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.
4 Best Dog Training Clickers (We Tested 11 So You Don’t Have To!)
4 hours 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
7 hours 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…
How Do Dogs Communicate With Each Other? The Hidden Language You’ve Been Missing
7 hours 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,…
Why Is My Dog Restless At Night? 10 Reasons They Won’t Settle
5 days 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…
More Snoozing, Less Zooming: What’s Up With Your Dog?
5 days ago
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?”
5 days ago
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
5 days ago
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
5 days ago
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
5 days ago
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?
5 days ago
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.
5 days ago
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?
5 days ago
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
5 days ago
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
5 days ago
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
5 days ago
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
5 days ago
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.
5 days ago
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…
Why Does My Dog Bring Me Random Things? What They’re Really Trying To Say
5 days ago
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?
5 days ago
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 You Trust An Invisible Fence For Your Dog?
5 days ago
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…
Would Your Dog Actually Stay? What Dog Owners Often Overlook About Unfenced Yards
5 days ago
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?
5 days ago
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
5 days ago
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
5 days ago
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
5 days ago
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 Does My Dog Press Against Me? The Meaning Behind “The Lean”
5 days ago
Why Does My Dog Press Against Me? The Meaning Behind “The Lean”
You’re standing in the kitchen when your dog walks over, presses their whole body against your leg, and just… stays…
Why Dogs Run Away — And What To Do If Yours Does
5 days 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…
Do Dogs Get Lonely? The Difference Between Missing You And Actually Struggling
5 days 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 Your Dog Treats the Space Between Your Legs Like A VIP Lounge
5 days 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…
Your Dogs Used To Get Along. So, Why Don’t They Now?
5 days 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
5 days ago
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)
5 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…
Your Dog Is Afraid Of… A Trash Bag? 14 Surprisingly Common Dog Fears
5 days ago
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
5 days ago
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.
5 days ago
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”
5 days ago
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?
5 days 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,…
Resource Guarding In Dogs: Why It Happens & How To Handle It Safely
5 days ago
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
5 days ago
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
5 days ago
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,…
12 Signs Your Dog Has Chosen You As Their Person
5 days ago
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…
Why Your Dog Thinks They’re The Only One Allowed To Touch You
5 days ago
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 Like Sticking Their Heads Out The Car Window?
5 days ago
Why Do Dogs Like Sticking Their Heads Out The Car Window?
Ah, the open road — sun shining, tunes bumping, and that unmistakable image of pure canine joy: a dog’s head…
Why Do Corgis Sploot? The Science (And Sass) Behind That Adorable Pose
5 days ago
Why Do Corgis Sploot? The Science (And Sass) Behind That Adorable Pose
You’ve seen it — that unmistakable pose where your Corgi drops flat on the floor, back legs stretched behind them…
Why Does My Dog Stare At Me? 8 Reasons Explained
5 days ago
Why Does My Dog Stare At Me? 8 Reasons Explained
If your dog seems to stare at you all the time, you’re probably wondering what that look means. Most dog…
6 Reasons Your Dog Barks At Other Dogs (And How To Help)
5 days ago
6 Reasons Your Dog Barks 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.…
Wait… Why Is My Dog Licking Another Dog’s Ear?
5 days ago
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…
Why Is My Dog Obsessed With Licking Other Dogs’ Mouths?
5 days ago
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 Sniff? What Your Pup’s Nose Knows That You Don’t
5 days ago
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 Eat Other Dogs’ Poop? Facts, Dangers & Fixes
5 days ago
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…