Episode 67 - Understanding Pain Through a Training Perspective - Jessie Kasper

In this episode of Canine Arthritis Matters, Hannah Capon is joined by dog behaviour consultant and trainer Jessie Kasper from Mindful Methods Training. Together they explore the intersection between dog training and pain, and how physical discomfort can influence behaviour, learning, and training outcomes.

Jessie shares examples from her own casework, highlighting common behavioural clues that may indicate pain, and discusses how trainers and caregivers can work more collaboratively with veterinary professionals. The conversation also covers osteoarthritis in training cases, challenges in moving from suspicion to management, and the importance of education and empathy when supporting dogs living with chronic pain.

Guest Bio

Jessie Kasper is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants and a certified Family Dog Mediator. She is Fear Free Certified, an Emotional CPR Certified Practitioner, and a CAMadvocate Level 1. Jessie runs Mindful Methods Training, where she focuses on compassionate, science-informed training approaches that consider the whole dog, including physical health, emotional wellbeing, and cognitive needs.

More about Jessie and her work:

https://www.mindfulmethodstraining.com

Key Takeaways

1. Pain can significantly interfere with dog training by affecting focus, motivation, and emotional regulation.

2. Many behaviour cases have an underlying pain component, even when physical signs are subtle or easily missed.

3. Collaboration between trainers, caregivers, and veterinary professionals leads to better welfare and training outcomes.

4. Behavioural changes such as avoidance, inconsistency, or reduced engagement can be important clues to physical discomfort.

5. Educating caregivers about the link between pain and behaviour supports earlier intervention and more realistic expectations.

Relevant Links

Mindful Methods Training: https://www.mindfulmethodstraining.com/

CAM Member Zone: https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/

Suspicion of Chronic Pain Form: https://caninearthritis.co.uk/suspicion-of-chronic-pain/

CAM Vet Nurse Arthritis Flip Chart: https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/product/oa-flipchart/

Young Dog Joint Care Course

https://www.mindfulmethodstraining.com/

Learn more about Jessie’s work and access resources supporting young dog joint care and pain-aware training at:

https://www.mindfulmethodstraining.com/

Join the CAM Member Zone to access practical tools such as the Good Day / Bad Day Diary, monitoring resources, and education to support dogs living with chronic pain:

https://www.caninearthritis.co.uk/member-zone/