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As a behaviour consultant, one of the most important things I’ve learned is that behaviour doesn’t exist in a vacuum. When a dog is struggling, whether it’s reactivity, aggression, anxiety, fear or any sudden change in behaviour, one of my first priorities is to rule out pain.

Pain is one of the most common underlying causes of behaviour change or 'abnormal' or problematic behaviours, and it is also one of the most commonly missed. A dog who growls when touched, becomes avoidant on walks, is scared of sudden noises, starts guarding spaces, is hyperactive and unable to settle or suddenly reacts to other dogs is not being disobedient or stubborn; they could very well be in pain. And dogs are incredibly skilled at masking discomfort until it becomes overwhelming.

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That’s why alongside training, I always recommend a comprehensive physical check-up. But not just any check-up; a full gait and posture assessment, ideally carried out by a pain specialist vet or a general practice vet with a special interest in chronic pain, mobility, and behaviour.

Standard vet checks are often short, rushed, and may not reveal subtle signs of musculoskeletal or neurological pain. Unfortunately, the clinical setting can also mask symptoms, as stress can cause dogs to freeze or suppress certain behaviours. That’s why collaborative working between behaviourist/behaviour consultant and vet is so important. I may notice gait abnormalities or postural shifts during my sessions that can help the vet piece together a more complete clinical picture.

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We also know that behavioural changes are one of the most reliable indicators of pain. These changes might include a dog becoming more distant, clingy, reactive, noise sensitive, or uncharacteristically snappy. They may no longer want to play or jump into the car. They might begin licking at joints or shifting their weight while standing. These are not just quirks: they’re red flags.

Sometimes, pain presents in very confusing ways: inconsistent behaviour patterns (no obvious reason), extreme responses to minor triggers (extreme fear at a noise), or behaviours that don’t generalise across contexts (sometimes they are reactive, sometimes not). In these cases, the issue may be discomfort driving emotional dysregulation.

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I understand that vet visits can be stressful for both dog and guardian. That’s why I often recommend videoing behaviour at home and, where appropriate, discussing with the vet in advance. I frequently work collaboratively with veterinary surgeons to share insights from my assessments.

Ultimately, my job isn’t to label a dog, it’s to help them feel safe and well. If we want lasting behavioural change, we must address all contributing factors. Pain, whether physical or emotional, can’t be separated from behaviour. By taking a thorough, holistic approach, we give each dog the best possible chance at a happier life.

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If you’re seeing sudden or unexplained changes in your dog’s behaviour, or they have always shown unexplained fear or anxiety, don’t wait. Get in touch today to book a consultation and let’s make sure pain isn’t standing in the way of progress.