Why do dogs go around and around before they lay down?

Answer 1

Before dogs were domesticated, they would do this in order to get plants and weeds to flatten out for a bed. So naturally this is the reason for it. It is an instinct for them, that they do this.

Answer 2

Sometimes, the obvious answer is the correct one. The trick to understanding any domestic animal 'stereotypical' behavior is to imagine its value in the wild. A wild dog will often sleep in the open, and walking in a circle before you lay down is a good way to tramp down the vegetation a bit to make a more comfortable "bed." It's also possible that dogs, being social, sleep together and circling is a way of marking out territory and making more room--one of those obviously 'hard-wired' things that haven't yet been bred out.

"Other animals have similar behaviors. Cats like to 'knead' the surface they're going to sleep on with their claws, but they stand in place to do this. I'm not positive about rabbits or rodents, but I think they just hunker down and wriggle, from what I recall of my friends' pets. Maybe each type of critter has its own ritual. Heck, people do some pretty stereotypical maneuvers when they're about to bed down, like fluffing the pillow, getting a glass of water, and so forth. At least a dog doesn't insist on being read Green Eggs and Ham."

Answer 3

They want to find the most comfortable spot to lay, and also I have heard that dogs try to lay where they can see where everything is going on. (the people in your houses daily activities)

Answer 4

Instinct. In the wild they circle around looking for snakes, rodents, even rocks and sticks to ensure they will be safe and comfortable when they do lay down.

Answer 5

As said above, they are looking for the warmest and softest spot, (even on hard floors) so they can get comfortable. My dog will scratch at her bed like she's trying to fluff the pillow. Just something they all do.

Answer 6

They are checking the scent before they lay down. It's part of their instincts. Then they will make it softer and more comfortable.

Answer 7

My yorkie does it too, but she will do it until she feels comfortable. I guess they just ensuring that the spot they are going to lay in is comfortable enough to sleep in. We also tend to fluff our pillow before we settle in, I guess its just the same.

Answer 8

They trample the ground and leaves to make their bed. A Left over from their genetic background

Answer 9

Because there trying 2 get comfortable and make sure thats the right spot.

Answer 10

There trying to find the perfect position and the most comfortable.