Facts That Explain Everything

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…
What Smells Do Dogs Hate Most? These 10 Might Be In Your Home

What Smells Do Dogs Hate Most? These 10 Might Be In Your Home

What smells do dogs hate? It’s a question I never really thought about until I started walking Falkor, my Poodle…
Dog Pees When Excited? Welcome To The Splash Zone!

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!)

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…
Dog Body Language: The Hidden Messages Revealed

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…
Is Your Dog Yawning Or Throwing Shade? You’ll Be Surprised By The Answer

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

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,…
Fireworks Freaking Out Your Dog? Here’s What Actually Helps

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…