Is My Dog being Stubborn, or is he in Pain?

You’re on a walk, and your dog growls when another dog passes. Or maybe they refuse to move when you put the leash on. Or they snap at a family member when touched. You start thinking: “Why is he being so weird lately?”

But here’s a question you need to consider first:
What if your dog isn’t being difficult… what if he’s sore instead?

When “Bad Behavior” Might Actually Be a Sign of Pain

Pain in dogs, doesn’t always look like pain, in fact, it often looks like a behavior problem.

Reactive on walks. Growling at touch. Snapping during grooming. Barking more than usual. Avoiding affection or training. These aren’t always disobedience or defiance. They’re often signs of discomfort that’s going unrecognized.

And it’s more common than you think.

📊 According to Canine Arthritis Management (CAM), up to 35% of dogs at 1 yrs of age are believed to suffer from osteoarthritis and that number only goes up as they age. It’s not just a senior dog problem. Many cases go undiagnosed, especially in younger dogs, because the signs are subtle or mistaken for laziness, moodiness, or poor training.

Add to that the fact that our dogs are masters at powering through it. Dog’s don’t display visible signs of pain (like wincing, whining, or flinching) unless its really gotten bad. For the most part, Bella will likely still play fetch, go up and down stairs, run like the wind and jump on and off the couch like its NBD.

Her early signals will show up in other everyday situations.

Why Pain Shows Up as “Bad Behavior”

Let’s use a human example.

You know how when your lower back is killing you, your patience for noise, conversation, or interruptions tanks? Or when you’ve pulled a muscle, you’re more irritable, snappy, or just want to be left alone?

It’s not because you’ve become a bad, antisocial person.
It’s because pain burns energy and reduces your window of tolerance.

Now think of your dog—who can’t say, “Hey, my hips are sore,” and imagine how that discomfort shows up instead as:

Growling when touched or lifted
Barking or lunging at other dogs
Refusing to walk or jump into the car
Avoiding play, training, or social interaction
Seeming more irritable or “on edge” for no reason

These aren’t random behaviors, they’re coping strategies.

And your dog isn’t faking it. Studies consistently show that dogs with undiagnosed pain often show up in behavior consults, and once treated for pain, many of the behavior issues fade without extensive training.

How Common Is Pain Behind Behavior Issues in Dogs?

In veterinary behavior clinics, it’s estimated that 30%–80% of dogs with behavior issues have a pain-related medical issue contributing to the problem. That’s not a small number, it’s a flashing neon sign that pain and behavior are deeply connected.

And yet, most guardians (and many vets and trainers) still miss it because the dog isn’t limping, yelping, or otherwise making it obvious.

How to Tell If Your Dog’s Behavior Is Be Pain-Related

Dogs are incredibly good at masking pain. But there will be changes in their behavior that will indicate something is off:

Physical Signs

Slower to rise or lie down
Hesitation on stairs or into the car
Avoiding play or running
Tension or stiffness in movement
Sleeping more or hiding
Growling when touched or moved
Excessive licking or coat changes in a specific area

Emotional changes:

More irritable, anxious, or withdrawn
Lower threshold for stress
Overreacting to minor triggers, or excessive barking
Shutting down socially (with humans and/or dogs)
Sudden sensitivity or reactivity
Mood changes that seem “out of the blue”

If your dog’s behavior is changing and training isn’t helping, pain should always be ruled out first.

One of the clearest windows into what your dog is feeling is their body language in the moments before they react. The free Dog Body Language Guide walks through exactly what dogs show before they escalate, which is especially useful when you’re trying to figure out whether what you’re seeing is pain, fear, or something else entirely.

What to Do If You Suspect Pain Is the Root Cause

Track the behavior – When it happens, what sets it off, what seems to help
Speak to your vet – Ask them to explore medical causes
Request pain-specific testing – Orthopedic exam, bloods, imaging, etc
Loop in a behavior specialist – Especially if the behavior persists post-treatment
Stay open to meds, supplements, physical therapy, or rest – whatever helps your dog move and feel better

Frequently Asked Questions About Pain and Dog Behavior

My vet said my dog is healthy but the behavior problems are still there. What now?

A general health check and a pain assessment are not the same thing. If your vet hasn’t specifically examined for orthopedic or gut issues, done imaging, or assessed for chronic low-grade pain, it’s worth going back and asking for that specifically. Pain can be present and significant without showing up in a standard wellness exam. If your vet has ruled out pain thoroughly and behavior problems persist, that’s when a qualified behavior professional should be the next step.

How do I ask my vet to check for pain specifically? They keep saying my dog is fine.

Be specific rather than general. Rather than “I think he might be in pain,” come in with observations: “He growls when I touch his right hip,” “He’s been slower to get up in the mornings,” “He snapped at my friend when she tried to pick him up and he’s never done that before.” Concrete behavioral changes give your vet something to investigate. You can also ask specifically for an orthopedic assessment or a referral to a veterinary specialist if you feel the standard exam isn’t getting to the bottom of it. You know your dog’s baseline better than anyone.

Yes, younger dogs can absolutely have pain-related behavior issues. Developmental orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and panosteitis (a painful bone condition common in large-breed adolescent dogs) can all cause significant discomfort well before a dog reaches middle age. The CAM statistic cited above: up to 35% of dogs at one year of age showing signs of osteoarthritis makes this point clearly. Age is not a reliable indicator of whether pain is in the picture.

If you’re trying to figure out what’s really behind your dog’s behavior and want to work with someone who looks at the full picture before jumping to training, learn more about how I approach behavior cases and what working together looks like here.

Final Word: You’re Not Overreacting

Your dog isn’t stubborn. And they’re definitely not defiant.

If they’re acting differently, something has changed and it’s your job to find out what.

Behavior and pain go hand in hand. You can’t separate them. And in a place like Singapore, where dogs navigate tight corridors, hard floors, hot pavements, and constant stimulation — undiagnosed pain will absolutely make everything harder.

So if your dog is struggling, don’t start with correction. Start with compassion and get curious. Ask better questions and be the one who listens deeper.

That’s how you’ll be able to help make them feel better and behave better.

A stronger than ever, joyous relationship with your best bud is within reach

I specialize in turning challenging dog behaviors into opportunities for growth and bonding. My personalized virtual training focuses on modern, science-based, holistic, positive reinforcement methods designed to get to the root of the problem by fostering clear communication and effective training.