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  1. #1
    Puppy
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    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

  2. #2
    House Broken kellymccoy's Avatar
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    that I know of that's how puppies sit , puppies do not sit square on their haunches at the ready to jump up at all times , make a video of her running

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  4. #3
    Senior Dog doubledip1's Avatar
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    Luna always did a lazy sit as a puppy. She only does the "proper sit" when the person asking is an obedience trainer

    She did the bunny hop going up the stairs as a pup and when running. She still does a bunny hop sometimes when really excited to play fetch. We haven't noticed anything with her hips and her brother just got his prelim X rays back and they were considered excellent.

    I wouldn't be concerned.
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    jenebekka (11-10-2014)

  6. #4
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    Thank you both...I think it's time for me to stop consulting Dr. Google so much. lol

  7. #5
    Best Friend Retriever emma_Dad's Avatar
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    Yes, all those things can be indicator of HD. but they can also mean nothing. You're pup is only 14 weeks old, it's just how puppies sit and play. The best thing you can do for her is don't let her jump off high things, don't over exercise her and built muscles in the hip area through low impact exercise . With her parents having good hips, just means the odd are stacked in her favor, but things can still happen.

  8. #6
    Senior Dog smartrock's Avatar
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    Both mine have always had a sloppy sit. When I took Chase to his first obedience class, the trainer commented upon him having the "typical lab sloppy sit". He's 8 years old now and no hip issues that we've ever seen. He would also lie with his legs straight back when he was little, I called it his Superman pose. He doesn't do it any more. Lark has never done that legs straight back position, but she does sit sloppy most of the time. Unless, like now, she's hoping I'll give her something she wants. Then she sits like a professional dog!
    Sue

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  9. #7
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    Bruce is a very sloppy sitter. Everybody get the biggest kick out of it when he does it. He's now 8 months, and will do a more formal sit when we are doing our obedience work, but will lapse into the sloppy sit when he's tired or bored. His parents both have great hips, as do all in his 5 generation pedigree. I don't let him jump in/out of the car yet, mainly for hips/elbows. Other than that I let him go.

  10. #8
    Senior Dog Jax's Mom's Avatar
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    Jax has both, sloppy and formal sits. If he is asked to stay you know he will if he leans into that sloppy sit. (Hes so funny) As for hips I'm probably not good to ask for several reasons, one: this is my first Lab, two: although his x-rays look great he has hip dysplasia. We caught it very early and he had physical therapy and is good again. We will have to be careful and monitor him for life but he's happy. Luckily all he has to do in life is be our pup so he's set. Try not to worry, it sounds like you did all the right things and made all of the correct steps.

  11. #9
    Senior Dog
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    Yes, another one here with a sloppy sit and also the Superman pose(thanks Smartrock, that describes it exactly).

  12. #10
    Senior Dog Halcyon's Avatar
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    Another sloppy sitter here. Bobby can do a proper sit when it comes to mealtimes and training but generally, when it's informal and relaxed, he does the sloppy sit. She may be doing sloppy sits on tiles due to its slippery surface.


    Left: Sloppy sit
    Right: Proper sit
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