Canine Corner

Animal Behavior

Why Do Dogs Need a Tail?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on January 30, 2026

While a dog’s tail originally evolved to aid in balance and movement, it is also a vital channel of communication, signaling their emotional state.

While a dog’s tail originally evolved to aid in balance and movement, it is also a vital channel of communication, signaling their emotional state.

Microbiome

Dogs Boost Teens' Mental Health Through Shared Microbes

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on December 27, 2025

Microbes in dog owning teens differ from non-dog owners.

Microbes in dog owning teens differ from non-dog owners.

Animal Behavior

Vaccine Hesitancy Now Affects Dogs, Putting Humans at Risk

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on November 25, 2025

The idea that vaccines cause autism or immune-related diseases has caused many dog owners to become vaccine-hesitant. This puts the lives of both dogs and people at risk.

The idea that vaccines cause autism or immune-related diseases has caused many dog owners to become vaccine-hesitant. This puts the lives of both dogs and people at risk.

Hormones

Early Spaying or Neutering Often Leads to Frail Older Dogs

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on October 28, 2025

The younger a dog is when it is spayed or neutered, the more likely it is to develop negative health conditions later in life.

The younger a dog is when it is spayed or neutered, the more likely it is to develop negative health conditions later in life.

Stress

Why Stressed Puppies Can Become Fearful or Aggressive Adult Dogs

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on October 16, 2025

For fearless and friendly dogs, shield your puppies.

For fearless and friendly dogs, shield your puppies.

Animal Behavior

Yes, Dogs Can Recognize Sounds Meaning Yes or No

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on September 3, 2025

Humans spontaneously produce sounds that dogs interpret as yes and no, which can be used to guide dog behavior.

Humans spontaneously produce sounds that dogs interpret as yes and no, which can be used to guide dog behavior.

Animal Behavior

What Kind of TV Programs Do Dogs Like Best?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on July 22, 2025

Roughly one out of every two dogs watches TV at least for short periods of time. New data shows that they have strong preferences for what they choose to see and hear.

Roughly one out of every two dogs watches TV at least for short periods of time. New data shows that they have strong preferences for what they choose to see and hear.

Mindfulness

Why Paying Attention to Your Dog Is So Good for You

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on July 15, 2025

More mindful attention should benefit you and your pet.

More mindful attention should benefit you and your pet.

Workplace Dynamics

A Photo of Your Dog My Be Enough to Keep You Calm

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on June 19, 2025

A photo of a pet dog, but not a pet cat, produces benefits.

A photo of a pet dog, but not a pet cat, produces benefits.

Animal Behavior

How Soon Can Your Dog Tell if a Family Member Is Pregnant?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on June 11, 2025

Greater affection and protective behavior starts early on.

Greater affection and protective behavior starts early on.

Friends

Are Our Dogs Friends or Family?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on May 28, 2025

Owners rate their connections above any human relationships.

Owners rate their connections above any human relationships.

Animal Behavior

What's Your Dog's Favorite Color?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on April 30, 2025

There's a strong argument against red dog toys.

There's a strong argument against red dog toys.

Animal Behavior

Does Just Having a Dog Around Ease Our Pain?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on March 26, 2025

If dogs ease pain more than people, therapies may change.

If dogs ease pain more than people, therapies may change.

Animal Behavior

Why Do Most Humans Have Positive Feelings for Dogs?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on March 5, 2025

A massive study of fraternal and identical twins has surprisingly concluded that much of our emotional response toward dogs is genetic.

A massive study of fraternal and identical twins has surprisingly concluded that much of our emotional response toward dogs is genetic.

Animal Behavior

Do Dogs Smile?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on February 5, 2025

Modern science confirms ancient conclusions.

Modern science confirms ancient conclusions.

Therapy

Do Therapy Dogs Actually Like Their Jobs?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on January 8, 2025

Behavioral observations and hormone tracking find the same thing.

Behavioral observations and hormone tracking find the same thing.

Smoking

Is a Smoker in Your House Killing Your Dog?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on December 4, 2024

Simply sharing an environment with a smoker places dogs at higher risk of contracting respiratory problems and a lethal form of bladder cancer.

Simply sharing an environment with a smoker places dogs at higher risk of contracting respiratory problems and a lethal form of bladder cancer.

Animal Behavior

What Dogs Do When Family Members Argue

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on November 13, 2024

The older the dog, the more affected they are, though few run away.

The older the dog, the more affected they are, though few run away.

Animal Behavior

Do Puppy Classes Have a Lasting Effect on Dog Behavior?

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on October 17, 2024

Enrolling a puppy in a puppy class before the age of 6 months reduces the likelihood of adult behavior problems such as aggression and destructive behavior.

Enrolling a puppy in a puppy class before the age of 6 months reduces the likelihood of adult behavior problems such as aggression and destructive behavior.

Oxytocin

Why Playing With Dogs Is So Good for Kids

Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC on October 3, 2024

Playing with kids give dogs a proven positivity boost as well.

Playing with kids give dogs a proven positivity boost as well.