Pain and/or swelling around the site of vaccination can be a common vaccine side effect. It really just depends on the dog. This is most likely what happened because the symptoms resolved the next day without medical intervention. My Chihuahua acted like he had a broken leg after getting his distemper combo vaccine, but now that I know he acts this way, I make sure that I give him benadryl before the vaccine and keep a few pain pills on hand for the next day. The AVMA has and is still working on changing their protocols on vaccines. That includes the information about the rabies vaccine (as seen in the article provided by Jerry) but, they have also reviewed other vaccines which is why the distemper combo is now being recommended only every three years after the puppy series is completed. Even with the AVMA's recommendations, there is a lot of controversy in the veterinary community about vaccine durations in the system, which is why individual vaccine protocols vary between vet practices. I will warn you that some vets are extremely reluctant to deal with Rabies vaccine waivers. I would talk to your vet about it and see what they have to say. If your vet is very traditional, ask around and try to find a vet in your area who is more open to alternative medicine and make a second opinion appointment with them. This way you can get both sides of the spectrum from a veterinary point of view, and then make an educated decision about what is right for you and your pet.