Why Arthritis in Older Dogs Can Look Like ‘Stubbornness’ During Training

Training an older dog can sometimes feel like a battle of wills. You give a familiar command, and your dog looks at you as if to say, “No, not today.” It’s easy to think your dog has suddenly become disobedient or forgetful. But in many cases, what looks like stubbornness may actually be pain. Arthritis, one of the most common conditions in older dogs, can change how they move, react and respond. Understanding how arthritis affects behaviour can help you train with more compassion and get your dog feeling better, too.

Understanding Arthritis in Older Dogs

Arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, happens when the cartilage that cushions a dog’s joints wears down. This leads to inflammation, stiffness and pain. The condition is progressive, meaning it tends to worsen over time.

It’s especially common in larger breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, but smaller dogs are not immune. Years of walking, running, jumping and playing all add up. Even old injuries, hip dysplasia or being overweight can increase the risk.

The first signs are often subtle. Your dog might hesitate before climbing stairs or jump down from the sofa more carefully. Over time, these small changes build up into visible stiffness, slower movements and reluctance to do certain activities. To an untrained eye, it can look like your dog is just being lazy or defiant.

When Pain Looks Like Disobedience

Arthritis affects both the body and behaviour. A dog who once raced to you at the sound of “come” might now take longer to move. They may ignore the “sit” command because bending their joints hurts. Or they may stop mid-walk and refuse to continue, not because they’re being stubborn, but because their legs ache.

Pain changes behaviour in subtle ways. Some dogs become quieter or withdrawn, while others may growl or snap if touched in sore spots. If your older dog suddenly seems “grumpy” during training or reluctant to participate, pain should be your first consideration.

The key thing to remember is that dogs don’t communicate pain like humans do. They rarely cry out or limp dramatically unless the pain is severe. Instead, they adapt. They avoid movements that hurt, shift their weight differently, or sit awkwardly. During training, this looks like resistance or confusion when it’s really discomfort.

Common Signs That ‘Stubbornness’ Might Be Arthritis

If your older dog seems harder to train, look for other clues that pain could be behind it.

One of the most obvious signs is slower movement. Dogs with arthritis often take longer to stand up or lie down. They may hesitate before jumping into the car or struggle to get comfortable in bed.

Another clue is changes in routine. Maybe your dog no longer rushes to greet you at the door or skips their usual morning stretch. They might lag behind on walks or take shorter steps. Some dogs lick or chew at sore joints, especially around the hips, elbows or knees.

You might also notice subtle posture changes. A dog with hip arthritis might sway or drag their hind legs slightly. One with elbow arthritis may carry their head lower to shift weight off the front legs.

During training, these physical limitations can make familiar commands feel impossible. Sitting, lying down or standing repeatedly can cause sharp pain. Jumping over small obstacles or running for recall becomes difficult. The dog doesn’t understand why it hurts, only that it does. So, they refuse, hesitate or try to avoid it altogether.

Why It’s Easy to Miss the Signs

Because arthritis develops gradually, many owners don’t realise how much discomfort their dog is in. Dogs are experts at adapting. They will continue to follow commands and keep up with routines for as long as they can. By the time they start refusing, the pain is often well-established.

It’s also natural to interpret behavioural changes through a human lens. When a dog ignores a command, we think of it as a choice. But when pain is involved, it’s not defiance, it’s self-preservation.

Older dogs may also respond differently to correction. A gentle reminder that once worked may now make them anxious or fearful if they associate movement with pain. This can create a feedback loop where training becomes stressful for both of you.

How to Tell if Pain Is the Problem

If your dog’s “stubborn” behaviour seems new, inconsistent or linked to physical actions, it’s worth checking for pain. Start by observing patterns. Does your dog ignore commands involving sitting or lying down but still respond to verbal cues like “watch me”? Do they move stiffly after rest or hesitate on certain surfaces?

Run your hands gently over their body to see if they react to touch in specific areas. A flinch, lick, or turning away can signal tenderness. However, never force a movement or manipulate joints roughly.

The most reliable step is a vet visit. Your vet can check joint flexibility, muscle tone and pain responses. They might recommend X-rays or joint supplements. Early treatment can slow progression and improve comfort dramatically.

Adjusting Training for Arthritic Dogs

Once arthritis is confirmed, training doesn’t have to stop. It just needs to change. Older dogs still benefit from mental stimulation and gentle physical activity. The trick is to adapt your approach to their comfort level.

Start with shorter sessions. A few minutes several times a day is better than one long one. Keep commands simple and low-impact. Instead of “sit”, which can strain hips and knees, try “stand”, “touch” or “watch me”. Use more verbal praise and fewer physical cues that require bending or jumping.

If your dog loves learning tricks, choose ones that involve small movements. Teaching them to rest their chin on your hand or spin slowly in place can be both fun and manageable. Always use positive reinforcement. Reward any effort rather than expecting perfect form.

It’s also worth adjusting your training environment. Train on soft, non-slip flooring that cushions joints. Avoid hard or slippery surfaces like tiles or concrete. Indoors, provide rugs or mats to give traction. Outdoors, stick to level ground rather than hills or uneven grass.

Helping Your Dog Feel More Comfortable

Training becomes easier when your dog feels physically better. A combination of lifestyle adjustments, vet treatment and home care can make a huge difference.

Your vet might suggest joint supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin or omega-3 fatty acids. These support cartilage health and reduce inflammation. In some cases, prescription pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication is needed.

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Excess weight puts strain on joints and worsens pain. Gentle, regular exercise like short walks or swimming can keep muscles strong without overloading joints.

At home, make life easier. Provide soft bedding, ramps for stairs or cars, and raised food bowls. Keep your dog warm, as cold and damp weather often worsens stiffness. Regular massages can help improve circulation and flexibility if your dog enjoys them.

Keeping Training Positive

Even with arthritis, training can be enjoyable. The goal is to maintain connection and communication without causing pain. Replace physical challenges with mental ones. Scent games, puzzle feeders and easy obedience work all stimulate the brain.

Always watch your dog’s body language. If they start to slow down, shift weight or lick their lips, it’s a sign they’re uncomfortable. Pause and give them a break. Ending a session early is far better than pushing too hard.

Celebrate small wins. A gentle “sit” that takes longer than usual still counts. Over time, your dog may learn to trust that you won’t ask for movements that hurt, which helps them stay engaged and confident.

Training an arthritic dog teaches patience and empathy. It also deepens your understanding of their needs. When you adjust your expectations and respect their limits, your dog will respond with renewed willingness and trust.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re unsure how to adapt your training plan, consider working with a qualified canine physiotherapist or positive reinforcement trainer experienced with senior dogs. They can design safe exercises and show you how to strengthen supporting muscles without aggravating joints.

Some trainers specialise in mobility-aware obedience work, focusing on gentle transitions and building flexibility safely. A professional eye can spot subtle compensations your dog makes, helping you avoid overuse injuries.

It’s also worth checking in regularly with your vet, especially if your dog’s mobility seems to decline. Arthritis management is an ongoing process. As your dog’s condition changes, so should your approach.

The Bigger Picture: Understanding Ageing and Behaviour

It’s easy to forget that ageing changes more than just joints. Older dogs experience shifts in vision, hearing and cognitive function, all of which can influence how they respond during training. Sometimes what looks like “stubbornness” is actually confusion or difficulty processing commands.

By combining medical care with understanding, you can keep your dog active, comfortable and responsive for years to come. Remember, dogs don’t stop learning because they get older, they just need a different kind of support.

Conclusion: Compassion First, Always

When an older dog seems unwilling to follow commands, it’s tempting to assume they’re being difficult. But behind that slow sit or delayed recall could be aching joints trying their best. Arthritis doesn’t take away your dog’s desire to please, it simply changes how they can show it.

Approaching training with patience and awareness turns frustration into understanding. With proper care, modified exercises and lots of encouragement, your senior dog can still enjoy learning and spending quality time with you, just at their own pace.