Is your dog's sloppy sitting something to worry about?

Proper sitting form

The dog should:

• sit squarely,
• hips, knees and hocks aligned nicely,
• legs kept close to the body,
• positioned equally on both sides.

This correct position (right photo) allows the dog to engage all his knee, thigh and gluteal muscles properly when standing up.

Improper sitting form (left photo)

• with legs splayed wide, hocks spreading out to the sides
• uneven left vs. right knee position (unbalanced weight distribution and ability to flex the knees)
• paws pointing out from the body, twisting the knees

and is usually a sign of:

• weak hind limb musculature, inability to keep legs nicely under the body
• weak core
• weaknesses in hip, knee or tarsal joints (pain, past injuries, arthritis)

Standing up from an improper or poor sitting position applies greater lateral bending forces to the knees and hocks, and doesn’t activate correct muscles.

“My dog is sometimes sitting like the dog on the left photo. What can I do?

1) First and most important: always exclude possible physical limitations. 

There are a lot of possible health-related reasons for your dog’s improper sitting form.

Past injuries, possible weaknesses, chronic problems in joints or soft tissues of the hind limbs can result in compensatory changes and losing the ability to sit properly.

Dogs with chronic unaddressed issues in the knee or hock joints often end up with reduced joint range of motion, and therefore lose the ability to fully flex these joints.

Bad hip conditions create a vicious circle of pain and disuse of this body part, resulting in a weak core and hind limb musculature with hocks splaying out to the side while sitting.

Spinal issues (lumbosacral diseases, spinal injuries) can also elicit painful response. Forcing the dog in correct sit when it is not desirable, or if the dog is physically not able to (or ready yet), can quickly do more harm than good and requires professional help. 

Therefore you should always consult with an orthopedic vet and certified rehab professional to address the issue properly and help your dog regain these abilities through an appropriate individualized approach. 

2) What kind of ground is your dog sitting on?

Sitting on slippery surfaces such as tiled or hardwood floors does not provide enough grip for your dog to keep the legs in proper position, let alone load the hind end to stand up. So make sure your dog is sitting on a surface that provides a good grip (grass, concrete, carpet/rug etc).

If your dog does not have a known history of past injuries or joint diseases, and is sitting sloppily on non-slip flooring, a lack of strength might be the reason!

Weak core and hind limb musculature prevents the dog from maintaining a good posture. Strengthening exercises are definitely a great way to improve the overall physical condition and well being of your four-legged companion.

3) Keep your dog fit!

Obese or overweight dogs also lack the needed strength to sit correctly.

4) What about puppies?

Well, young puppies might not be really able to perform a proper sit just yet, let alone work out. But don’t worry, possibilities for proper sitting come with growing up when they develop enough body awareness and strength.

Here are a few tips that can help your dog achieve a better sitting form:

1) Work on smaller surfaces

Sitting on a reasonably smaller surface itself usually promotes better sitting position and thus helps strengthen correct muscle groups. We can use a slightly raised platform or balance pad to start with.

2) Use a narrow path

Work with the dog on a narrow plank, just wide enough to promote good position of limbs, but narrow enough to prevent turning the feet out. It also helps to improve body awareness skills, and at the same time helps strengthen the limb adductors (muscles responsible for bringing/keeping the limbs closer to the body).