"Behavior and behavior changes are often the first and the most common signs of pain in dogs.

In a study looking at dogs presenting for behavior problems, 28-82% were found to have an underlying pain component. That's anywhere from almost a third to the vast majority. Let that sink in.

Countless dogs are living with chronic conditions, including osteoarthritis. 80% of dogs over the age of 8 and up to 30% of dogs of all ages have it. 40% of all dogs are living with chronic pain.

And yet we treat behavior simply as a thing to fix rather than understand.

Even though discomfort can manifest in a wide array of behaviors, including what we label as aggression, reactivity, or fearfulness, sound sensitivity, resource guarding, jumping and mouthing, pulling on leash, etc., I still often hear "this can't be pain related.”

How do we know?

To know, we must be intentional in assessing the whole dog. We must look at the totality of their behavior, wellness, posture, gait, and physical appearance. This is all invaluable data.

Nothing changed my work as a professional as profoundly as learning how to spot signs of discomfort and address health needs while improving and supporting behavioral health."

In her ClickerExpo LIVE session, Jenny Efimova will help you make that same shift—showing you how pain impacts behavior, how to deepen your observations to recognize it, and how to use practical tools to support and advocate for your clients without stepping outside your scope of practice.