If you are a dog owner, you have probably seen your furry friend perform a strange ritual before settling down for a nap. Your dog will walk in circles, sniff at the ground, and maybe even scratch or paw at their bed before finally curling up to sleep. This behavior can seem odd, but it’s actually quite normal and has a logical explanation rooted in your dog’s wild ancestry.
Table of Contents
- Evolutionary Explanation
- Comfort and Safety
- Checking for Danger
- Territory Marking
- When to Be Concerned
- Common Questions
Key Takeaways
- Dogs circle before lying down due to their wild ancestry.
- The circling behavior helps create a comfortable and safe sleeping area.
- Dogs may circle to check for dangers or to mark their territory.
- If the behavior becomes excessive or your dog seems anxious, it may be a sign of a health problem.
Evolutionary Explanation
The habit of dogs doing circles before they lay down is a behavior passed down from their wild ancestors. In the wild, dogs didn’t have the luxury of comfortable dog beds or warm blankets. They had to make their own beds in the grass or dirt. Circling helped to pat down the grass, leaves or snow and create a comfortable, flat surface to sleep on.
For more on the evolution of dogs from their wild ancestors, check out this article.
Comfort and Safety
Besides creating a flat surface, circling also helped to ensure that the sleeping area was safe. Circling could drive out any bugs or snakes hiding in the grass. It also allowed dogs to check for any sharp sticks or rocks that could be uncomfortable or injurious.
A dog’s bed is their sanctuary, and they want to make sure it’s as comfortable and safe as possible. This is similar to how we fluff our pillows or adjust our blankets before we go to sleep.
For tips on picking a comfortable and safe bed for your dog, check out this guide.
Checking for Danger
Circling isn’t just about comfort, it’s also about safety. In the wild, dogs were vulnerable to predators while they slept. By circling and sniffing around, dogs could check for the scent of any predators or other dangers.
Even though your dog is safe in your home, this instinctual behavior remains. Your dog might not be sniffing for predators, but they might be checking for the scent of other pets or any unusual smells.
To learn more about dog’s incredible sense of smell, visit this page.
Territory Marking
Dogs are territorial creatures, and they use their scent to mark their territory. The pads of a dog’s feet produce a unique scent that is used for marking. As your dog circles around their bed, they are leaving their scent and marking it as their territory.
This can also explain why some dogs might ‘dig’ at their beds. They are not actually trying to dig a hole, but are scratching at the bed to release more of their scent and further mark their territory.
For more about dog’s territorial behavior, check out this article.
When to Be Concerned
While circling before laying down is a normal dog behavior, it can sometimes be a sign of a problem. If your dog is circling excessively, seems anxious or distressed, or if the behavior is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it could be a sign of a health issue such as arthritis or a neurological condition.
In such cases, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian.
Common Questions
Why does my dog scratch at their bed?
Scratching at the bed can be a part of the same circling behavior. Your dog may be trying to create a comfortable spot or mark their territory.
Should I stop my dog from circling?
Generally, no. Circling before laying down is a natural and harmless behavior. However, if the behavior becomes excessive or seems to cause distress, it might be a good idea to consult a vet.
Will getting a more comfortable bed stop my dog from circling?
Not necessarily. Even if your dog has the most comfortable bed in the world, they might still circle due to instinctual behavior. However, a comfortable bed can certainly contribute to your dog’s overall comfort and wellbeing.
In conclusion, the question of why dogs do circles before they lay down has a multifaceted answer rooted in their wild ancestry. It’s a behavior that contributes to comfort, safety, and territory marking. As a caregiver, understanding these behaviors can enhance your relationship with your dog and contribute to their wellbeing.
