Why Do Dogs Spin In Circles Before They Sleep?

Question

Why Do Dogs Spin In Circles Before The Lay Down?

Answer 1

To get comfortable. Sort of like how we fluff our pillows and lay down our bedsheet.

I have read that this is a remnant of their instincts from their wolf ancestors. In the wild they do this to flatten down the plants and make themselves a cozy spot to lay.

Answer 2

Well, studies have shown that there is no real answer as to why dogs spin in circles before the lay down.

Some dog specialists and psychologists think that it is a way to get that last boost of energy and stimulances out of their brains, but this is not proven to be entirely true.

Some dogs don't spin in circles before they lay down, such as mine. She just plops down wherever without wasting any time.

But if you really, truly want to find out for sure, look it up; see if you can find anything worth believing!

Good luck! :)))

Answer 3

I hear military working dogs square their corners while spinning. It is just a latent instinct; basically preparing their bed.

I got a chuckle (the good way) from RodiKenney's answer. My first dog (a german Shepherd Dog/Catahoula cross) after having slept in my bed every night since the day I got him, could no longer do this when he was about 16. I made him his own bed out of an egg crate and a fitted sheet. He took right to it. A few days later, I got the brilliant idea of sharing his bed with him and rolled out my sleeping bag. As soon as I started to crawl in, he started growling at me. I decided he like having his own bed rather then sharing. There really does have to be a territorial element in the spinning action somewhere - perhaps putting his scent around HIS sleeping area.

Answer 4

It's only in the last hundred years that dogs have had the opportunity to lie down on fluffy, well-laundered, and comfortable beds. Before that, they had to make their sleeping arrangements in all sorts of rugged, drafty places. They would rearrange the ground a bit in order to create comfortable hollows. It was a bit warmer than sleeping on the surface, and it allowed them to contour the ground to accommodate four legs and a tail. A thick pile carpet or a plaid cedar bed doesn't need this sort of treatment, but dogs are creatures of habit. Comfort and ritual are only part of the story. Also, it's because: dogs are territorial animals, which means they stake out and claim areas that they consider theirs, much for the same reason after all, we fix our egg crate and sheets every night, plus, because of their pheromone smells, yet dogs love it if they see you curled up in their bed. It's a simple way to make their behavior better, too.

Answer 5

Most dogs do. But I've have dogs that don't do it.

I think the dogs are just trying to find that perfect spot to lay down and go to sleep.

Answer 6

I'm really not sure I think it's just natural instinct but I do know that it is more common in certain breeds of dogs such as pugs. I have a pug and he ALWAYS spins before he sleeps or goes to the bathroom.

Answer 7

Its a reflex they have from when dogs where bread originally from wolves. They are making a bed, laying the grass down just right to sleep in.

Answer 8

Some people(like scientists) say that it's totally territorial, and they do it when the go to sleep, go the bathroom, and my dog even does it when you let it outside. I just think that it's in their consience, and do it without thinking. It's just a dog thing!

Answer 9

Same answer as everybody else...to get comfortable because if it is going to lay there until it HAS to get up...so it wants to be comfortable...

Answer 10

To get comfortable & find their perfect spot,Kinda like the way we fluff our pillows or move around at night.. =))