Do dogs change their gait?

[tritonx]

I don't think there's anything to worry about. In my googling it just seemed to be part of the way dogs can walk sometimes. There was no sense that it was anything abnormal. Perhaps members who are familiar with the show ring can say whether it's acceptable there.

[Jane S]

Perhaps members who are familiar with the show ring can say whether it's acceptable there.

No not really for a Cocker but you do see it sometimes in the ring - usually moving the dog a little faster helps & the dog will revert back to the normal show trot. I think some breeds naturally pace when moving slowly eg English Springers & Old English Sheepdogs but lots of dogs will do it from time to time especially when moving at slower speeds. I don't see it as anything to worry about unless there are other symptoms to suggest the pacing results from pain somewhere in the body.

[*Marie*]

I have been noticing lately how 6 month old Bracken walks, in my eyes he walks as though he's a show horse, only way I can describe it really, his paws each time the come off the grounds they flex back! As though he is proud!