Pain VS Behaviour
Pain is Not Always Linear, But Behaviour Is Nearly Always Predictable
In the world of canine behaviour, the question of whether a dog's actions stem from pain or from anxiety is one that often challenges both professionals and pet owners alike. While pain is not always a straightforward or linear experience, behaviour almost always follows patterns. And within those patterns lies the key to understanding the root cause of problematic behaviours.
To the untrained eye, many behaviour problems look the same on the surface. A dog growling when approached in bed. A dog snapping during grooming. A dog who refuses to walk past certain areas or hesitates at doorways. These are all red flags that point to some form of discomfort — but what kind?
The distinction between pain-based and anxiety-based behaviours doesn’t always lie in the behaviour itself, but in the context, consistency, and pattern surrounding it. That’s where predictability becomes our most powerful tool.
Pain Is Not Linear
Pain fluctuates. A dog might be completely comfortable in the morning but show signs of irritability by evening. They may tolerate touch one day and growl the next. Some dogs will play or eat normally, masking discomfort until a very specific trigger reveals it: lifting into a car, going up stairs, a sudden movement, or even lying down for too long.
This inconsistency makes pain difficult to detect on physical examination alone. It also means a vet might handle a dog who shows no signs of discomfort during a 10-minute check, only for that dog to react at home a few hours later during a routine interaction. Pain doesn’t follow a straight line — it spikes, wanes, or appears only under particular circumstances.
Behaviour Is Predictable
In contrast, behaviour – particularly anxiety-driven behaviour – tends to be reliable in its triggers, duration, and recovery. A dog who guards their food bowl every time someone walks past is behaving in a pattern. A dog who trembles at the vet clinic but nowhere else, or reacts consistently to specific dogs or noises, is showing us a repeatable response. These behaviours are less about the physical state of the body and more about the emotional associations built over time.
Comparing the Same Behaviour: Two Root Causes
Let’s take the example of a dog who growls when being lifted:
Case A: Pain-Driven
The dog only growls when lifted in the evening or after a long walk. They shift uncomfortably in their bed, hesitate on stairs, and stiffen when touched around the lower back. The growling is inconsistent but contextually linked to physical activity or fatigue.
Case B: Anxiety-Driven
The dog growls every time someone reaches toward them, even gently. There is no stiffness, no favouring of limbs, and they move freely during play. Their body language shows signs of anticipation (e.g. lip licking, head turning, whale eye) before the hands approach. This behaviour likely stems from a fear of being restrained, perhaps rooted in a negative early experience.
Same behaviour (growling when lifted), two very different origins. The difference lies in the pattern and context.
Why This Matters
Understanding the difference allows us to intervene appropriately. A pain-based behaviour mislabelled as "aggression" might lead to punishment, making things worse. An anxiety-based behaviour treated as a physical issue might miss the underlying emotional distress. Without asking the right questions and looking for patterns, we risk managing the symptom, not the cause.
What to Do
Always consider pain first, especially with sudden changes in behaviour.
Ask: When does this happen? How often? Under what conditions?
Consider a pain trial if physical discomfort is suspected but not confirmed.
Observe recovery: Pain often flares and fades. Anxiety tends to linger.
Keep a behaviour journal to track triggers and patterns.
In summary, while pain may be unpredictable in its appearance, behaviour is rarely random. Dogs speak with their actions. If we learn to read the patterns, we can listen more clearly to what they’re trying to say — and help them in the way they most need.