
Is your dog’s reactivity a symptom of pain?
Explicit content warning
10/17/23 • 35 min
What if you could master the art of understanding your dog's behavior, especially when they are in pain? We've got you covered in our enlightening conversation about a fascinating study conducted in 2020, which explores the relationship between pain and reactivity in our four-legged companions. We delve into the critical understanding of how aversive tools like prong collars, choke chains, and shock collars can lead to unnecessary discomfort and enhanced reactivity in dogs. Let's also demystify the common mistake of labeling reactivity as the main issue even before ruling out medical causes.
We can never underestimate the power of a dog's environment on their behavior. Imagine your fur friend developing negative associations because they experienced pain in the past. This episode allows us to take a journey through the dog's perspective and understand how we can help them overcome their past traumas. We share intriguing case studies of dogs manifesting different behaviors due to underlying pain or discomfort. This discussion will surely prompt you to be more observant of minor changes in your dog's behavior.
Finally, we underscore the importance of medical considerations when it comes to evaluating dogs' behaviors. It's crucial that we get our dogs thoroughly checked by a vet before concluding that behavioral issues are the main cause of their actions. As part of our commitment to your dog's well-being, we provide information on how you can avail a free 15-minute consultation if your dog is showing signs of pain or reactivity. This episode is all about ensuring your canine companion's comfort and well-being while helping you make informed decisions. So, tune in and let's work together to improve the lives of our cherished pets.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of The Podcast for Dog People. If you found value in today's content, please consider subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform to stay updated with future episodes.
Connect with Us:
- Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes, announcements, and more.
- Like us on Facebook.
- Watch us on YouTube.
- Follow us on Twitte / X and Threads!
- Visit our website at PawsomeUniversity.com.
- Have a question or topic suggestion for future episodes? Ask The Trainer or reach out to us on Threads @PawsomeUniversity
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Recommended Pet Products
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Advanced Pet First Aid & CPR Online Course by Pawsome University
© 2023 Pawsome University, LLC
What if you could master the art of understanding your dog's behavior, especially when they are in pain? We've got you covered in our enlightening conversation about a fascinating study conducted in 2020, which explores the relationship between pain and reactivity in our four-legged companions. We delve into the critical understanding of how aversive tools like prong collars, choke chains, and shock collars can lead to unnecessary discomfort and enhanced reactivity in dogs. Let's also demystify the common mistake of labeling reactivity as the main issue even before ruling out medical causes.
We can never underestimate the power of a dog's environment on their behavior. Imagine your fur friend developing negative associations because they experienced pain in the past. This episode allows us to take a journey through the dog's perspective and understand how we can help them overcome their past traumas. We share intriguing case studies of dogs manifesting different behaviors due to underlying pain or discomfort. This discussion will surely prompt you to be more observant of minor changes in your dog's behavior.
Finally, we underscore the importance of medical considerations when it comes to evaluating dogs' behaviors. It's crucial that we get our dogs thoroughly checked by a vet before concluding that behavioral issues are the main cause of their actions. As part of our commitment to your dog's well-being, we provide information on how you can avail a free 15-minute consultation if your dog is showing signs of pain or reactivity. This episode is all about ensuring your canine companion's comfort and well-being while helping you make informed decisions. So, tune in and let's work together to improve the lives of our cherished pets.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of The Podcast for Dog People. If you found value in today's content, please consider subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform to stay updated with future episodes.
Connect with Us:
- Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes, announcements, and more.
- Like us on Facebook.
- Watch us on YouTube.
- Follow us on Twitte / X and Threads!
- Visit our website at PawsomeUniversity.com.
- Have a question or topic suggestion for future episodes? Ask The Trainer or reach out to us on Threads @PawsomeUniversity
Additional Links:
Recommended Pet Products
Buy Me A Coffee - Support The Show!
Advanced Pet First Aid & CPR Online Course by Pawsome University
© 2023 Pawsome University, LLC
Previous Episode

So your dog bit you.. now what?
Ever wondered how to responsibly address the tough question of dog bites, or even how to prevent them? Look no further. We've embarked on this riveting journey to understand our canine companions better, particularly in terms of their behavior and the warning signs they show us. We discuss the Ian Dunbar scale for assessing the severity of bites, and even puppy bites that involve skin contact by teeth but no skin puncture. Get ready for a refreshing perspective on how mutual respect and love between humans and dogs are key to navigating this issue.
We challenge the conventional wisdom of aversive training methods as we dwell on the negative impacts, including aggressive and reactive behaviors that they can often lead to. Instead, we promote a more empathetic approach, emphasizing the importance of considering any medical conditions or past trauma that could trigger a bite. We also promise you, it's never too late to rectify a mistake, and it's crucial to give our furry friends the best possible quality of life.
Lastly, we debunk some misconceptions about medicating dogs with chemical imbalances, comparing the situation to similar cases in humans. We stress that recognizing signs of distress in our dogs and seeking appropriate medical help is not an exception but a rule. We also mention valuable resources that could help manage and prevent dog bites, such as the book "Dog Bites: A Multidisciplinary Perspective" by Daniel S Mills and Kerry Westgarth. Join us on this insightful and enlightening journey as we learn to improve our relationships with our dogs and ensure their well-being.
DO DOGS UNDERSTAND POINTING CUES? HOW GAZE AFFECTS CHOICES
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Dog Bites: A Multidisciplinary Perspective 1st Edition
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Advanced Pet First Aid by Pawsome University
We hope you enjoyed this episode of The Podcast for Dog People. If you found value in today's content, please consider subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform to stay updated with future episodes.
Connect with Us:
- Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes, announcements, and more.
- Like us on Facebook.
- Watch us on YouTube.
- Follow us on Twitte / X and Threads!
- Visit our website at PawsomeUniversity.com.
- Have a question or topic suggestion for future episodes? Ask The Trainer or reach out to us on Threads @PawsomeUniversity
Additional Links:
Recommended Pet Products
Buy Me A Coffee - Support The Show!
Advanced Pet First Aid & CPR Online Course by Pawsome University
© 2023 Pawsome University, LLC
Next Episode

Understanding Epigenetics: Can your dog's past trauma cause anxiety?
What if we told you that your dog's bad behavior might not entirely be their fault? Or that the trauma they experienced as a puppy could be causing their anxiety? Get ready to rethink your understanding of dog behavior as we journey into the fascinating world of epigenetics. We tap into the complex science that shapes your dog's DNA sequence, shedding light on how factors such as diet, upbringing, and hormone levels can influence their behavior. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a better grasp on the interplay of genetics and environment in determining your dog’s conduct.
Drawing from compelling case studies like that of Bob, the 18-month-old German shepherd, we make a case for how bad breeding and traumatic experiences can severely impact a dog's behavior. We also delve into the heart-wrenching story of Sadie, the only dog recommended for behavioral euthanasia in our years of experience. Through these stories, you'll come to see that improving your dog's home life isn't a simple task, and that early life experiences play a significant role in shaping your dog's behavior.
Lastly, we don’t just leave you with the problems, but also provide some solutions. We discuss the importance and selection of mentally stimulating outdoor activities for your dogs. Because, as we'll see, it's not just about keeping your dog physically active, it's about engaging their mind too. So strap yourself in for a riveting journey through the world of epigenetics, and walk away with valuable insights to help you better understand and manage your dog's behavior.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of The Podcast for Dog People. If you found value in today's content, please consider subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform to stay updated with future episodes.
Connect with Us:
- Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes, announcements, and more.
- Like us on Facebook.
- Watch us on YouTube.
- Follow us on Twitte / X and Threads!
- Visit our website at PawsomeUniversity.com.
- Have a question or topic suggestion for future episodes? Ask The Trainer or reach out to us on Threads @PawsomeUniversity
Additional Links:
Recommended Pet Products
Buy Me A Coffee - Support The Show!
Advanced Pet First Aid & CPR Online Course by Pawsome University
© 2023 Pawsome University, LLC
The Podcast for Dog People by Pawsome University - Is your dog’s reactivity a symptom of pain?
Transcript
Everybody welcome to a podcast for dog people . I'm John and I'm Jamie and we are your personal dog experts . We're here to help you better understand your dogs in the wide spectrum of behaviors they exhibit , so join us on this journey to learn everything dog .
Speaker 1Welcome to another episode of the podcast for dog people by Paulson Univer
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