Circling Dog Habit Before Sleeping?

A dog would circle three times (sometimes even more) before lying down. No one would really know the reason behind this peculiar behavior of a dog. Animal behaviorists believed that this is an inherent habit handed down by ancient dogs that lived in the wilds to the modern domesticated dogs.

Circling before lying down is a dogs defensive behavior. Dogs in the wilds would make sure that the location they have chosen to bed is not occupied by snakes, scorpions and other dangerous animals. By circling around before napping, the dog will see possible threats. Wolves stay in packs. This action is also the dogs way of knowing the location of other dogs in the pack.

Another reason for this odd behavior is comfort. The dog would circle around before lying down to tamp the grass, to compress the snow or to remove loose stones underneath the dirt that will make the bed uncomfortable. On a hot day, the cooler layer of the dirt is exposed when the dog circles the area it has chosen to lie down. The dogs coat serves as insulation against extremely cold weather. However, in the snow, these dog sleep together to take advantage of each others heat. By circling around, the dog will know from which direction the wind is blowing. The dog can then take the position that is most comfortable. Circling around can have another meaning when the dogs sleep together. The dog circles around to get more room and to warn the others not to encroach on his marked bed.

Circling around before lying down is the dogs way of marking its territory with its one of a kind scent. It would not be unusual to see a dog pee a bit on the place it is circling before it flops down. The dog is telling other dogs "Hey, this is my territory". The dog is marking the territory so that it can be found again easily.

it goes back to their wolf ancestors instincts. Before dogs had people, they made their beds outside so they would circle before laying down in order to trample down all of the sticks and leaves to make a more comfortable place to lay down on so things weren't poking them. Also, it was useful in the snow to help get them a little deeper in it and form an insulating layer of snow around them. Also, if you have even noticed, older dogs tend to circle more. I think (although this is just an opinion) that is because they are old and more painful in their joints that instinct to make their "bed" more comfortable kicks in more.

I have had dogs all my life, and work with them at any opportunity i get.

From my experience, they all do this, and from what i've read, no one really knows the reason behind it.

However its not always the case, i think i all depends on the location.

Personally i think the reason dogs do it is simple to get comfortable.

My Dane does this too, except when shes on the couch.

In her dog bed she will dig at the sides and pile it all up in the middle, turn around a lot both ways... then jump up in bed with me :)

or she'll lay on the pile she just made. granted her dog bed is HUGE!

I'm not sure why they do it but my dog always turns counter clockwise, but only once. He always scratches up the bottom of his bed or the couch before laying down on it. I have no idea why he does that, I assumed to make it fluffier but wild dogs/wolves didn't have beds lol

From what I remember from Antropology classes the direction of turning is random.

By the way the answer by Lily is right to the point. I give her a thumbs up.

All dogs do that. Sometimes my dog doesn't do a circle, but he always does. It's normal

My pomeranian occasionally does this, Ive never noticed wich direction he goes though. My other dog does though, all the time lol!

That's a great question

nope all dogs do that