My maltise and lab mix both perform this ritual and I'm curious as to why!
2006-08-24 15:45:48 · 10 answers · asked by jr51grunauer 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It's part of their "hard-wiring". Eons ago, when all dogs were wild, they were much more territorial than they are now. When it's relieving itself, it's looking for a spot that smells familiar (no, really, don't laugh!) -- it's "their" territory, or to avoid an area where another dog has "marked" it. It's also for safety/security.
When they circle before lying down, it's partly that, and also an instinct to try to flatten the area to make it more comfy.
2006-08-24 15:52:37 · answer #1 · answered by Joya 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure about the urinating or defecating, but for laying down to rest, it is because they are "making" their bed/den. Their ancestors had to literally make their own sleeping spot and this built in instinct is seen in dogs today. Some will also nudge with their nose and paw as well at their sleeping spot. All to make the bed soft, comfy for laying in.
2006-08-24 15:50:27 · answer #2 · answered by yowhatsup2day 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It has to do with their primary instinct when they were still wild by nature and their environment was filled with grassy areas.
Before, dogs used to roam in wide areas filled with tall grasses. The dogs had to turn several circles to flatten the grasses into a suitable bed for sleep or to urinate or defecate.
Hope this helps
Peace.
2006-08-24 15:53:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know before they lie down they will circle around many times before eventually lying down sometimes my dog will scratch at the carpet too. They r making their nest to sleep in. It goes way back in their ancestors the wolves, they did that in the wild to create a comfy "bed" so they could rest.
2006-08-24 15:51:43 · answer #4 · answered by I♥myPitbulls 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's old instinct. Your dog's old "ancestors", the wolves, had to walk around in circles to smooth out the surfaces (usually tall grass) they would have to either take a dump on, or lie on.
2006-08-24 15:53:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's the same as a wolf does in the wild...instinct to lay flat the ground (leaves, grass, etc.) to make a comfy area for them.
2006-08-24 15:53:48 · answer #6 · answered by Ms. Roger Rabbit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a survival instinct--making sure there's no predators around who would attack them when they're the most vulnerable.
2006-08-24 15:52:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Someone in the spirit world is telling them to.
2006-08-24 16:02:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
cause to see if anyone else has gone there or to see if its a good spot to go at
2006-08-24 15:47:14 · answer #9 · answered by love4gwen202 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't you?
It's only paranoia if they aren't after you, look around first.
2006-08-24 15:50:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋