Why Does My Dog Walk Towards Me Like a Crab?

A fun look at one of the cutest canine quirks

You walk through the door after a long day at work, and there’s your dog—tail wagging furiously, bum wiggling, body bent into a banana shape as they shuffle sideways towards you like a little crab. It’s equal parts hilarious and heart-warming. But have you ever stopped to wonder why they do it?

At Jordan Dog Training, we hear this question more often than you might think! So let’s unpack this quirky greeting and what it says about your pup.

🦀 What Is the ‘Crab Walk’?

The “crab walk” is when a dog approaches in a curved or sideways motion, usually while wiggling their entire body in excitement. You’ll often see their front feet stepping in one direction, their back legs catching up from another, and their tail wagging so hard it throws off their balance.

Not all dogs do this, but for those that do, it becomes part of their signature welcome-home routine—like they’ve got their own little dance move just for you.

🐾 Why Do Dogs Walk Like This?

There are several common reasons behind the crab walk greeting, and most of them are good news for you and your bond with your dog.

1. It’s a Full-Body Wag of Excitement

Some dogs don’t just wag their tails—they wag their whole bodies! The curved posture is often a result of their muscles engaging all at once as they express joy. It’s a bit like trying to run while grinning from ear to ear and waving your arms—you can’t help but move a little differently!

2. Curved Body = Friendly Intent

In canine body language, a curved approach is considered non-threatening and friendly. A straight, direct approach—especially between dogs—can be seen as confrontational. So when your dog comes at you with that joyful curve, they’re basically saying, “I love you and I mean no harm!” It’s an instinctive gesture that helps diffuse tension, even though you’re not reading it the way another dog would.

3. Tail Wag Throws Off Their Balance

A big, excited wag can generate more movement than your dog knows what to do with! Some breeds with long tails or loose, flexible backs (like retrievers, spaniels, and staffies) are especially prone to getting knocked off balance by their own enthusiasm. The sideways steps are often just their way of staying upright!

4. It’s a Learned Behaviour

If your dog has ever done this sideways greeting and received praise, pats, laughs, or affection for it, they’ve probably learned that it gets a great response from you. Dogs are smart and love patterns—if something works, they’ll do it again and again!

5. It’s Part of a Bigger Greeting Ritual

Every dog has their own way of saying hello. For some, it’s grabbing a toy, spinning in circles, or making soft grumbles. For others, it’s the crab walk! It can even become a ritual that builds anticipation—especially if you’re away at work all day and your return is the highlight of their day.

🚨 When Should You Be Concerned?

Most of the time, this behaviour is completely harmless and adorable. However, if your dog starts to walk sideways all the time, seems off-balance when they’re calm, or struggles to walk straight on walks, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. This may include muscular or skeletal problems, vestibular issues, or neurological concerns.

If the sideways movement is new or seems out of place, it’s always best to check in with your vet for peace of mind.

🐶 Can I Teach a Calmer Greeting?

Absolutely! While a sideways crab-walking greeting is usually nothing to worry about, it can sometimes be part of an overly enthusiastic welcome. If your dog is jumping up, barking, mouthing, or generally getting too worked up, we can help you channel that energy into calmer, more polite behaviours.

Our trainers at Jordan Dog Training use kind, reward-based methods to help your dog learn how to greet people in a way that’s joyful but manageable—especially helpful for households with children, elderly relatives, or visitors who aren’t as dog-savvy.

💬 What Does Your Dog’s Greeting Look Like?

We love hearing about the funny and sweet rituals our clients’ dogs have. Does your dog do the crab walk? Spin in circles? Run for a toy every single time?

Pop over to our Facebook page and share your dog’s favourite way to say “You’re home!” Or tag us in a video—we never get tired of seeing those wiggly welcomes.

📚 Want to Read More?

If you’re fascinated by your dog’s body language and behaviour, check out some of our other popular blogs:

🔹 Why Does My Dog Roll Onto Their Back?

🔹 Why Does My Dog Jump Up On Me?

🔹 Understanding Dog Body Language

At Jordan Dog Training, we’re passionate about helping dogs and their humans live happier lives together. Our Brisbane-based team of dog trainers and behaviourists work with puppies, adult dogs, and rescue dogs across all breeds and backgrounds. We offer personalised in-home training and group classes designed to suit your lifestyle, always using positive, evidence-based methods.

We also stock a wide range of healthy, natural treats and enrichment options in our online store—perfect for rewarding a calm and wiggly welcome.

For more tips, tricks, and stories from the world of dogs, check out our full blog archive.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended as general guidance and is based on our experience as dog trainers and behaviourists. It is not veterinary advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, wellbeing, or mobility, we always recommend speaking with your vet to ensure the best care for your dog.