Why Does My Dog Army Crawl?
Do you have a pup that army crawls instead of walking around on four-legs? If so, you may be wondering why your canine companion chooses to crawl.
What is Army Crawling?
Army crawling describes the process of your dog moving across the floor while on its belly instead of walking on four-legs. It typically begins with your dog wiggling their back end across the floor before propelling their body forward.
What Causes Army Crawling?
There are a few possible causes of your pup’s army crawling:
- Fear: Your dog may feel frightened or intimidated in certain situations, so they may adopt an army crawling position as a way to feel more secure.
- Pain: If your pet seems to be army crawling only after physical activity or after a period of rest, there could be a potential pain issue. It’s important to take them for a veterinarian visit to rule out any issues.
- Habit: Some dogs take up army crawling as a habit, due to boredom or as a sign of affection.
What Should I Do?
If army crawling is due to fear or pain, it’s essential to identify the underlying cause and address the issue. Talk to your veterinarian if you think they’re in any discomfort. Similarly, if the army crawling is a habit, begin to try to distract their attention away from adopting the position or introduce more great activities like walks, playtime, and mental stimulation.
Your pup’s army crawling could be a rarely-spoken-of behaviour or a sign of something deeper happening. Either way, keep an eye out and consult with your veterinarian if it continues.
2. Has my dog been showing any signs of injury or illness?
No, your dog has not been showing any signs of injury or illness. It is important to keep a close eye on your pet to ensure he or she is happy and healthy. You can consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure of any symptoms or if your pet is displaying any concerning behaviors.
1. Is my dog displaying pain or discomfort when they army crawl?
The only way to tell if your dog is in pain or discomfort is by taking them to a veterinarian for an exam. Pain and discomfort can have a variety of causes, so it is best to get a professional opinion as to what might be causing the behavior.
3. How often does my dog exhibit this behavior of army crawling?
The frequency at which your dog exhibits this behavior will depend on several factors, such as the severity of the issue, the environmental stressors present, and the age and health of your pet. Consulting with a certified veterinary behaviorist may be helpful in determining the underlying cause of your pet’s behavior and how best to address it.
5. What can I do to help my dog stop army crawling?
The first step in trying to help your dog stop army crawling is to determine the cause of the behavior. Common causes include physical pain, fear or anxiety, psychological or emotional distress, or learned behavior.
Once the cause has been identified, the best way to help your dog is to address the root of the issue. If your dog is army crawling due to physical pain, seek medical treatment from a veterinarian to help your dog find relief.
If your dog is army crawling due to fear or anxiety, start a regimen of positive reinforcement training and desensitization techniques that can help your dog overcome their fear or anxiety.
If your dog is army crawling because of learned behavior, try to avoid rewarding or reinforcing the behavior and instead focus on teaching your dog new behaviors that are more desirable.
Finally, it’s important to have patience and remain consistent in order for the changes to be effective. It may take time for your dog to transition to new behaviors, which is why it’s important to remain consistent with whatever approach you’re taking.