Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: How It Affects Training and Behaviour
Updated: 4 days ago
When a dog starts slowing down on walks, hesitates before jumping into the car or loses interest in a training exercise they used to love, it's easy to think they've lost motivation. Often, the real reason is physical, and whenever behaviour changes, I want a vet to rule out pain first. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common joint problems in dogs, especially medium and large breeds, and it can affect how a dog moves, learns and behaves, sometimes long before obvious pain shows. Here's what hip dysplasia is, the signs to look for and how to adapt training to keep your dog comfortable and confident.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together properly, causing looseness, wear and, over time, arthritis. It's most common in larger breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers, but any dog can be affected. Early signs include bunny hopping when running, stiffness getting up, reluctance to jump or use stairs, sitting to one side, tiring quickly and not liking the back end being touched. Hip pain can also show up as behaviour changes, such as grumpiness, reluctance to sit or lie down on cue, or reacting to other dogs. If you see these signs, ask your vet for a check. Training can carry on with a few changes: shorter sessions, softer surfaces, fewer jumps and more brain games.
What is hip dysplasia?
In a healthy hip, the ball at the top of the thigh bone sits snugly in a socket in the pelvis. In a dog with hip dysplasia, the fit is loose or the shape is wrong, so the joint rubs instead of gliding.
Over time, this causes inflammation, pain and often arthritis. Genetics play a big part, but growth rate, diet, body weight and the type of exercise a young dog does can all affect how severe it becomes.
Early signs of hip dysplasia
Dogs are very good at hiding discomfort, so the early signs can be subtle. Some only show after exercise. Watch for:
bunny hopping, with both back legs moving together when running
stiffness getting up after rest
hesitating before stairs, jumps or getting into the car
sitting with the legs out to one side
tiring quickly or lagging behind on walks
swaying or narrow back legs when walking
not liking the back end being touched or brushed
How hip dysplasia affects behaviour
Pain changes how a dog feels and behaves. A dog with sore hips might become grumpy with other dogs who bump into them, especially boisterous young dogs.
They may also find certain cues uncomfortable. A slow sit, a refusal to lie down on a hard floor or a reluctance to jump can look like a training problem when it's really a comfort problem. Read pain and aggression in dogs.
How hip dysplasia affects training
Sits and downs
A sit puts pressure on the hips. Let your dog sit or lie down on a soft surface, accept a less tidy sit, or use a stand instead.
Jumping and agility
Jumping, tight turns and weaving put a lot of strain on the hips. Speak to your vet before doing any agility, and keep jumps low or skip them altogether. Read puppy growth plates and safe exercise.
Walks
Shorter, more frequent walks on soft ground are usually kinder than one long walk. Sniffing slows the pace and tires the brain.
Ways to help your dog stay comfortable
Small changes at home and in training make a real difference. Most are cheap and easy. Your vet may suggest some of these:
keep your dog at a lean, healthy weight
use rugs or mats on slippery floors
give a thick, supportive bed
use ramps or steps for the car and sofa
try hydrotherapy or physiotherapy
ask about pain relief and joint supplements
swap high-impact games for scent work and brain games
Puppies and hip dysplasia
If you have a puppy from a breed at risk, ask the breeder about the parents' hip scores. Keep your puppy at a healthy weight, avoid lots of jumping and stairs while they're growing, and choose free play on soft ground over long, repetitive runs.
RENEE'S TIP
Swap one walk a week for a scent game session at home. Hide treats around the garden or the living room and let your dog search. It tires the brain without putting stress on the hips.
QUICK CHECK
ā Hip dysplasia means the hip joint doesn't fit together properly
ā Bunny hopping, stiffness and reluctance to jump are early signs
ā Hip pain can look like a training or behaviour problem
ā Adapt sits, downs, jumps and walks to keep your dog comfortable
ā Keep your dog lean and ask your vet about pain relief and physio
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help with training a dog with joint problems
If your dog's hips are affecting their training or behaviour, I can help you build a plan that keeps them comfortable and confident in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
What are the first signs of hip dysplasia in dogs?
Bunny hopping, stiffness getting up, reluctance to jump or use stairs, sitting to one side and tiring quickly.
Can hip dysplasia change a dog's behaviour?
Yes. Hip pain can make dogs grumpy, reluctant to sit or lie down and less tolerant of other dogs.
Can a dog with hip dysplasia still train?
Yes, with changes like softer surfaces, fewer jumps, shorter sessions and more brain games.
Which dogs get hip dysplasia?
It's most common in larger breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers, but any dog can be affected.
How can I help my dog with hip dysplasia at home?
Keep them lean, use rugs on slippery floors, give a supportive bed, use ramps and ask your vet about pain relief and physio.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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