How to Film Your Dog for a Gait Analysis Video
Learn what visual cues to look for in your dog’s walking video and how to record the clearest footage for AI analysis or your veterinarian.
What to Look For (Visual Cues)
If you are observing your dog’s walking video yourself, here are the primary indicators of gait issues:
The Head Bob (Forelimb Lameness)
"Down on the sound"When the dog steps on their healthy front leg, their head stays level or drops. When they step on the painful front leg, they quickly jerk their head upward to shift weight off that limb.
The Hip Hike or Pelvic Drop (Hindlimb Lameness)
Watch the hipsThe hip on the painful side will often rise higher (hike) as the dog tries to avoid putting full weight on it, or the pelvis may drop unevenly when the leg is in motion.
Shortened Stride Length
Compare all four legsOne leg may take a noticeably shorter step compared to the others to minimize the time it bears weight.
Pacing
Two-beat instead of four-beatA normal walking gait is a four-beat sequence. If a dog is "pacing"—moving both left legs together, then both right legs together—it can sometimes indicate discomfort, fatigue, or spinal stiffness (though some breeds do this naturally when moving between speeds).
Spine and Tail Carriage
Look for hunching or tuckingA hunched back (kyphosis) or a tail held stiffly, tucked, or biased to one side can indicate spinal, hip, or abdominal discomfort.
How to Film Your Dog for an Analysis
If you want to record a video to show your veterinarian or upload to a specialized canine gait app, follow these best practices for the clearest results:
Surface
Use a flat, non-slip, level surface like flat pavement, short grass, or carpet.
Side View (Profile)
Walk the dog past the camera from left to right, then right to left. Keep the camera steady and at the dog's eye level.
Rear View
Walk the dog directly away from the camera to observe hindlimb movement and pelvic symmetry.
Front View
Walk the dog directly toward the camera to observe forelimb movement and head bob.
Pace
Have the dog walk naturally. Keep the leash loose and slack so they aren't pulling, which can distort their normal posture.
Lighting
Ensure the area is well-lit and avoid harsh shadows or backlighting that can obscure movement details.
Quick Checklist Before You Hit Record
- ✓Flat, non-slip, level surface selected
- ✓Camera at dog’s eye level
- ✓Three angles planned: side, rear, and front
- ✓Leash is loose and slack
- ✓Good lighting, no harsh shadows or backlighting
- ✓Dog is calm and walking at a natural pace