Havanese and stairs

[NvonS]

When Lily runs up the stairs she hold one front paw straight out in front of her. She only uses 3 paws to climb the stairs. Is this normal? It makes me laugh every time I see her do it. I have had many other dogs in the past (all big) and they all used all four paws when climbing stairs.

[Beau's mom]

Don't know about a straight front paw -- but Beau comes down stairs on his front paws only!! We can't figure out why he doesn't tumble, but it looks like he's floating!!

[krandall]

Originally Posted by NvonS

When Lily runs up the stairs she hold one front paw straight out in front of her. She only uses 3 paws to climb the stairs. Is this normal? It makes me laugh every time I see her do it. I have had many other dogs in the past (all big) and they all used all four paws when climbing stairs.

Doesn't sound right to me. If she were mine, I'd probably have the vet check it out.

[whimsy]

I agree with Karen.

[Tom King]

Does she always hold up the same paw? Has she always done this, or ever injured that leg? It might just be the way she learned to do it.

[Suzi]

I like Toms theory that maybe she just learned to climb that way. I discovered that Maddie has a bone that never developed right but it cost us about $1,200 to have experts take pictures and such. In the end she is very athletic and although her gait looks very brindle she is just fine. I say if she doesn't seem in pain don't spend the money to have expensive vet bills. IMO