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 Nuzzle You? (What That Little Nose Nudge Really Means)
4 days ago
Why Do Dogs Nuzzle You? (What That Little Nose Nudge Really Means)
Why do dogs nuzzle you? Learn what your dog’s nose nudges really mean, from affection and attention-seeking to communication and…
Why Does My Dog Press Against Me? The Meaning Behind “The Lean”
4 days ago
Why Does My Dog Press Against Me? The Meaning Behind “The Lean”
Whether your dog presses against your leg in the kitchen, melts into you on the couch, or slowly backs into…
When Your Dog’s Love Language Is Physical Touch … And The Pawing Is Driving You Nuts!
6 days ago
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 Your Dog Treats the Space Between Your Legs Like A VIP Lounge
1 week ago
Why Your Dog Treats the Space Between Your Legs Like A VIP Lounge
Ever wonder why your dog treats the space between your legs like a VIP lounge? Whether they are acting like…
How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch: A Step-By-Step Guide
1 week ago
How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch: A Step-By-Step Guide
While some dogs, especially retrievers, may instinctively play fetch with little or no training, not all dogs grasp the concept…
How to Teach a Dog to Come Without Begging, Bribing, or Crying in Public
1 week ago
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…
Off-Leash Dog Training: How To, Best Breeds & More
1 week ago
Off-Leash Dog Training: How To, Best Breeds & More
Training your dog can be a daunting task. It gets even more complex if you want to off-leash train your…
Your Dog Isn’t Just Kissing You — Here’s Why They Lick Your Face
2 weeks ago
Your Dog Isn’t Just Kissing You — Here’s Why They Lick Your Face
You lean down and, before you know it, your dog’s tongue is all over your face. Sound familiar? Whether it’s…
14 Obedience Training Lessons For Dogs Of Every Size, Breed, & Age (Videos)
2 weeks ago
14 Obedience Training Lessons For Dogs Of Every Size, Breed, & Age (Videos)
Training a dog is a lot of work, but it's critical to have a happy dog and, ultimately a happy…
Dog Whining Decoded: What Your Pup’s Whimper Really Means
2 weeks ago
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…
Why Dogs Bark At Literally Nothing & What You Can Actually Do About It
2 weeks ago
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,…
Why Dogs Run Away — And What To Do If Yours Does
2 weeks ago
Why Dogs Run Away — And What To Do If Yours Does
Why do dogs run away, even from loving homes? Sometimes it’s fear. Sometimes it’s instinct. Sometimes it’s a squirrel and…
Why Dogs Go Straight For The Crotch: The Science Behind The Sniff
2 weeks ago
Why Dogs Go Straight For The Crotch: The Science Behind The Sniff
If dogs ran the world, privacy wouldn’t exist. No secret would be safe—not your emotions, not your medical history, and…
Do Dogs Get Lonely? The Difference Between Missing You And Actually Struggling
2 weeks ago
Do Dogs Get Lonely? The Difference Between Missing You And Actually Struggling
Do dogs get lonely when left alone? Learn the emotional signs of loneliness in dogs, how to tell normal alone…
Why Does My Dog Hate One Specific Person? What They Might Be Sensing
3 weeks ago
Why Does My Dog Hate One Specific Person? What They Might Be Sensing
Do dogs pick favorites? Absolutely — and while many pups form strong bonds with one person in the household, they’re…
What Does Your Dog’s Favorite Toy Say About Their Personality?
4 weeks ago
What Does Your Dog’s Favorite Toy Say About Their Personality?
Dogs don’t choose favorite toys at random. The toy your dog fixates on often reflects how they handle excitement, comfort,…
Your Dogs Used To Get Along. So, Why Don’t They Now?
4 weeks ago
Your Dogs Used To Get Along. So, Why Don’t They Now?
Your dogs used to get along, but now something feels off. From subtle tension to sudden reactions, here’s what’s really…
Is Your Dog Your Personality Twin? Here’s How It Actually Happens
April 29, 2026
Is Your Dog Your Personality Twin? Here’s How It Actually Happens
You didn’t just get a dog—you may have created a personality match. Here’s how it happens (and why it’s so…
Dog Body Language: The Hidden Messages Revealed
April 15, 2026
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…
12 Signs Your Dog Has Chosen You As Their Person
April 7, 2026
12 Signs Your Dog Has Chosen You As Their Person
You know that feeling when you stand up, and your dog stands up, too. You walk to the kitchen, and…
7 Weird Dog Sleeping Positions: #5 Will Have You Crying Laughing!
April 7, 2026
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…
Why Does My Dog Sleep Pressed Against Me? The Answer Is Too Sweet
April 6, 2026
Why Does My Dog Sleep Pressed Against Me? The Answer Is Too Sweet
Why does your dog insist on sleeping pressed right up against you? From affection and warmth to trust, security, and…
From Fearful To Fearless: Helping Your Pooch Through Puppy Fear Periods
April 2, 2026
From Fearful To Fearless: Helping Your Pooch Through Puppy Fear Periods
Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. But as they grow, you may notice…
Unlocking The Silence: Why Dogs Bark So Much & What You Can Do About It
April 2, 2026
Unlocking The Silence: Why Dogs Bark So Much & What You Can Do About It
You’re enjoying a quiet afternoon in the yard. Birds are chirping, the water feature is trickling, and everything feels peaceful…
Your Dog Is Afraid Of… A Trash Bag? 14 Surprisingly Common Dog Fears
April 1, 2026
Your Dog Is Afraid Of… A Trash Bag? 14 Surprisingly Common Dog Fears
What are dogs scared of, and why do some reactions seem so random? From loud noises and strangers to slippery…
Is Your Dog Acting Like a Juiced-Up, Rage-Fueled Gym Bro? Here’s Why They’re Suddenly So Aggressive
April 1, 2026
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 Cover Their Face? The Truth Behind The “Dog Facepalm”
March 20, 2026
Why Do Dogs Cover Their Face? The Truth Behind The “Dog Facepalm”
Dogs covering their face with a paw can look adorable, dramatic, or slightly suspicious, depending on the timing. Most of…
Why Do Dogs Sleep On Their Backs? What It Really Means (And When To Worry)
March 18, 2026
Why Do Dogs Sleep On Their Backs? What It Really Means (And When To Worry)
Ever catch your dog passed out on their back, legs splayed like roadkill, tongue flopped out like they just ran…
Why Dogs Get Obsessed With Certain Toys (And Ignore the Rest)
March 18, 2026
Why Dogs Get Obsessed With Certain Toys (And Ignore the Rest)
What do dogs think of their toys? From carrying a favorite toy everywhere to tearing it apart, dogs show clear…
Why Is My Dog Following Me Everywhere? 8 Common Reasons
March 12, 2026
Why Is My Dog Following Me Everywhere? 8 Common Reasons
If your dog follows you from room to room, you may have a “shadow dog.” Learn why dogs develop this…
Adopting Two Puppies Together Sounds Perfect. Here’s The Part No One Talks About.
February 18, 2026
Adopting Two Puppies Together Sounds Perfect. Here’s The Part No One Talks About.
Two puppies sound twice as fun, but raising littermates can come with unexpected challenges. Here’s what littermate syndrome really is…
Dog Mouthing vs Biting: How To Tell The Difference (And When To Worry)
February 13, 2026
Dog Mouthing vs Biting: How To Tell The Difference (And When To Worry)
So, why does your dog mouth you all the time? And more importantly, how can you stop it without damaging…
Dog Shaking Like They’ve Had One Too Many Espresso Shots? What’s Normal & When To Worry
February 11, 2026
Dog Shaking Like They’ve Had One Too Many Espresso Shots? What’s Normal & When To Worry
You look over, and your dog is standing there, fully awake, vibrating like they’ve had one too many espresso shots.…
6 Reasons Your Dog Won’t Stop Barking At Other Dogs (And How To Help)
February 11, 2026
6 Reasons Your Dog Won’t Stop Barking At Other Dogs (And How To Help)
You’re walking your dog when it happens: another pup appears, and suddenly your calm companion turns into a barking machine.…
What Do Dogs Dream About? The Adorable Truth Will Melt Your Heart
February 9, 2026
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?…
Fireworks Freaking Out Your Dog? Here’s What Actually Helps
February 9, 2026
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…
Your Dog’s Stare Is A Message. Are You Reading It Right?
January 26, 2026
Your Dog’s Stare Is A Message. Are You Reading It Right?
You feel it before you see it — that unmistakable weight of canine attention. You glance up, and there it…
Does Your Dog Act Like They’re In Charge? Here’s What’s Really Going On
January 23, 2026
Does Your Dog Act Like They’re In Charge? Here’s What’s Really Going On
Sound familiar? Your dog ignores commands they clearly understand, pushes past you through doorways, and seems perfectly comfortable deciding how…
Why Your Dog Thinks They’re The Only One Allowed To Touch You
January 23, 2026
Why Your Dog Thinks They’re The Only One Allowed To Touch You
If I so much as scratch another dog behind the ears, my own pup, Tiny, materializes out of nowhere and…
Why Do Dogs Eat Their Vomit? And How To Stop This Nasty Habit
January 23, 2026
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…
Why Do Dogs Sit, Sleep, Or Lay on Your Feet? Here Are 8 Reasons, And You Won’t Believe #6!
January 23, 2026
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,…
Why Your Dog Might Bite You Out of Nowhere
January 23, 2026
Why Your Dog Might Bite You Out of Nowhere
He didn’t growl. He didn’t snap. He just bit. One second, your dog’s wagging his tail, the next, he’s got…
Your Dog Growled At You. Here’s Why That Might Be A Good Thing
January 23, 2026
Your Dog Growled At You. Here’s Why That Might Be A Good Thing
A dog growling can stop a moment cold. At my house, it starts the second someone knocks. Daisy, my 85-pound…
From Vicious To Obedient: The Truth About Transforming Aggressive Dogs
January 23, 2026
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…
Your Dog Loses Their Mind Around Other Dogs: Dog-On-Dog Aggression Explained
January 23, 2026
Your Dog Loses Their Mind Around Other Dogs: Dog-On-Dog Aggression Explained
Having an aggressive dog can cause a lot of concerns for owners. Often, it can be challenging to take your…
How To Introduce Dogs Without Creating A Lifetime Grudge
January 23, 2026
How To Introduce Dogs Without Creating A Lifetime Grudge
I was so nervous when I brought home my dog Falkor. He was an eight-week-old ball of puppy fluff, so…
Resource Guarding In Dogs: Why It Happens & How To Handle It Safely
January 19, 2026
Resource Guarding In Dogs: Why It Happens & How To Handle It Safely
Resource guarding isn’t about dominance or defiance. It’s a response to perceived risk. This guide explains why dogs guard food,…
Think You Know Which Dog Breeds Attack The Most? The Truth May Surprise You
January 15, 2026
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…
Dog Barks At Nothing… Is It A Ghost, Or Am I The Crazy One?
January 15, 2026
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,…
How To Teach A Dog To Sit Using The Ancient Art Of Butt Placement
January 15, 2026
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…