Stiff walking

As the dog walks, its paws appear to be held stiffly and movements are in slow motion; the dog may give the impression of walking on its tip-toes. May be associated with piloerection, and vertical movements of the head and and tail.
(Capra, 2011)

This Golden Retriever is exhibiting a stiff walk, moving uncertainly with head down after having glimpsed an unfamiliar dog.

In this interaction between two males, the blue merle Border Collie is walking stiffly, ears turned sideways and tail down, avoiding eye contact with the black and white Border Collie who is threatening him.

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Two males, a blue merle Border Collie and a smooth-coated Collie, face off. The Border Collie moves away, walking stiffly, turning his attention to a female Australian Kelpie. When the Kelpie exhibits a hug, the Border Collie reacts with an open-mouth display, pressing her down with his paws. The Collie attacks the Border Collie, who reacts by rearing up with an open mouth display. Both dogs growl; the Collie swerves to the side and leaves. The Border Collie stands tall, then follows his owner.

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The male Labrador mix approaches the Alaskan Malamute bitch and male Golden Retriever from a frontal position, exhibiting piloerection. The two males face off. The female interposes herself between the two males, who then face off again. The female sniffs the Golden Retriever and moves off with a playful air. The Retriever exhibits anal-genital olfactory exploration towards the mixed breed male, who attempts to leave, walking stiffly with ears turned sideways. When the Golden Retriever follows him, he orients toward him, and the Retriever leaves.

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Upon seeing an unfamiliar dog, the mixed breed male licks his nose, stiffens and moves at a stiff walk, exhibiting ears turned sideways, tail arched and piloerection. The two dogs sniff each other, circling, and the mixed breed moves away, seeking support from his owner.

stiff high stance<>struggling