In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Caroline and Linda tackle a topic that many tend to avoid: pain - both in dogs and humans. With their signature openness and compassion, they explore the emotional and physical aspects of pain, how it manifests in our canine companions, and what we can do to better understand and support them.
Caroline shares her experience as a canine behaviourist, revealing how behavioural challenges in dogs often have underlying pain-related causes, and why it's critical for dog guardians to recognise subtle signs. The conversation highlights how pain - especially when unexpected or chronic - can cause dogs to form negative associations and develop fears or phobias, sometimes in surprising ways.
Linda draws rich parallels from human psychology, discussing how emotional pain and physical pain are deeply intertwined, both in people and in animals. Together, they unpack real-life examples, from noise phobias and reactive behaviour to trauma responses rooted in past painful events.
Listeners will learn:
Why dogs may react aggressively or anxiously due to undiagnosed pain
The role of anticipation and muscle memory in pain-related responses
How to help a dog (or a child) recover from pain-related fear
Why relaxation techniques, scent therapy, and environmental support matter
The importance of getting a proper vet check and considering a pain trial if behavioural issues arise
Whether you're a pet parent, behaviourist, or simply an empathetic listener, this episode offers valuable insights into the invisible role pain plays in shaping behaviour—and how we can respond with patience, curiosity, and care.
