Why Does My Dog Bounce Like a Bunny?

Spring is fast approaching, which means we’re about to be drowning in bunny-shaped paraphernalia. From molded chocolates to pink PEEPS and plush hares, it’s gonna be rabbits, rabbits, rabbits as far as the eye can see. But if you have a particularly energetic dog, you might be used to seeing leporine displays year-round. 

Some dogs go their whole lives without doing the bunny hop, but for others, it’s a favorite pastime. Maybe you’ve seen a shepherd prancing through an open field like he’s trying to play the Thumper to another pooch’s Bambi. (Apparently, this is called “stotting” or “pronking” among those in the know.) Or maybe you’ve spotted a little fluffy guy leaping straight up and down while excited. Whatever adorable behavior you might be seeing, there’s a good reason for it. And there are ways to tell which is which.

“Dogs best express their emotions through movement,” says Dr. Nathaniel Rakestraw, licensed veterinarian with TelaVets.com. Often, he adds, “what may look unusual to people is just a natural outlet for excitement.”

As endearing as these behaviors might be, Dr. Mondrian Contreras, a Pumpkin Pet Insurance veterinary expert, notes that they can sometimes contribute to injuries like ACL tears, as well as long-term conditions like arthritis. “It’s important to monitor and regulate these activities to help prevent overexertion,” he says.

Why does my dog love prancing through an open field?

I mean, who doesn’t love embracing their inner Maria from The Sound of Music and reveling in the verdant beauty of nature? If this one really vexes you, that might be something to discuss with your therapist.

Indeed, our vets confirm that “stotting” and “pronking” fiends who love bounding through tall grass are doing it for the exact reason we might expect. They’re just that stoked to be in a field. “When dogs are excited, their coordination can temporarily shift, leading to exaggerated or rhythmic movements,” Rakestraw says. “As long as the motion looks balanced and the dog seems comfortable, this type of prancing is considered normal and often reflects a happy, confident dog.”

Contreras admits he’s only seen two dogs prance this way, so he’s loath to express an official scientific opinion. But for whatever it’s worth, both were Shetland Sheepdogs. 

“One was a friend’s dog who lived with five cats and seemed to learn the behavior from them,” Contreras says. “It was adorable—whenever a ball was thrown into a grass pile or onto some clothes, the dog would pounce on it just like the cats did around the house. Sometimes these behaviors may simply be learned quirks.”

Why is my dog jumping straight up and down?

If your dog is doing the bunny hop and springing into the air like a pogo stick, it’s possible they’re just really, really excited. 

According to Rakestraw, this kind of jumping often happens when our pups’ emotional energy spikes faster than they can control it. 

“You’ll commonly see this during greetings, playtime, or moments of anticipation,” Rakestraw says. “In most cases, it’s just a happy release of energy and not a sign of a behavioral or medical problem.”

Rakestraw considers his behavior most common among high-energy pups like younger dogs, smaller dogs, athletic and herding breeds. That said, Contreras notes, “I’ve seen the excited, straight-up-and-down jumping behavior across a variety of breeds, including Collies, Miniature Pinschers, Boxers, and Pit Bulls. It’s not limited to one specific type of dog.” 

Contreras adds that dogs who seem to love impersonating the Energizer Bunny might also be seasoned attention seekers. Think of the hopping as your pooch’s way of shouting, “look at me, look at me!”

“Some dogs simply can’t sit still and will bounce straight up and down energetically,” Contreras says. And oftentimes, “that bouncing earns them exactly what they want: attention from their owners.”

Why is my dog lifting one or both back legs while walking or running?

Unlike some of the other behaviors, this one could have a more serious root cause. For some dogs, lifting a back leg intermittently while running could signal a luxating patella (in other words, a kneecap that slips out of place). In these cases, your pup picks the leg up to avoid discomfort. As Contreras notes, even dogs who appear happy and energetic could still have the condition.

“Many dogs can mask pain well, so what looks playful may actually be an attempt to avoid certain movements while still trying to move quickly,” he says. “That said, it’s not always medical. The context and frequency of the behavior are important.”

In addition to knee issues, Rakestraw adds that this kind of hopping could be a sign of lower back problems. That said, he says, it’s not always cause for concern. “Many healthy dogs will briefly lift both back legs during quick turns, bursts of speed, or moments of excitement,” he says. “What matters most is context and consistency.”

When should I see a vet?

“If the behavior is occasional, symmetrical, and only seen during play, it’s usually harmless,” Rakestraw says. Otherwise, it might be time to consult the experts.

If you suspect a medical issue, look for symptoms like:

• Lumping

• Stiffness

• Reluctance to run or jump

• Difficulty standing up

• Visible discomfort when back or legs get touched

• Muscle loss

• Swollen tissue

• Persistent or worsening changes in behavior

“Changes that worsen over time or interfere with normal movement should also be evaluated,” Rakestraw says. On the other hand, “Brief, playful movements that only occur during excitement are usually normal.”