Helping Reactive Dogs: When Emotional Arousal Is Linked to Pain

Dog Behavior

Nov 18

Written by Lauren Tsao, MS, CDBC, CPDT-KA

Photo shows dog on leash sitting by owner.

Emotional arousal, often referred to as "reactivity," is a behavioral state where dogs exhibit heightened responses to stimuli. This can manifest as barking, lunging, or trembling and is often mistaken as purely a behavioral issue. However, recent research suggests a significant link between physical health, specifically pain or discomfort, and heightened emotional arousal in dogs.

Today, we’ll explore what emotional arousal is, summarize a groundbreaking study on the connection between joint hypermobility and emotional arousal in dogs, and discuss how understanding these links can help dog owners provide better care. If your dog exhibits signs of emotional arousal, addressing underlying causes, including potential discomfort, can greatly improve your success rate with training.

What Is Emotional Arousal (or Reactivity) in Dogs?

Emotional arousal refers to a dog’s heightened emotional state in response to stimuli. While some degree of arousal is normal, excessive arousal becomes problematic when it interferes with the dog’s ability to calm down or respond appropriately.

Signs of Emotional Arousal in Dogs:

Vocalization: Barking, whining, or howling excessively at stimuli.
Physical Hyperactivity: Lunging, pacing, or trembling.
Hyper-vigilance: Constantly scanning their environment, unable to relax.
Delayed Recovery: Taking longer to calm down after being exposed to a trigger.

Dogs experiencing emotional arousal often struggle with self-regulation, which can affect their training, behavior, and overall quality of life.

The Role of Pain and Discomfort in Reactivity

Pain or discomfort can lower a dog’s threshold for stress, making them more reactive to everyday stimuli. Physical conditions like joint pain or chronic inflammation can exacerbate a dog’s emotional state, leading to an ongoing cycle of heightened arousal.

How Pain Amplifies Reactivity:

Heightened Sensitivity: Pain makes dogs more reactive to touch, movement, or unexpected stimuli.
Reduced Coping Ability: Chronic discomfort reduces a dog’s capacity to handle stress, causing overreactions.
Negative Associations: Dogs may link certain stimuli, such as loud noises or quick movements, with pain, reinforcing their reactive behavior.

For example, a dog with joint discomfort may become reactive during play or social interactions due to physical pain triggered by sudden movements.

Photo shows a dog on walk with their owner.

The Link Between Joint Hypermobility and Emotional Arousal in Dogs

A 2019 study published in Scientific Reports investigated the association between joint hypermobility, conditions linked to joint instability and pain, and emotional arousal in dogs. The study evaluated over 5,500 assistance dogs for both hip joint hypermobility and behavioral traits using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ).

Study Goals and Methods

The primary aim of the study was to determine whether dogs with joint hypermobility exhibited higher levels of emotional arousal and reactivity compared to dogs without this condition. Researchers examined:

Physical Assessment: Dogs were evaluated for hip joint hypermobility, a condition that can predispose them to pain, joint instability, and reduced physical function.
Behavioral Assessment: C-BARQ data were analyzed to identify correlations between hypermobility and behavioral traits, particularly emotional reactivity, fearfulness, and excitability.

This dual approach allowed the researchers to investigate how physical health (specifically joint stability) influences emotional responses and behavior.

Key Findings

The study revealed several significant insights into the relationship between joint hypermobility and emotional arousal in dogs:

Higher Emotional Arousal in Hypermobile Dogs
Dogs with greater hip joint hypermobility were found to be significantly more reactive to stimuli. These dogs scored higher on measures of excitability and aggression towards familiar dogs in the C-BARQ, indicating that joint instability may amplify stress responses.
- What This Could Mean: Dogs experiencing discomfort or instability in their joints may have an increased baseline level of stress, making them more likely to react strongly to environmental triggers.
Behavioral and Physical Connection
The findings mirrored similar research in humans, where joint hypermobility is associated with heightened stress responses and emotional sensitivity. This suggests that the physical discomfort of hypermobile joints may affect emotional processing, leading to exaggerated responses to stimuli.
- In Dogs: This connection highlights how pain or instability can create a cycle of stress and reactivity, where discomfort lowers a dog’s ability to tolerate normal stimuli.
Breed and Gender Factors
Certain breeds and gender differences emerged as significant factors in the study:
- Breeds: Golden Retrievers were more likely to exhibit joint hypermobility, potentially due to their genetic predisposition to hip dysplasia and other joint issues.
- Gender: Female dogs were more commonly affected by joint hypermobility and its associated behavioral traits, though the reasons for this difference are not yet fully understood.

Broader Implications

The study’s findings emphasize the need for a holistic approach when addressing emotional arousal and reactivity in dogs. While behavioral triggers are often considered the primary cause of reactivity, this research underscores the importance of evaluating physical health as a contributing factor.

The Overlooked Role of Pain
Joint hypermobility and its associated discomfort are often missed during routine veterinary exams, particularly if the condition is mild or subclinical. This can lead to misinterpretation of behaviors such as excitability, fearfulness, or aggression, which might actually be pain-related responses.
Behavioral Traits as Red Flags
Reactivity, hypervigilance, aggression towards familiar dogs, and difficulty calming down, common behaviors in hypermobile dogs, should prompt further investigation into the dog’s physical health. These behaviors may not always stem from poor training or temperament, but could indicate underlying medical issues.
The Intersection of Pain and Behavior
The study reinforces that physical discomfort doesn’t just affect a dog’s mobility; it also impacts their emotional well-being and behavior. Addressing pain and joint instability may not only improve the dog’s physical health, but may also reduce their emotional arousal.

Takeaways for Dog Owners and Trainers

This research highlights the importance of integrating physical health assessments into behavioral evaluations. For dogs exhibiting emotional arousal or reactivity, it’s important to:

Consult with a veterinarian to rule out or diagnose joint hypermobility and other pain-related conditions.
Discuss pain management strategies with your vet, such as physical therapy, laser therapy, weight management, or joint supplements.
Work with a behavior consultant familiar with your dog’s condition, who can tailor a training plan that accommodates the dog’s physical and emotional needs.

If your dog’s emotional arousal feels overwhelming, or you suspect pain may be a contributing factor, we’re here to help. Through our Behavior Guidance Calls that include Dynamic Dog Assessments, we investigate the possible motivation for your dog’s behavior, including their health, medical history, gait, posture, & conformation, and daily habits.

📞 Ready to get started? Contact me today to schedule a Behavior Guidance Call. I offer in-person sessions in the Jackson, MS metro area and virtual training help worldwide. Together, we’ll create a plan tailored to your dog’s unique needs.