Understanding the Connection Between Pain and Behavior in Dogs: Q&A
Q: My dog’s behavior is getting worse — could pain really be the cause?
A: Yes — and more often than most people realize. Research shows up to 80% of behavior problems are linked to pain (Dr. Daniel Mills, leading veterinary behaviorist).
The tricky part? Dogs rarely limp or cry until pain is severe (about a 6/10 on a pain scale). Instead, they may show it through behavior changes. That means what looks like “stubbornness” or “bad behavior” could actually be your dog saying, “I hurt.”
Q: What kind of behaviors might actually come from pain?
A: Pain doesn’t always look obvious. It can show up as:
Barking, lunging, or growling at triggers (reactivity)
Struggling to settle or sleep
Snapping, irritability, or being “on edge”
Ignoring cues they normally know
Avoiding play, walks, or stairs they once enjoyed
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many families feel frustrated, confused, or even guilty, wondering why training “isn’t working.” But in many cases, pain is the hidden driver.
Q: Who are you, and how can you help me figure this out?
A: Hi, I’m Brittni Heywood 👋, a Certified Canine Fitness Trainer and Dynamic Dog Practitioner.
I help families with dogs who are reactive, barky-lungy, or struggling with behavior issues that don’t improve with traditional training. Instead of forcing stressful walks or endless obedience drills, I take a whole-dog approach — looking at behavior, movement, lifestyle, and wellbeing.
When we work together, I:
Assess your dog’s movement, posture, and daily routines to spot subtle red flags
Collaborate with your veterinarian if pain might be involved
Create stress-free fitness and enrichment routines you can do at home
Help you and your dog enjoy life together again — without the constant stress of “managing” walks or behavior flare-ups
Q: How do you figure out if pain is behind my dog’s behavior?
A: That’s where a Dynamic Dog consultation comes in. Together, we’ll:
Take a full history of your dog’s daily life and behaviors
Review videos of how your dog moves and interacts at home
Identify potential pain or discomfort that could be fueling their behavior
Work alongside your vet to address those issues
Build a plan tailored to your dog’s physical and emotional needs
It’s not just about stopping a behavior — it’s about helping your dog feel better so they can live better.
Q: What can I do right now if I suspect pain?
A: Trust your instincts. If your dog’s behavior feels “off,” it’s worth looking deeper. Start jotting down what you see: changes in energy, movement, posture, or sleep. These notes can help guide the next step.
And you don’t have to figure it out alone. That’s where I come in.
If you’re tired of feeling stuck, frustrated, or worried about your dog’s behavior, let’s uncover what’s really going on.
Book a call — together, we’ll explore whether pain could be part of the picture and create a plan to help your dog move, feel, and thrive again.
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