Pawsitive Behavior Solutions, LLC
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We’re not entirely sure what the true function of play is, but one leading hypothesis is that it gives animals a safe outlet to rehearse natural behaviors — including predatory ones.
When incorporating play into your pet’s routine, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. They decide what’s reinforcing.
Not all Labradors love fetch, just like not all Terriers are drawn to a flirt pole. Every animal is an individual. Offer a variety of options and observe what they naturally choose to engage with.
2. Give them choice.
We don’t want to do the same activity every day — and neither do they. Put out a couple of options, like a ball and a flirt pole, and let your pet decide what they feel like playing in that moment.
3. Play builds your relationship.
One thing humans and animals share is a lifelong love of play. Most pets won’t consistently entertain themselves, so your participation matters. Get involved — that’s where the real bonding happens.
4. Monitor arousal levels.
Both “good” and “bad” arousal can tip into dysregulation. If you notice signs like jumping, increased mouth pressure, stiff movement, or zoomies, it’s time to pause. Make the toy “go dead” and give them space to decompress. Even better, scatter some kibble and allow them to forage while they return to baseline.
Play isn’t just fun — it’s a vital part of your pet’s emotional and behavioral wellbeing.
03/24/2026
The third reason why pain or discomfort should always be considered first in a behavior case: pain and fear are neurologically intertwined.
Acute pain and fear share overlapping pathways in the brain, particularly within the amygdala—the center responsible for processing emotional responses. Neurotransmitters like serotonin and noradrenaline influence both behavior and emotional states, which means what we’re seeing on the outside may not have a single root cause.
Pain can shift emotional state. Emotional state can amplify pain.
This is where it gets complex—treating pain alone may not resolve the anticipatory anxiety that develops alongside chronic discomfort. And on the flip side, generalized anxiety can create or worsen pain through chronic muscle tension, fatigue from prolonged “fight or flight,” gastrointestinal upset, poor sleep quality, and increased pain sensitivity.
So what’s the answer?
We don’t choose one or the other—we consider both.
Addressing behavior without evaluating pain risks missing a key piece of the puzzle. And treating pain without supporting the emotional experience may leave dogs stuck in a cycle of stress and discomfort.
Behavior is never just behavior.
03/22/2026
When assessing dogs with behavior challenges, we always start by asking one critical question: could pain be part of the picture?
Because pain and behavior are deeply, inseparably connected.
But why does this matter so much?
👉 Reason #1: Pain and anxiety can look almost identical.
Dogs experiencing pain often display the same body language and facial expressions as dogs struggling with fear or anxiety.
You might notice:
• Facial tension—grimacing, a furrowed brow, whiskers splayed forward
• Restlessness—pacing, panting, difficulty settling
• Hyper-vigilance—constant scanning, patrolling, inability to relax
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Changes in social behavior—withdrawal or decreased engagement
These signs can point to emotional distress, physical discomfort, or both.
And that’s the key—we can’t assume behavior is purely “behavioral.”
A dog who is anxious may develop pain through chronic tension and stress.
A dog who is in pain may develop anxiety as they try to cope with ongoing discomfort.
🔍 This is why every behavior case should begin with:
• A thorough medical history review
• Conversations about sleep quality
• Diet and exercise patterns
• Subtle changes in daily behavior
* Gait analysis
Understanding the two-way relationship between pain and anxiety isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Because we can’t effectively change behavior if we’re missing what’s driving it.
Stay tuned for reason #2!
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