They do not appear to be territorial, as home ranges often overlap. Within their territories, they establish latrines, which are used regularly. They are very conspicuous, and are thought to be used as a territorial marker. Unlike other canids, the raccoon dog cannot bark, but they can make other noises, so their presence is not often known. An unusual aspect of their communication is that they do not bark.
Raccoon dogs tend to live in pairs.
Mating season commences when they emerge from their burrow, with the female being receptive for 6 days. When mating occurs, the tie is very short, only about 6 minutes, short for a canid. The male helps by providing food, for his mate first, then for the cubs as well when they begin to eat solid food. The cubs are weaned after 50 days. In some areas, several pairs have dens in close proximity to one another, but do not seem to establish any sort of territorial boundaries.