Pacing Mal - Page 1

Hey


My 9 month old tends to pace at the trot, rather than use alternating opposite legs.  Is this something I should be concerned about, or is it a "growing" stage?  

Thanks

Depends.  Have they always done this or is it a recent thing?  At 9 months it could easily be a growth stage they are going through, but if they have always done this it's probably something related to their structure.  

When I think back I don't think he paced. I only got him at 4 months, so I'm not too sure what he did before then. It's hard to recall really... Thanks for your help!

Forgot to add: just worried about his hips. But really hoping it's just an awkward "he's longer than he is tall" stage. Anything else I should look out for? He doesn't have a limp or hitch. What structural problem could it be?

Hips wouldn't be the first thing that came to my mind if a dog paced, so I wouldn't be worried about that just yet.  It can be because the dog isn't balanced front to rear, or is over angulated, or is to short in the back.  Many times it's because the dog's feet interfere when they trot, so they pace instead.  Sometimes it's from favoring an injury.  At 9 months I'd just chalk it up to the dog being in a typical goofy stage physically for now and wouldn't worry about it. 

Thanks Kadi, really appreciate your time!