In Defense of the “Grumpy” Senior Dog
As a dog behavior consultant, I have a deep passion for advocating for senior dogs, especially those often referred to as “grumpy” senior dogs. I work with many older dogs through my business who are described this way, and I even have one at home. This topic is personal, and it’s one I care deeply about.
Let me start by saying this: I get it. Some dogs do seem grumpier as they get older. They may growl more, snap more quickly, avoid touch, or lose patience with things they once tolerated. These behavior changes can feel sudden and confusing, especially when your dog “never used to be like this.”
But I want to challenge the idea that senior dogs become grumpy for no reason.
In most cases, so-called grumpy senior dogs are not actually grumpy.
They are struggling.
Why Some Older Dogs Get Labeled as “Grumpy” Senior Dogs
Behavior changes in senior dogs are often a sign that something has shifted physically, emotionally, cognitively, or some combination of all three.
Common behaviors that get labeled as grumpiness include growling when touched, snapping when startled or woken suddenly, avoiding petting or being picked up, becoming less tolerant of children, visitors, or other pets, and showing irritability during activities like walks, grooming, or veterinary visits.
These behaviors rarely appear out of nowhere. More often, they are a form of communication.
“Grumpy” Is Often a Sign Something Has Changed
As dogs age, their bodies and brains change in ways we cannot always see. Joint pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, changes in vision or hearing, and increased anxiety can all lower a dog’s tolerance for stress. Did you know that approximately 80% of the dogs over the age of eight suffer from osteoarthritis, which can cause chronic joint pain? (Source: Canine Arthritis Management).
Things that once felt neutral or enjoyable may suddenly feel uncomfortable, overwhelming, or even threatening. This does not mean a senior dog is stubborn, spoiled, or mean. It means their needs have changed.
When dogs feel uncomfortable, uncertain, painful, or sick, they are more likely to use distance-increasing behaviors like growling or snapping to protect themselves. These behaviors are not acts of defiance or dominance. They are attempts to communicate their feelings and to keep themselves safe.
Behavior Changes Are Communication, Not a Bad Attitude
Labeling senior dogs as “grumpy” can be harmful because it encourages us to dismiss important signals. When we assume behavior changes are just part of aging and nothing can be done, we miss opportunities to support our dogs more practically in a real way.
Behavior is communication. Senior dogs deserve to be listened to just as much as they did when they were younger.
How Paying Attention Can Improve Your Senior Dog’s Quality of Life
Noticing and responding to behavior changes can help improve a senior dog’s comfort, reduce stress, and increase safety around family members and other pets. Small adjustments in things like handling, routines, environments, and expectations can make a meaningful difference in an older dog’s day-to-day life.
If you are noticing changes in your senior dog’s behavior and wondering whether it is normal aging or something worth paying closer attention to, I created a free checklist to help.
The checklist walks you through common behavior changes in senior dogs, explains what those changes may be communicating, and helps you think through next steps without panic, pressure, or blame.
Download the free Senior Dog Behavior Checklist here to better understand your dog’s behavior and learn simple ways to support them as they age.
I work with senior dogs and their families both online and in-person in Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding counties (Marion, Hendricks, Hamilton, Johnson, and Boone) through private training services.
Whether your dog is showing new signs of irritability, anxiety, or aggression, support is available — and you don’t have to figure it out alone or watch your dog suffer in their last chapter.
