The short answer: some dogs walk with their body at an angle while their feet carry them forward. This is often called crabbing or sidewinding. It can come from the dog’s build, growth, body language, or poorly fitted equipment.
It needs a closer look when the gait is new, worsening, or paired with pain, weakness, poor balance, a head tilt, or trouble using a leg. A change from usual movement matters more than whether their body is perfectly straight.
What sideways walking looks like
A crabbing dog moves forward while the hindquarters travel to one side of the shoulders. The spine may curve, and some dogs do this only when trotting or walking on a lead.
This is different from falling or drifting. A dog who loses balance, crosses their feet, knuckles a paw under, or cannot correct direction should be assessed promptly.
When sideways walking can be harmless
Body shape and stride
A dog’s proportions affect how their feet pass one another. A narrow body, long legs, or a long-reaching stride can make the hindquarters angle so the feet do not interfere. If the gait has always looked this way, is relaxed, and does not limit activity, it may be normal for that dog.
Young, long-legged dogs can look temporarily uncoordinated while they grow. Still, mention a persistent or pronounced gait at a routine vet visit, especially if the puppy tires easily, avoids play, or seems sore.
Large or long-legged breeds, including the German Shepherd, can be prone to some joint conditions. Breed and build provide context, not a diagnosis.
Excitement or submissive body language
Some dogs curve their body when greeting a person or another dog. With ears back and a low wag, this can be submissive or appeasing body language rather than a walking problem. The body should straighten when the moment passes.
Poorly fitted walking equipment
A harness that twists, rubs behind one front leg, or restricts the shoulders can change a dog’s stride. Check that it sits level, allows the front legs to extend, and does not rotate around the chest. In a safe enclosed area, compare a few supervised steps without it. If the gait looks normal, fit may be contributing.
The walk-length calculator can help plan a suitable routine, but it cannot diagnose an unusual gait.
Medical reasons a dog may walk sideways
Hip dysplasia or other joint pain
Hip dysplasia or other joint pain can make a dog shift weight and rotate the pelvis. Other signs include stiffness after rest, reluctance to climb stairs, shorter steps, hopping when running, or limping after exercise. See why a dog limps after a walk for related signs.
Do not give human pain medicine. Common products can be unsafe for dogs and may mask signs your vet needs to assess.
Back or neck pain
A sore back or neck can make a dog hold the spine curved, move stiffly, or avoid turning one way. They may keep the head low, tense when touched, or hesitate before lying down. Limit running, stairs, and jumping while arranging veterinary advice. Do not stretch or manipulate the spine at home.
Growth or leg-length differences
An injury to a growing limb, an angular growth change, or a difference in leg length can alter how the pelvis and spine move. A puppy whose gait is becoming more uneven should be examined rather than simply expected to grow out of it.
Balance and neurological problems
Vestibular problems can cause leaning, falling, a head tilt, nausea, vomiting, or rapid flicking of the eyes. Neurological conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, or nerves can also cause weakness, paw dragging, crossed legs, or poor coordination.
These signs cannot be sorted out at home. Sudden balance loss or weakness needs prompt veterinary attention.
What to do next
- Watch on a non-slip surface. Note whether the angle appears at a walk, a trot, or both, and whether it changes after rest.
- Check paws and equipment. Look for a damaged nail, sore pad, debris, rubbing, or a shifted harness. Stop if your dog seems painful.
- Keep activity gentle. Avoid a long test walk, running, stairs, and rough play until a new gait change is understood.
- Take a short video. Film from behind and from the side if your dog can walk comfortably. It can help your vet see the pattern, but do not delay urgent care to make one.
- Note the timing. Record when it began and any change in appetite, energy, toileting, or comfort.
When to call the vet
Arrange a vet appointment if sideways walking is new, lasts into the next day, keeps returning, worsens, or comes with stiffness, limping, reduced activity, difficulty rising, or sensitivity to touch. A longstanding, comfortable gait can usually be discussed at a routine visit.
Seek urgent care if the change is sudden and your dog is falling, unable to stand, dragging a limb, crying in pain, repeatedly vomiting, showing a head tilt or unusual eye movements, or becoming weak or less responsive. After an injury, minimise movement and call a vet for transport guidance.
Many dogs who sidewind are simply making room for their own stride. The useful question is whether the movement is normal for your dog and whether they remain comfortable, balanced, and willing to move. For the general references behind our health and exercise guidance, see our sources.