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.
Does Your Dog Jump On Everyone? Here’s How To Finally Stop It
4 days ago
Does Your Dog Jump On Everyone? Here’s How To Finally Stop It
Does your dog greet visitors like they've just returned from a five-year expedition? Jumping may be your pup's way of…
Can Dogs Understand Humans? Here’s What The Science Says
6 days ago
Can Dogs Understand Humans? Here’s What The Science Says
Do dogs really understand what we say—or are they simply reacting to tone, routines, and body language? Explore what science…
Puppy Fear Periods: Why Your Puppy Is Suddenly Scared & How To Help
6 days ago
Puppy Fear Periods: Why Your Puppy Is Suddenly Scared & How To Help
Yesterday’s confident puppy suddenly won’t walk past the trash can or greet the neighbors. Could a puppy fear period explain…
Why Does My Dog Hate One Specific Person? What They Might Be Sensing
1 week 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…
Why Is My Dog Scared Of Something That Never Bothered Them Before?
1 week ago
Why Is My Dog Scared Of Something That Never Bothered Them Before?
Your dog has encountered the same people, places, and everyday situations countless times. So why are they suddenly scared? From…
How Fast Can A Dog Run? Average Speed, Fastest & Slowest Breeds
2 weeks ago
How Fast Can A Dog Run? Average Speed, Fastest & Slowest Breeds
Have you noticed how fast or slow your dog is compared to other canines when they sprint off together at…
Why Is My Dog Restless At Night? 10 Reasons They Won’t Settle
2 weeks ago
Why Is My Dog Restless At Night? 10 Reasons They Won’t Settle
Why do dogs get restless at night? A bathroom break, an unfamiliar sound or a change in routine may be…
Houston, We Have A Walk Problem: Why Your Dog Won’t Budge
3 weeks ago
Houston, We Have A Walk Problem: Why Your Dog Won’t Budge
Does your dog suddenly turn into a four-legged roadblock halfway through a walk? Whether they're staging a sidewalk sit-in or…
The Real Reason Dogs Get Zoomies — And Why It’s Kind Of About You
3 weeks ago
The Real Reason Dogs Get Zoomies — And Why It’s Kind Of About You
Have you ever settled down for a quiet night, and your dog barrels through the room with a sudden burst…
How Do Dogs Communicate With Each Other? The Hidden Language You’ve Been Missing
3 weeks ago
How Do Dogs Communicate With Each Other? The Hidden Language You’ve Been Missing
Dogs are constantly communicating with each other, often in ways we barely notice. Learn what tail wags, sniffing, staring, growling,…
12 Things Dogs Do When They’re Trying To Keep The Peace
3 weeks ago
12 Things Dogs Do When They’re Trying To Keep The Peace
Your dog may be trying to avoid conflict long before you notice anything is wrong. From a quick head turn…
How To Stop A Dog From Digging Holes Under Fences, In Bed, In the Yard & More – Why Do Dogs Dig Holes?
3 weeks ago
How To Stop A Dog From Digging Holes Under Fences, In Bed, In the Yard & More – Why Do Dogs Dig Holes?
Is your dog turning your backyard into an excavation site? The secret to fewer holes starts with understanding why they…
Why Does My Dog Press Against Me? The Meaning Behind “The Lean”
4 weeks ago
Why Does My Dog Press Against Me? The Meaning Behind “The Lean”
Does your dog lean against your legs, press closer during cuddles, or practically melt into you? This sweet, sometimes puzzling…
4 Best Dog Training Clickers (We Tested 11 So You Don’t Have To!)
4 weeks ago
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 Without Creating A Lifetime Grudge
4 weeks ago
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…
More Snoozing, Less Zooming: What’s Up With Your Dog?
October 1, 2026
More Snoozing, Less Zooming: What’s Up With Your Dog?
Your dog slept through their “W-A-L-K,” and now you’re wondering what changed. Extra naps can follow a busy day, but…
Things Dogs Do When They’re Jealous: 10 Ways They Say, “What About Me?”
October 1, 2026
Things Dogs Do When They’re Jealous: 10 Ways They Say, “What About Me?”
Pawing, barking, stealing another pet’s spot, and other perfectly timed interruptions can look a lot like jealousy. Here is what…
Why Is My Dog Suddenly So Quiet? When Calm May Mean Something’s Wrong
October 1, 2026
Why Is My Dog Suddenly So Quiet? When Calm May Mean Something’s Wrong
Is your normally playful, social, or vocal dog suddenly acting unusually quiet? Learn how to distinguish ordinary tiredness from stress,…
9 Things Dogs Do When They’re Overtired: The Wild Signs They Need A Nap
October 1, 2026
9 Things Dogs Do When They’re Overtired: The Wild Signs They Need A Nap
Overtired dogs do not always look sleepy. They may race around, nip, bark, chew, ignore commands, or struggle to settle.…
Don’t Let Their Reputation Fool You: 15 Dog Breeds That Are Way More Sensitive Than People Think
October 1, 2026
Don’t Let Their Reputation Fool You: 15 Dog Breeds That Are Way More Sensitive Than People Think
Some of the toughest, smartest, and most confident dog breeds have surprisingly soft sides. From Dobermans and Rottweilers to Chihuahuas…
When Your Dog Knows Exactly How To Get Your Attention: Adorable Or Annoying?
October 1, 2026
When Your Dog Knows Exactly How To Get Your Attention: Adorable Or Annoying?
Dogs are surprisingly good at figuring out exactly what makes their humans react. From intense staring and strategic paw taps…
That Feeling Something Isn’t Right With Your Dog? Here’s What To Look For.
October 1, 2026
That Feeling Something Isn’t Right With Your Dog? Here’s What To Look For.
Has your dog suddenly started acting weird? Learn the most common reasons dogs behave differently, what changes to watch for,…
Your Dog Knows What They Did… Or Do They?
October 1, 2026
Your Dog Knows What They Did… Or Do They?
That tucked tail, lowered head, and sideways glance sure look guilty. But does your dog really know what they did?…
Why Does My Dog Check On Me? The Sweet Reason They Keep Making Sure You’re Still There
October 1, 2026
Why Does My Dog Check On Me? The Sweet Reason They Keep Making Sure You’re Still There
Ever notice your dog quietly peeking into the room before walking away again? If you've wondered, "Why does my dog…
6 Dog Habits That Mean They Trust You
October 1, 2026
6 Dog Habits That Mean They Trust You
Your dog may be showing you just how much they trust you without you even realizing it. From sleeping soundly…
Think Your Dog Is Fine? These 10 Subtle Stress Signals Are Easy To Miss
October 1, 2026
Think Your Dog Is Fine? These 10 Subtle Stress Signals Are Easy To Miss
Dogs don't always show stress in obvious ways. From yawning and lip licking to pacing and clinginess, learn the 10…
How Your Dog Knows You’re Having A Bad Day & The Sweet Things They Do About It
October 1, 2026
How Your Dog Knows You’re Having A Bad Day & The Sweet Things They Do About It
Have you ever noticed your dog becoming extra gentle when you're having a rough day? From quietly following you to…
Think Your Dog Is Acting Out? It Might Just Be Boredom.
October 1, 2026
Think Your Dog Is Acting Out? It Might Just Be Boredom.
Think your dog is just being naughty? From chewing furniture and stealing socks to barking at invisible threats, many unwanted…
Would You Trust An Invisible Fence For Your Dog?
October 1, 2026
Would You Trust An Invisible Fence For Your Dog?
Would you trust an invisible fence with your dog? Discover how invisible fences work, what can go wrong, which dogs…
Why Does My Dog Bring Me Random Things? What They’re Really Trying To Say
October 1, 2026
Why Does My Dog Bring Me Random Things? What They’re Really Trying To Say
Whether it's a dirty sock, favorite toy, shoe, or stick, dogs often carry objects to communicate. Learn what this quirky…
Why Is My Dog Always Waiting For Me?
October 1, 2026
Why Is My Dog Always Waiting For Me?
Wondering why your dog always waits for you by the door, window, or even outside the bathroom? Discover the sweet…
Would Your Dog Actually Stay? What Dog Owners Often Overlook About Unfenced Yards
October 1, 2026
Would Your Dog Actually Stay? What Dog Owners Often Overlook About Unfenced Yards
Would your dog actually stay in an unfenced yard? Learn the risks, the dogs most likely to wander, and how…
Why Does My Dog Sleep With Their Butt In My Face Every Night?
October 1, 2026
Why Does My Dog Sleep With Their Butt In My Face Every Night?
Your dog climbs into bed, spins around, and somehow ends up with their butt pointed directly at your face. As…
When Your Dog Rests Their Head On You, Here’s What They’re Really Saying
October 1, 2026
When Your Dog Rests Their Head On You, Here’s What They’re Really Saying
If your dog loves resting their head on your lap, chest, or shoulder, they may be telling you more than…
Why Does My Dog Sleep on My Clothes? 5 Reasons Your Laundry Feels Like Home
October 1, 2026
Why Does My Dog Sleep on My Clothes? 5 Reasons Your Laundry Feels Like Home
You bought the luxury dog bed, but your sweaty shirt still wins. Here’s why your scent feels like home to…
Can You Please Just Pick A Toy? Why Your Dog Keeps Changing The Rules Of Fetch
October 1, 2026
Can You Please Just Pick A Toy? Why Your Dog Keeps Changing The Rules Of Fetch
Your dog brings you a tennis ball, only to immediately swap it for a squeaky duck, rope toy, or stuffed…
Why Dogs Run Away — And What To Do If Yours Does
October 1, 2026
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…
Do Dogs Get Lonely? The Difference Between Missing You And Actually Struggling
October 1, 2026
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 Your Dog Treats the Space Between Your Legs Like A VIP Lounge
October 1, 2026
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…
Your Dogs Used To Get Along. So, Why Don’t They Now?
October 1, 2026
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
October 1, 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…
Why Do Dogs Nuzzle You? (What That Little Nose Nudge Really Means)
October 1, 2026
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…
Your Dog Is Afraid Of… A Trash Bag? 14 Surprisingly Common Dog Fears
October 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…
Why Does My Dog Sleep Pressed Against Me? The Answer Is Too Sweet
October 1, 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…
Adopting Two Puppies Together Sounds Perfect. Here’s The Part No One Talks About.
October 1, 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…
Why Do Dogs Cover Their Face? The Truth Behind The “Dog Facepalm”
October 1, 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…
What Does Your Dog’s Favorite Toy Say About Their Personality?
October 1, 2026
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,…
Resource Guarding In Dogs: Why It Happens & How To Handle It Safely
October 1, 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,…
Does Your Dog Act Like They’re In Charge? Here’s What’s Really Going On
October 1, 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…
When Your Dog Ignores You: What’s Really Going On
October 1, 2026
When Your Dog Ignores You: What’s Really Going On
If your dog listens sometimes and tunes you out other times, it’s easy to wonder what changed. In most cases,…