Puppy lazy sitting and bunny hopping
Hello everyone,
As of today, my sweet yellow girl, Bella, is 14 weeks old. I adopted her from a reputable breeder. Both the mom and dad's hips, eyes, etc. were all clear, good scores, etc. However, I do know things can still happen which is what brings me here with some questions - specifically with my worry being over hip dysplasia.
We have been to the vet twice so far and a third visit is coming in a week for regular shots, etc. Through the regular checks, the vet hasn't noticed any concerns with Bella's hips. So far, so good as far as he can tell this early in the game. I know that x-rays tell the true story and that she needs to be older for this.
Here are the questions:
* Are lazy sits or frog sits normal for lab puppies? I've read differing information - some things I've read says it's a sign of HD others say it's normal, and actually a sign of healthy hips. ???? Bella can sit properly but tends to "lazy" sit in her crate for example or sometimes on a slicker surface such as tile, etc. She also does it when she is tired or I guess truly "lazy." Should I be concerned or is normal lab puppy behavior?
* Bunny Hopping - Is it normal for puppies to do this sometimes? Or, is it always a sign of HD? Or, am I possibly mistaking this "hop" for normal puppy behavior? Bella will trot and take off full speed into a hop or gallop of sort when she is at full on speed. I'm not completely sure it is a bunny hop yet - if I watch videos of dogs galloping, it almost seems as though they are bunny hopping too. I'm so confused and trying not to borrow worry. However, is it normal for a lab puppy to do this type of bunny hop or gallop? How would I tell the difference between a normal "gallop" and a bunny hop?
I don't know what to think at this point. My chocolate lab that lived to be almost 15 had a really strange gait when she ran fast but I never worried over HD, etc. I didn't know at the time to even question it. However, she had no big issues until probably her last six months of life due to another problem unrelated to her hips.
Obviously, these are also questions for the vet but I also wanted your take on it too. Thanks again!
Jenny