Emily Skinner MSc, BSc (Hons), MAA, RAMP. McTimoney Veterinary Chiropractor & Sports Massage Therapist covering Northants, Bucks, and Leicestershire.
21/02/2025
⚠️ The Truth About Pacing in Dogs: A Sign of Compensation, Not Efficiency
Introduction: Is Pacing in Dogs Really More Efficient?
There is a widely held belief in the dog world that a pacing gait—where a dog moves both legs on the same side of the body together—is more energy-efficient than a trot. That pacing is a restful gait, which allows for energy conservation.
🔎 However, biomechanical studies on both quadruped animals and quadruped robots suggest otherwise. In fact, pacing at trotting speeds is often compensatory, meaning the dog is likely adjusting its movement from a contralateral gait (trot) to an ipsilateral gait (pace) to avoid the torque inherent in a contralateral gait.
🧠 Understanding why this happens, and what we should be doing about it, is crucial for dog owners, trainers, and breeders.
Read the full blog post, with marked up, explanatory graphics, and linked studies on my website.
https://canineconditioningcoach.com/the-truth-about-pacing-in-dogs-a-sign-of-compensation-not-efficiency/
