Why Do Dogs Make Circles Before They Finally Lie Down?

Continue reading...

Dogs may not discriminate regarding food, but they sure can be picky about where they lie down. If you have a dog, you’ve probably seen it yourself. They find a spot to hunker down but don’t seem quite satisfied. The pup may inspect the area, before circling it repeatedly until some magic feeling tells them it’s time to lay down.

It’s not magic, however. There’s real science behind the circling patterns dogs make before they lie down. It involves comfort, survival instincts, temperature regulation, and more. Watch the video above, and then we will explore the topic further. (For other dog behaviors, discover why dogs get the zoomies.)

Survival

Experts believe that a dog’s need to circle before it lays down is an inherited trait. Their ancestors, wolves, do the same thing when hunkering down. By circling, dogs and wolves get an innate sense of which direction an attack might come from.

Some scientists believe that wolves do this circling ritual to orient their highly attuned noses to the air. This way, it can pick up on threats before they arrive. While most domesticated dogs live in the comfort of homes, this survival tactic remains.

Temperature Regulation

In the wild, dogs have no way of consistently regulating temperature. Being on the move is one thing, but when laying down for sleep, a dog “dens.” Adjustments and circling can create a suitable temperature for sleeping and a makeshift den.

For dogs in colder climates, circling and shaping themselves into tight balls of fur helps them retain heat. Since dogs are naturally pack animals, a collective tightening helps the group retain more heat. When dogs in hotter climates do their bedtime circling ritual, they often scratch and readjust the ground. By exposing the cooler soil, dogs in hot climates can find a more soothing surface for their bed.

Comfort is King

Dogs love to be comfortable, especially when sleeping. Out in the wild, however, dogs don’t have the luxury of soft doggy beds. Since they have to make their own natural beds, they circle to pad down the area, clear it of critters, and make it comfortable.

Dogs in snow do this too, as it helps reposition snowbanks and make a warm cocoon. By circling and making a bed, dogs also signal their territory to other dogs. Circling serves several purposes, all of which help a dog feel safe and comfortable during vulnerable hours. (Is your furniture damp? Discover the 6 reasons dogs lick couches.)

Excessive Circling

Your dog may have a habit of circling before laying down, but what if they circle excessively? If they circle for minutes at a time it may mean they are struggling to find comfort. If this circling problem gets severe, it’s best to consult a veterinarian. If they circle too much, they may have arthritis or neurological problems. If not, don’t fret. Circling is a normal ritual for dogs before sleep. (For a comprehensive look at canines, explore all types of dog breeds from A-Z.)