Swimming motion with front legs

by Adam
(California, USA)

My great Pyrenees is just turning four. I’ve had him since he was a puppy and he has always had this peculiar behavior of lying on his side and moving both paws in unison in full range of motion outstretched straight, as if he is swimming or running but just with his front legs. Is it peculiar to Pyrenees? Or just to my dog? Or is that a behavioral sign of some thing that may be shared with other breeds? Sometimes he does it on his back, but again only with the front legs. Anyone have a clue what this is? I’ve always thought of it as his equivalent of Snoopy’s “happy dance,” but wondered if others have more information and insight into this peculiarity.

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Sep 07, 2021
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Legs
by: Ck In va

My prys have always done this and twitch as if in dream. We have 4.two girls 2 boys. All do this
Guess it's just there way.

Sep 07, 2021
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Unusual Pyr behaviors
by: Dr. Blues

Thanks! Good to know that mine is not the only one who does this. Although this is not so much twitching as it is forcefully pulling his paws through his whole range of motion, over and over. Is this what yours does? Do others see your Pyr doing this?

The other thing my Eli does is laying down in a more upright position and acting like he’s trying to dig a hole right through the floor, one paw after the other.

Do others see this?

Any other idiosyncratic behaviors that you see in your Great Pyr?

Nov 05, 2023
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Any diagnosis?
by: Kristen

I just read your post about your dog with the peculiar swimming/digging behavior. I have a 2 year old male Doberman that does exactly this. I’ve been searching and searching for answers. Today is the first time I used the term "swimming" in my search, but your description is identical to what my dog does!

Nov 15, 2023
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Legs swimming
by: Anonymous

My GP is 6 months and has been doing this before he settles down. At first I thought maybe he is trying to cool off or wind down? I was wondering why he does this and looking at all the comments I see he’s nit the only one.

Dec 29, 2023
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Swimming
by: Jill

We thought this "swimming" motion was because our Newfie is by breed a water dog. She’s got a few hilarious quirks. We find she’s quite happy while swimming inside and much safer as we currently live in Florida with a gator in our back pond!

Mar 02, 2024
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I thought I was the only one
by: Anonymous

I have a minpin-poodle who does exactly this!!! He will lay on his back and what I call air swimming but with only his front leg’s, he will also do it when we are holding him, when laying on his side,and also when laying on his side while playing with his pitbull brother. I think it’s cute!!

Mar 26, 2024
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Glad I found this thread
by: Anonymous

Glad I found this thread! My GP has been doing this for about 6-7 months. (Hes 14 months) He also hops like a rabbit and acts like a bull. Anyone else have that with their GP?
When he wants something is when he will bunny hop or scratch the ground with one foot scrap rearing his head like a bull before they charge. hahaha..
He's our first Pyrenees so we didn't know if we got a broken one or if this was typical funny behavior.

Mar 26, 2024
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bunny hop
by: Anon

the bunny hop is not normal is my understanding. Consider this article and speaking with a holistic vet to rule anything out, or, maybe that's just how he moves!

Whole Dog Journal

Apr 03, 2024
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Mine does too
by: Anonymous

We call it paddling....I think it just is a way of them self regulating energy in a positive way. Mine typically does it before setting down

Apr 14, 2024
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Swimming without water
by: Anonymous

My shitzu does this all the time! We ask him if he’s swimming! He has done it since he was a puppy. He also does it on his hind legs when he wants something.

Jun 10, 2024
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Doggy paddle on carpet or grass also when happy
by: Stitz

My Jack does all the time when he wants food or water he does sitting on back legs , also. On his side it's cute but if trying to tell me SOMETHING HE IS MY HEART I NERD TO KNOW WHY HE DOES IT ???¿

Jun 16, 2024
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Same,,
by: Anonymous

I always wondered as my Pyr does this…. I just imagine him dreaming about running through a field. My Dad says noooo… he is playing a piano in a concert hall.

Jun 30, 2025
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Dog swimming on side
by: Anonymous

I thought it was marking their scent or territory. Or because itches?

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