Behaviour and Pain in Dogs: When to Call a Trainer and When to See the Vet
Changes in a dog’s behaviour are often the first sign that something isn’t right. While behaviour issues are commonly linked to training, environment, or learning history, it’s crucial to remember that behaviour and physical health are deeply connected.
Frequently, what looks like a “behaviour problem” may actually be a sign of pain, discomfort, or underlying illness. Knowing when to seek help from a dog trainer, or behaviour professional, and when to involve your vet, is essential for your dog’s welfare and long-term wellbeing.
Sudden Behaviour Changes: A Red Flag Not to Ignore
One of the biggest indicators that a dog may be unwell or in pain is a sudden change in behaviour.
This might look like:
Increased anxiety, clinginess, or withdrawal
Reluctance to move, jump, play, or go for walks
Changes in sleep, appetite, or toileting habits
New fear responses to handling, grooming, or touch
Sudden reactivity to dogs, people, or noises
Growling, snapping, or biting when previously tolerant
A rapid onset of these behaviours, or a sudden worsening, or reoccurrence of an existing issue, should always prompt a veterinary check. Dogs are incredibly good at masking pain, and behavioural changes are often the only outward sign we see.
Make sure to make your vet aware of changes in behaviour, and any corresponding physical symptoms you might have picked up on.
Pain and Behaviour: What’s the Connection?
Pain affects behaviour because it changes how a dog feels, moves, and copes with the world around them. Chronic or acute pain can lower a dog’s tolerance, increase stress, and reduce their ability to regulate emotions.
Common medical contributors to behaviour change include:
Musculoskeletal pain (arthritis, soft tissue injury)
Dental disease
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Ear infections
Skin conditions
Hormonal or neurological issues
If a dog is hurting, asking them to “behave better” without addressing the pain is unfair, and usually ineffective.
When Should You See the Vet?
You should always consult your vet first, especially if:
The behaviour change is sudden or unexplained
The behaviour is escalating quickly
There are signs of pain, stiffness, limping, or sensitivity to touch
Your dog’s eating, drinking, or toileting habits have changed
The behaviour appeared after an injury, illness, starting a medication/treatment, or surgery
A thorough veterinary examination can help rule out (or confirm) medical causes, and ensures your dog isn’t being asked to cope with training while in discomfort.
When Is It Appropriate to Work With a Trainer or behavioural professional?
Once pain or medical issues have been ruled out, or are being appropriately addressed, a qualified trainer or behaviour professional can help with:
Management to prevent problems from worsening while investigations/treatment takes place
Training and behaviour modification of behavioural issues
Behaviour linked to learning history or environment
Supporting dogs, and owners, during recovery from injury or illness
Adjusting training plans to accommodate physical limitations
Remember trainers: do not diagnose or treat medical issues, but they should always be willing to pause training and recommend veterinary input if something doesn’t feel right.
Why Collaboration Matters
The best outcomes happen when vets and behaviour professionals work together. Behaviour change is rarely just one thing — it’s often a combination of physical health, emotional state, environment, and experiences:
Ignoring signs of potential pain or disease can lead to:
Worsening of physical health
Worsening of behaviour issues
Increased stress and frustration
Reduced quality of life
Lack of progress on training or behavioural issues
Breakdown of relationships between dog and owner
Addressing both health and behaviour ensures we’re supporting the dog as a whole, not just managing symptoms.
Trust Your Instincts
If you find yourself thinking, “This doesn’t feel like my dog”, trust that feeling. You know your dog best, and changes in behaviour are meaningful.
When in doubt:
Vet first for sudden or unexplained changes
Trainer for behaviour support once pain has been addressed
Your dog isn’t being “difficult” — they’re communicating the only way they know how.