Odd Behavior

Question
My toy poodle exhibited something strange tonight.  As she was being let outside, she held her right front leg at an awkward and unusual angle.  Then, moments later, she held her right hind leg at an unusual (uncomfortable looking) angle.  She then proceeded to lie down in the yard, when normally she will "do her business".  When we picked her up, she acted like she was in a little pain.  We put her on the couch and went into the other room to get her blanket, and she jumped right off and ran in to be with us as if nothing had happened at all.  She is a rescue poodle, 11 years old, and I've had her for 3 years.  She has never exhibited this behavior/problem before.  Any help would be sincerely appreciated.

Answer
Hello Sherry,
It could be due to stiffness when she first gets up.  She could have a touch of arthritis and is just starting to show signs of being stiff after laying down for awhile.  
She could also be doing it because if a dog lays on its legs too long they can fall asleep and they tingle and feel funny when the dog starts moving them.  This is the most likely culpret here because once the dog has moved the sleepiness out of the leg the leg is better and only the person is left wondering what happened.  

Keep an eye on her though and if she continues doing this, you might give your Vet a call just to let him/her know.  
I hope this has helped you some.  If you have other questions for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim