Is this a training/physio thing??

[Snow1n]

Ive seen a local walking their dog, and twice now as theyre walking, they pick up the dogs front legs using the harness, and keep on walking. While it seems awkward and they look a little uncomfortable while doing it, they dont seem angry. The dog doesnt seem bothered by it from what I can tell, but Its not something Ive ever seen before though so I was wondering if this is something for dog training or physio? As you can possibly tell, I am clueless - but intrigued!

I am an animal physio, and whilst sometimes you want to encourage increased weight bearing through specific limbs, this isn’t generally how I would advise doing it. However, they may have misunderstood instructions, or be free styling a bit

I think you need to provide more context - what is the dog doing before this happens? How long do they do this for?

My dog will occasionally lie down or freeze if they spot another dog. She is getting much better now but occasionally she has done this in the middle of a path in front of other people, or whilst crossing a road. In that situation I will do as described very briefly to move her out of the way. I don't like doing it but neither can I let her be a nuisance to others or a danger in roads.

I’ve had/ got a giant breed and have always used a harness for control from puppyhood. If a puppy got over excited /distracted I’d lift them slightly to refocus their attention. My dogs know that if I pull up on the harness they stop and refocus on whatever I’m telling them - -usually to walk on and ignore the ‘fur baby’ on the extended lead that’s yapping and lunging at them, with a clueless human at the other end- -
It’s also a good aid for lifting/assisting or encouraging dog into an unfamiliar vehicle.
Out of context no idea what the person you describe was doing.

@Silverjellybean71 thanks for that

@TerrierOrTerror both times the dog has just been walking nicely alongside their owner when they get lifted by the harness and keep walking, only for 5-10 seconds. Im really not judging, just completely curious as Ive never seen anyone do that with their dog before!

Thanks @MindTheGapMoveAlong, both times Ive seen it there's been no one else on the pavement with them, just me driving past!

Maybe the dog has been lunging forward and you’ve seen it being brought back under control? If mine did this we’d use the walk around technique where you stop dead & dog walks around you to get back into proper walk position at your side before you tell them to walk on. Simple but works because dog wants to go forward and you stopping prevents that.

I imagine the dog is reactive to something (dogs, squirrels, bikes, scooters, food on the floor etc) and they are walking it past.

As a reactive dog owner you can spot your dog’s triggers a mile away when others don’t!

Thanks all!!