We’re proud to work with leading behaviourist Toni Shelbourne, who has over three decades of experience helping dogs and their carers. In this comprehensive guide, Toni explores how hidden pain can often be the root cause of behaviour problems – and what every dog owner should know.
If your dog shows a sudden behavioural change, what’s your first thought? That they’re being difficult? Stubborn? In need of more training? Few owners immediately wonder: “Could they be in pain?”
And yet, this simple question might be the most important one to ask.
Many animal behaviourists – myself included – will recommend a vet check before starting any behavioural programme. Why? Because pain is often the silent driver behind challenging behaviour. In fact, research suggests a significant percentage of so-called “behaviour problems” are actually pain-related.
So let’s explore what that looks like, what to watch for, and why invisible pain may be the key to truly understanding your dog.
Pain and behaviour: the overlooked connection
A 2020 study from the University of Lincoln (Mills et al.) found that between 28% and 82% of canine behaviour cases were either directly caused or exacerbated by pain. That’s a huge number – and it highlights just how often pain goes unnoticed.
Dogs can’t tell us they’re hurting. And unless there’s a visible limp or injury, many people assume their dog is fine. “He runs around, chases his ball, eats his food – how could he be in pain?”
But think about it another way: if you watched ten people walking down the street, and asked them if they had any physical discomfort, eight might say yes. They’d still walk, work, smile – but pain would be part of their daily experience. Why should it be any different for our dogs?
What does pain look like in dogs?
Pain shows up in many forms, and not all of them are obvious. As a behaviourist, I’m trained to spot subtle signs – how a dog bears weight, how they move, how they stand. But owners often notice behavioural shifts too:
- Dislike of grooming or handling
- Avoidance or distress when the harness appears
- Snapping when touched in certain areas
- Hyperactivity (some people can’t sit still when in pain – dogs are the same)
- Withdrawal, increased sleep, or depression
- Stiffness after sleep or exercise
- Excessive stretching
- Sensitivity to noise, including a new or worsening fear of fireworks
- Changes in eating behaviour
- Grumpiness or mouthiness after feeding
- Digestive issues
- A general sense of being “off” or less tolerant
These signs are just a fraction of the clues I see in my daily practice.
Why your behaviourist recommends a vet check
It should be standard practice for any behaviourist to ask their client to get a vet check before diving into a behavioural plan. Why? Because addressing behaviour without first understanding physical wellbeing can be like treating a limp with counselling.
Of course, identifying the source of pain isn’t always easy. Dogs don’t say “my back hurts” – they might growl, snap, freeze, or hide instead. That’s where collaborative investigation comes in.
As both a qualified Behaviourist and Tellington TTouch Instructor, I work closely with vets. I send a detailed letter listing my observations, and I also ask carers to record video clips of their dog in walk, trot, run, standing still, and navigating steps. These videos, along with behavioural notes, provide invaluable clues.
I also recommend clients complete the Canine Arthritis Management Suspicion of Chronic Pain Form, which considers:
- Behaviour changes – such as snapping or avoiding touch
- Posture and physical appearance – e.g. coat texture, stance, or back arching
- Capability – reluctance to jump, eat from a bowl, or perform movements
- Gait – changes in stride length, stiffness, nail wear, or crabbing
Let’s take an example:
A dog with suspected back pain might show:
Behaviour:
- Snapping when touched around the shoulders
- Freezing or panicking when harnessed
- Irritability in the evenings
Posture/Physical:
- Dull or uneven coat over shoulders
- Shortened stride
- Tense neck, warmth over spine
Capability:
- Avoids jumping onto furniture or into the car
- Reluctant to lower head to drink
- Finds transitions (stand to down) difficult
- Has stopped chasing toys
Gait:
- Short, stiff steps
- Scuffing nails on the floor
- Walking with a sideways (crabbing) gait
None of these alone scream “injury” – but together they paint a compelling picture. The more evidence you give your vet, the better they can help. They’re not psychic, and sometimes it takes detective work.
Diagnosis and pain relief trials
Your vet may palpate the spine, manipulate joints, or observe movement. They might suggest x-rays, scans, or blood tests. But these may not always find the source of discomfort.
This is why many progressive vets now recommend a pain relief trial – especially when symptoms are subtle or diffuse. The current best practice is to begin with a 12-week course, tracking changes in:
- Movement and mobility
- Posture
- Behaviour
- General wellbeing
Not all painkillers suit all conditions. If no improvement is seen, a second trial with a different medication may be needed. Being open to this process is crucial – it’s not about masking symptoms, but revealing whether pain is the root cause.
When more investigation is needed
If pain relief doesn’t resolve the issue, or if the vet can’t pinpoint a cause, it may be time to go deeper.
I often suggest a referral to a Veterinary Physiotherapist, McTimoney Chiropractor, or Canine Osteopath. These professionals specialise in musculoskeletal health and can detect subtle misalignments, muscle tension or referred pain that standard exams may miss.
Pain can travel – a problem in the spine may show up in the leg. What looks like stiffness might actually be compensation. These experts can be essential in finally getting to the bottom of it.
Case study: Fern’s invisible pain
Fern came to me with hyperactivity and extreme sensitivity to touch – particularly around her lower back, hindquarters, and tail. She was mouthy, guarded food and objects, and had a bite history.
Initial behavioural work showed promise, but she resisted being touched on her left side and showed distress at the harness. A vet exam revealed nothing conclusive. We began muzzle training to enable further checks.
Eventually, she was prescribed a medication that worked both as a painkiller and mild behavioural aid. Her transformation was immediate – she slept more, relaxed, and progressed in training.
Further investigation with a highly experienced McTimoney Chiropractor revealed a rotated pelvis and muscle tension down her left side. After just a few treatments, Fern’s behaviour improved dramatically. Even her coat changed – the dramatic flicks along her back smoothed down. She was taken off pain relief, and her behavioural programme concluded successfully.
The key lesson? Don’t dismiss discomfort. Pain can be hidden, and every dog expresses it differently.
Three top tips for dog carers
- Behaviour changes = red flag.
If your dog suddenly becomes reactive, distant, or agitated, pain might be the cause. Don’t ignore it. - Don’t hesitate to ask for referrals.
Vets are brilliant generalists – like GPs – but specialists in physio, chiro, or osteopathy may be needed. - Be your dog’s advocate.
Pain and its role in behaviour is still under-recognised. Speak up, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to push for answers or pain relief trials.
Useful Resources
- Learn more about pain and arthritis at www.caninearthritis.co.uk
- Read the full 2020 study: “Pain & Problem Behaviour in Cats and Dogs” by Daniel Mills et al – available on Google Scholar
- Follow veterinary neuroscientist Dr Kathy Murphy (specialist in canine pain) at Barking Brains on Facebook
- Find a qualified TTouch Practitioner at www.ttouchtraining.co.uk
- Look for the UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter kite mark when choosing a behaviourist
Toni Shelbourne has worked with dogs and wild canids for over 30 years.
She is a full member of INTODogs and ICAN, a certified Animal Behaviourist, Tellington TTouch Instructor, Real Dog Yoga Instructor, and author. She lives in Oxfordshire.
For more information visit www.tonishelbourne.co.uk