[kr_egan]

I have a friend with a GSD, and he runs funny. It's almost like he leads with his hips. Ok, let me see if I can explain this. When he's running, his hips swing out to the side slightly but he's still running in a straight line. Does that make sense?

Is this a medical issue or just a weird way of running?

I've told them that they will want to eventually check his hips, but they don't seem to listen to any of my suggestions when it comes to their dog. (socializing, cutting his nails, food, etc) I doubt they'll check his hips out. He comes from an oops-litter from a breeder, but from what I've seen from him and his littermate who also lives in our complex, they don't seem to be of good stock. So I'm worried that something could be wrong with him.

 

[tibvixie101]

Well hopefully they will take your advice and get their hips checked out. Try explaining to them in lament terms what will happen if they get HD or arthritis in the hind end. Remind them that they will eventually be using a rolled up towel to hold their dog up so it can go out to pee when its older and his hips give out. GSD's hips are a very serious issue and should not be taken lightly at all. Hopefully these people will take your advice for once!