Hi there. My name is Pat Grechi, and I’m a Dog Behaviourist, Dynamic Dog practitioner trained in gait and posture and Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer CSAT. We are here to talk about long-term behavioural transformations that focus on your dog’s well-being. Today, we’re going to discuss pain and why it is such an undiagnosed issue. Many people tell me, “My dog is fine,” only for us to later discover numerous underlying problems.
Let’s start with the basics. The most obvious challenge is that our dogs don’t communicate in words. They can’t say, “Hey, my ankle hurts today—can we walk a little slower?” Because of this, recognizing pain in dogs can be complicated. If we don’t know how to read their subtle signals, we miss their attempts at communication. Many people assume that a dog in pain will limp, slow down, or refuse to walk. These are obvious and recognisable signs, but I completely disagree that they are the most common indicators of pain.
In my experience, the most telling signs of pain are often subtle. For example, a dog licking its paw could be a sign of discomfort. To illustrate, I personally have a chronic pain issue affecting my hip, knee, and back. I have experienced this since I was a teenager, but I only fully acknowledged it recently. Even though I can verbally express discomfort, many people around me—friends, family, and colleagues—are unaware of my pain because my behavioral adaptations are subtle. I might change my footwear on days when the pain is worse, or I stretch more frequently to relieve discomfort. Despite being active and capable of running, exercising, and lifting weights, I still experience pain daily.
This same complexity applies to dogs. It’s not a black-and-white situation where pain is always obvious. Dogs communicate their discomfort in unexpected ways. Some become hyperactive, constantly moving to keep their bodies warm and reduce pain. Others display aggression, avoiding touch or growling when approached. Some dogs become grumpy, barking more frequently, while others show clinginess, refusing to be left alone or becoming lethargic.
One common factor among dogs in pain is a change in their gait. Many people assume that if a dog is in pain, it will have a pronounced limp. However, what we typically observe is a change in walking pace—sometimes faster, sometimes slower—or subtle changes in how they move their legs. These nuances often go unnoticed, which is why thorough behavioral investigations are crucial.
When treating behavioral problems, research shows that pain or discomfort is present in 80% to 100% of cases. Discomfort is not limited to joint pain but includes any physical unease. Dogs often adapt to their pain, changing how they play or interact. For example, a dog that previously loved fetch may begin growling when asked to return the ball. This shift in behavior could be due to pain rather than disobedience. Pain can also contribute to aggression, separation anxiety, fear of noises, and other behavioral concerns.
Speaking of noise sensitivity, studies indicate that 60% to 80% of dogs with noise anxiety also experience pain. Unfortunately, when owners seek veterinary help for behavior issues, vets may not always recognize the underlying pain. A dog in a clinic setting may tense up, making it difficult to assess discomfort. Vets may manipulate the dog’s legs without eliciting any visible reaction, leading them to rule out pain incorrectly. However, trained behaviorists can detect subtle indicators that vets might overlook. While I cannot diagnose pain myself, I can identify behavioral patterns that suggest pain and provide strong evidence for a vet’s evaluation.
This is why pain assessment is so critical when addressing behavioral issues. In 99% of cases I handle, pain or discomfort is a contributing factor, exacerbating aggression, anxiety, or fear. If your dog’s training progress seems inconsistent or stagnant, pain could be a hidden factor that needs investigation.
For the past eight years, I have specialized in recognizing these subtle behavioral shifts and helping owners identify potential pain-related issues. Many people believe that if their dog is playful, active, and social, it cannot be in pain. However, I have worked with dogs in severe discomfort who still run, play fetch, and interact happily. The key is recognizing more subtle signs, such as alterations in gait. For example, a dog’s natural walking rhythm is a four-tempo gait, but some dogs compensate by moving in a two-tempo gait. Another telltale sign is a lowered head position, indicating that the dog is offloading weight from its back legs.
To support veterinary assessments, I collect extensive video footage, photos, and detailed reports highlighting specific movement patterns. This documentation provides clear visual evidence for vets, helping them diagnose potential pain sources. By working together, behaviorists and vets can offer a more comprehensive approach to addressing both pain and related behavior problems.
I hope this information has been helpful. If your dog has ever limped, shown behavioral changes, or displayed signs of discomfort, I encourage you to explore further evaluation. You can visit our website to book a discovery call or schedule a session directly. Our services range from £199 to £395 per month, covering pain investigations and behavior assessments. If you need assistance, I would be more than happy to help you understand what might be affecting your dog’s well-being.
Speak to you soon. Bye-bye!
