Introduction
There’s one muscle that both dogs and humans often forget — the big forgotten dog psoas muscle. Hidden deep inside the body, it quietly controls strength, balance, and movement every single day.
The psoas (or iliopsoas) connects the spine to the femur and is essential for hip flexion, stability, postural control, and powerful, agile movement. Whether your dog is an active athlete or a beloved companion, a strong and flexible psoas supports balance, speed, and shock absorption — and helps prevent injuries.
In the clinic, we often see dogs referred for back pain, postural changes, front-leg overload, or hind-limb lameness. Many of these cases involve a tight or sore psoas. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what came first — the psoas problem or another injury — but either way, this muscle deserves attention.
You might think this isn’t important for a companion dog, but I can tell you, I meet companion dogs every day with strains in different degrees in this muscle.
For healthy dogs, keeping the psoas strong, supple, and active is one of the best ways to support long-term movement and prevent problems before they start.
How the Psoas Works in Your Dog’s Body
The psoas is actually part of a muscle group called the iliopsoas, which includes two main muscles: the psoas major and the iliacus. Together, they form a powerful connection between the spine and the femur (thigh bone).
- The psoas major starts deep along the lumbar spine — from the lower back area — and runs down through the pelvis.
- The iliacus lies next to it, lining the inner side of the pelvis.
- They come together and attach to a small bump on the femur called the lesser trochanter.
This setup gives the iliopsoas a unique and crucial role: it’s the main hip flexor — the muscle that lifts the leg forward and upward. But that’s not all. Because it connects the spine to the hind limb, it also plays a stabilizing role for the back, pelvis, and core every time your dog stands, walks, or changes direction.
With One Missing Link, There's Lack in Balance
When working in balance with the surrounding muscles, especially the abdominal muscles, quadriceps, and gluteals, the psoas helps maintain smooth, coordinated movement and protects the spine from excessive strain.
But when the psoas becomes tight, shortened, or overworked, it can affect posture and lead to compensations through the back, hips, and even the front legs. This is why a healthy psoas isn’t just important for performance — it’s a foundation for everyday comfort and movement.
Signs of Psoas Tightness or Soreness in Dogs
Because the psoas lies deep inside the body, it can be difficult to notice when it’s sore or tense. There are no obvious lumps or swellings to see or feel. Instead, you’ll notice changes in how your dog moves, sits, or behaves.
Common Signs That May Point Toward Psoas Tension or Discomfort
- Shortened stride in the hind legs — your dog doesn’t reach as far forward when walking or trotting.
- Difficulty rising from lying or sitting positions.
- Arching through the lower back or tucking the pelvis under.
- Overuse of the front legs to pull the body forward instead of pushing from behind.
- Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or run freely.
- Tenderness near the groin or inner thigh area when touched or stretched.
- In more advanced cases, even lameness or back pain may appear.
These signs can also overlap with other conditions, so they don’t always mean the psoas is the only problem. But noticing them early gives you a chance to support your dog before it becomes a bigger issue.
How to Support and Condition the Psoas
Before starting any specific strengthening or stretching exercises, it’s important to build the right foundation.
The psoas is deeply involved in balance, coordination, and spinal control — so rushing into strength work can easily do more harm than good.
A well-conditioned psoas needs three things:
- Control.
First, your dog must be able to activate and relax the muscle in a slow and balanced way. This helps prevent compensations and builds true stability. - Range of motion.
The muscle needs to move through its full length — from complete flexion to full extension — without tightness or restriction. That’s what allows freedom and fluidity in every step. - Gradual loading.
Once control and flexibility are in place, the next step is to add resistance and movement challenges. This is how the muscle gains strength and endurance safely.
By following this natural progression — control, range, and then strength — you help your dog build a strong, supple, and resilient core. This approach not only protects the psoas but also improves overall movement and comfort in daily life.
Building a Strong Foundation for Your Dog’s Movement
The psoas may be hidden deep inside the body, but its influence reaches everywhere — from posture and balance to agility and strength. When this muscle works well, your dog moves with ease and confidence. When it’s tight or weak, other parts of the body start to compensate, and problems can slowly build up.
For those who want to dive deeper into movement, balance, and conditioning, the DogWellHub membership offers guided lessons and easy-to-follow exercises to help you strengthen your dog’s body safely and effectively — including a full Psoas Conditioning Module.
You’ll learn how to build control, range of motion, and strength step by step, using calm and mindful techniques that suit dogs of all ages. If you’re curious to understand your dog’s movement on a deeper level, this is a great place to start.
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