Lie down facing outward.
That consistency makes the behavior worth watching more closely.
The Corner Appears to Matter
The bed itself does not seem to be the problem.
Biscuit willingly lies on it.
He can remain there for long periods.
He does not immediately jump off when the mattress moves beneath him.
What he avoids is approaching the back of that space face-first.
If he backs onto the mattress, he can keep his eyes oriented toward the rest of the kennel.
He never has to turn his face into the corner.
That Doesn't Tell the Shelter Why
Biscuit's history provides context, but not an exact explanation.
He came from an overcrowded environment.
Perhaps having limited space around other animals influenced how he positioned himself.
Perhaps he became accustomed to keeping activity in front of him.
Perhaps the behavior has nothing to do with the other dogs and instead reflects pain, balance, vision, or a simple learned habit.
The shelter can investigate those possibilities.
It cannot ask Biscuit which one is correct.
His Hind-Leg Weakness Still Needs Medical Attention
Behavior is only part of this case.
A seven-year-old dog with weak hind limbs deserves a physical and neurologic assessment.
Muscle loss may contribute.
Arthritis or orthopedic pain may be involved.
Problems involving the knees, hips, or spine are possible.
Neurologic disease can also affect strength, coordination, and paw placement.
The shelter needs to understand what Biscuit's rear legs can physically do before assuming every unusual movement is fear.
Hair Loss Around the Hips Adds Another Question
The missing fur may have a dermatologic cause.
Friction can contribute to hair loss.
Parasites, allergies, infection, endocrine disease, or other conditions may also be involved depending on the appearance of the skin and veterinary findings.
The areas beneath the missing hair need examination.
If Biscuit's hips are painful or his skin is sensitive, lying down and changing position could be uncomfortable too.
Backward Walking Requires Control
Backing up is not necessarily easier than walking forward.
A dog cannot see exactly where the rear paws are going.
The nervous system has to know where the limbs are in space.
Balance has to be maintained.
The hind legs must support and reposition the body.
That makes Biscuit's behavior particularly interesting.
Despite his weakness, he repeatedly chooses the movement that requires him to place his rear paws onto the bed without looking directly at them.
He Does It Slowly
Biscuit does not rush backward.
One rear paw moves.
It searches for the mattress.
Touches the edge.
Biscuit shifts his weight.
Then the second paw follows.
His front feet remain on the kennel floor.