2007-03-27 11:21:06 · 20 answers · asked by Voight-Kampff 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have read in a few dog books that it is an instinctual ritual passed down from when they were wild canines. Wild dogs may walk in a small circle to pack down loose earth or snow and make it more comfortable to them. A larger circle may be walked to check for signs of commonly used trails by other animals, for something that could be dangerous, for any scent marks left by other dogs, etc.
I think it's mostly theory, as no one can really tell what the dog is thinking. My own dog used to do it to pack her bed into a more comfortable nest.
Read up if you're interested. =]
2007-03-27 11:43:16 · answer #1 · answered by dark_reaction 3 · 22⤊ 1⤋
Apparently it originates from the days of wild dogs. They walk round in a circle to flatten the area and check it for 'dangers' before they lay their body down......
2007-03-28 08:39:55 · answer #2 · answered by LBUK 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is nesting, they do this because in the wild the dog's ancestors had to walk around in circles in the grass(etc..) before they could lay down all nice and comforable. Dogs take after their ancestors.
A more supersticious is that they do that to ward off bad dreams and spirits, sort of like a barrier so that nothing bothers them. Hope this helped at all
2007-03-27 18:28:41 · answer #3 · answered by seabound_kitten 2 · 5⤊ 1⤋
It is a nesting thing, mine does it all the time and it drives me nuts, she goes around in circles on a wooden floor then just flops down and sighs like she's made the floor more comfy or something. I'm just grateful my husband doesn't to it before he settles into bed at night.
2007-03-27 19:23:16 · answer #4 · answered by Wise One 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It is natural instinct to nest from when they were wolves. They would get into long grass and walk in circles to make a comfy dip in middle and the sides would help keep them warm.
2007-03-27 21:54:35 · answer #5 · answered by carol welch 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Because when they lived in the wild, they had to flatten out all the leaves, sticks etc before they could get comfy.
2007-03-28 05:08:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
so they can lay down with their nose to the wind it is a trait from when were in the wild
2007-03-27 19:00:43 · answer #7 · answered by ARTHUR R 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think its nesting, dogs don't naturally make nests. Its probably a survival instinct, making sure its safe to lie down, no snakes or stingy things
2007-03-28 09:41:55 · answer #8 · answered by a3pacific 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
This is a primeval practise that animals do because the are 'scenting' the area in case any other animal has been there recently.
2007-03-27 18:27:30 · answer #9 · answered by MANCHESTER UK 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
theyre testing how soft the ground is and where the best spot to sleep is
2007-03-27 18:43:53 · answer #10 · answered by casey 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋