Leaning on furniture and walls?

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SadKen

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So just as a matter of interest really - all suggestions welcome!

My big GSD has recently (as in the last month or so) taken to sitting with his back/bum pushed up hard against either the sofa or the walls. He really presses up hard against them, like he's bracing himself. He's not in any pain as far as I can tell, he's as bouncy and happy as he's ever been in general and he had a vet check about a month ago with no problems found. Just wondering whether anyone had seen this before, or knew why he'd be doing it? He's 5, he looks great, no other change in behaviour.
 
Anal glands? Are his ears OK? Have to actually scratched or manipulated his back to see if there's a reaction?

Leaning, especially on people, can usually be attributed to insecurity but I'd say at his age it would be weird for it to come on suddenly.
 
Yeah I've gone over his back with no reactions at all, he doesn't seem bothered. No changes to his gait etc, and he's just as crackers on walks as he's always been! There don't seem to be any anal gland symptoms but I might have a further look into that (if you'll excuse the terminology!). Ear wise he's not scratching or holding his head oddly, but I'll get a torch and have a look if there's anything obvious this evening.

I considered the insecurity thing too - he's been doing it particularly the last week while OH has been away, but he's still doing it now and OH is home, and he'd been doing it before that. Thinking on it, he also tried to get on the sofa last night, and he tried that a couple of weeks ago as well; he hasn't done that before. He's at right angles to whatever he's leaning on, rather than when they lean against your legs from the side, if you follow me.
 
Our old lab used to back up to the sofa and gradually scooch his bum higher and higher until at one point (I was fascinated to see how far he'd get so didn't stop him) he had his back legs dangling as he 'sat' on the sofa with his front paws on the ground. It was just one of his quirks. Ridiculous creature that he was! :D

If your boy is otherwise healthy and happy, I wouldn't worry too much, obviously pop him to the vet for a check-up if you are concerned, and tell him to stop it if it is a problem for you. However it may well be nothing sinister :)
 
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