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Why Does My Dog Circle Before Lying Down?

If you’ve ever watched your dog lie down, you may have noticed something unusual. Rather than plopping down right away, many dogs will circle around in one spot a few times before settling in. This circling behavior can seem strange, but there are actually good reasons why dogs do it.

Finding the Perfect Spot

  1. Circling helps dogs scope out the most comfortable place to rest. Much like humans fluffing pillows before bed, circling allows dogs to carefully examine potential lying spots.
  2. By circling, dogs can check for any debris, odor, or unevenness in the surface that might cause discomfort. Circling compacts the area so it resembles their wild den as much as possible.
  3. The circling motion also helps scratch any itchy spots on their backs through rubbing against the ground. Who wouldn’t want toscratch an itch before settling in for a rest?

From my experience owning multiple dogs over the years, I’ve found that circling intensifies based on surface type. Dogs likely circle more on grass or dirt than indoors on carpet to groom their coats. Circling helps work loose fur and distribute natural oils.

Scent Marking Territory

In addition to finding comfort, circling is a way for dogs to mark their territory with scent glands. Dogs have scent glands on their paws and around their rear ends that secrete pheromones. By circling before lying down, dogs are able to leave behind their unique scent.

This behavior harks back to wolves in the wildclaiming prime sleeping areas through their scents. Even domesticated dogs maintain this instinct to protect valuable resting spots from intruders. Circling deposits just enough scent to send the message: “This is my spot. Find your own!”

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Removing Predator Traces

Another theory is that circling helps dogs obscure scents left behind by potential predators in the area. Wolves and coyotes sometimes deposit smells near den sites that alert other animals to danger.

By circling vigorously before resting, dogs may cover up foreign scents with their own familiar aroma. This ritual keeps them feeling safe from threats lurking nearby. It shows how primal instincts endure even in man’s best friend!

Soothing Stress and Anxiety

For anxious or high-strung dogs, circling serves to self-soothe before a vulnerable rest. The repetitive motion is calming, much like how humans might pace when feeling tense. Circling likely releases feel-good endorphins in dogs that help relax their nervous systems.

Sometimes circling stems from mild stress or excitement right before bedtime. I’ve found this behavior especially common in puppies adjusting to a new home. Just as babies benefit from being rocked, circling has a comforting, soothing effect on dogs’ psyche.

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Inviting Packmates

According to some canine behavior specialists, circling may double as an invitation for other dogs to lie nearby in a “pack cuddle.” By laying down circular tracks fresh with their scents, dogs signal that the area is safe and cozy for companions to join in resting.

This could explain why pet parentshave witnessed dogs circling multiple times in the same spot if accompanied by canine pals. It forms a socially bonded puppy pile for relaxation time. Humans could learn a thing or two about inclusiveness from man’s best friend!

Of course, as with any dog behavior, circling may also stem from specific health issues in rare cases. Conditions like joint pain, irritation, or neurological problems could potentially cause distress that results in circling. But for most pets, it just boils down to natural instincts carrying over from wolves.

So next time you see Fido or Roverspinning three times in one spot, don’t be baffled. It’s simply their lupine method of claiming prime real estate for shut-eye. All that circling just means those puppy dreams will be sweet indeed! Let me know if this helps explain the circling phenomenon or if you have any other questions.

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FAQ

  1. Why do dogs circle before lying down?

    Dogs will basically rotate in circles a few times before plopping down to rest. Scientists think they do this to sort of knock down tall grass or undergrowth and trample it flat. In the wild, circling helped flatten down an area to make a comfortable place to sleep, to lay on. Even indoor dogs who never see tall grass still do it old habits die hard!

  2. How many times will a dog typically circle?

    Dogs may sort of spin around anywhere from three to seven times averages before choosing the spot to park it. However, every pup is different. Some lazier dogs will only rotate once or twice while hyper dogs may go around ten times! I guess they really want to find the perfect place.

  3. Is circling related to fetching behavior?

    On the other hand, some experts think circling before lying down may be connected to prey-drive instincts from way back. Like how a dog will circle an area when fetching a ball or toy to trample down potential hiding spots. So dogs could be stomping around to scare off any tiny critters before getting cozy.

  4. Do all dogs exhibit this behavior?

    While circling is common, perhaps not 100% of doggos do it. Some non-circling doggies include very old pups with arthritis or injuries that limit movement. Blind dogs may also not circle since they cannot see the area. However, the bulk of dogs still spinning before snoozing off appears to be pretty high.

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  5. When should you be concerned about circling?

    In most cases, circling before lying down is totally normal canine conduct. Nevertheless, if the behavior seems unusually frantic or compulsive, it may suggest stress or anxiety issues. Keep an eye on dogs that spin excessively or do it in weird places like hard floors over carpet where it serves no useful purpose. Consider contacting your vet if circling appears to stem from an underlying condition.

  6. Is circling related to submissive urination?

    Some dog experts posit there may be a small link between circling and submissive urination. Both involve moving the body in circles. Maybe if a pup circles a lot when scared it leads to peeing as a result? But frankly, the jury seems still out on this theory. Most likely, submissive peeing comes down to fearful personality traits not the circling itself. But what do I know? I’m no expert dog psychologist!

  7. Do any other animals besides dogs circle before rest?

    According to zoologists that have observed animal behavior in the wild, circling doesn’t appear terribly common amongst other critters. Apart from dogs, some reports of pre-sleep circling involve cats, hyenas and bears. Stunningly, elephants were even seen rotating before crashing. But on the whole, most creatures just plop down wherever without the extra spinning needed like canines. Dogs sure do have some unusual habits, don’t they?!