07/09/2026
🐾 WHAT IS YOUR DOG’S SIT TELLING YOU?
Have you ever noticed that your dog doesn’t sit quite like they used to?
A functional sit is more than just putting their bottom on the floor. It requires good strength, joint mobility, coordination, balance and neurological function.
🚩 Things to look out for include:
❌ Sitting crooked or consistently shifting the pelvis to one side
❌ Kicking one hind leg out to the side
❌ Stretching both hind legs forward
❌ Taking a long time or hesitating to sit
❌ Dropping heavily into the sit rather than controlling the movement
❌ Avoiding sitting altogether
❌ Struggling to get back up
❌ Repeatedly changing position because they appear uncomfortable
These changes can sometimes be associated with pain, weakness, reduced joint mobility or neurological dysfunction.
They may be seen with conditions such as arthritis, hip or stifle problems, spinal disease, post-operative weakness or age-related muscle loss.
🐕 And this is why we love functional movement assessments at Aquapaws.
Watching how a dog moves—not just whether they can move—can provide valuable information about where they may be struggling.
A simple sit-to-stand can tell us a surprising amount about hindlimb strength, weight distribution, coordination and control.
💙 If your dog’s sit has changed, don’t simply put it down to getting older.
Changes in movement are often the first signs that something isn't quite right.
Early assessment and an appropriate physiotherapy and hydrotherapy program can help maintain strength, mobility and quality of life for our dogs.
📩 Notice a change in your dog’s movement? Contact Aquapaws Canine Rehabilitation & Fitness Centre to discuss how we can help.
Phone us on 59 77 88 41.
🐾 Because every movement tells a story.
