Guide to Collecting Good Movement Videos

The goal is to be able to observe foot placement, range of motion, weight distribution, etc. Your video device should remain relatively still (not walking with them), and needs to be taken from the level of the pet, about shoulder height (not from above them!).

For small dogs and cats, the video can be taken from floor level. I often prop my camera against a wall and use the front-facing camera so I can see when I’m in frame.

We want to get as natural and consistent a gait as possible at a walking and trotting speed. Working without any equipment in an enclosed yard or large indoor space is great. Working with a flat collar and a 6 foot leash in an open space is great. Working with a body harness is less ideal for this purpose, because it can affect movement through the shoulders.

Treats are best provided at the end of each pass across the screen. Try to avoid holding a treat in your hand, which will cause your pet to look up at you while they walk, and change their weight distribution. Use only as much happy talk as is necessary to keep your pet on a loose leash, but not so much that they are turning their neck toward you the whole time.

Many dogs need a few warm up passes back and forth before they get into a rhythm. Use this time to establish a pace and ensure that if you are using a leash, that you can keep it loose while walking with your dog. Don’t let your pet drag their leash, since avoiding it will change their gait.

Footing: Videos taken on hardwood, tile, or other potentially slippery surfaces (regardless of your pets’ familiarity with them) are not usable. Aim for carpet, grass, or pavement. I need at least 3 passes (pass=back and forth) across the screen for each view.

Example videos: Side to Side Walking or trotting Back and Forth Walking or trotting Additional helpful views may include: sit to down, down to stand transitions, etc., walking up/down a hill or stairs, which may be requested pending the review of initial videos.