Why Dogs Turn Before Lying Down?

Unlike humans, dogs don't just drop to bed when they're tired. They spend a lot of time getting their beds ready before snuggling for the night. Sleepy dogs will spin in circles and then do a little dance before bedtime. This bedtime ritual is a bit compulsive, and they won't be able to sleep until they've completed their nightly dance routine.

How does circling help survival?

 

Dog behaviorists believe that the bedtime ritual that dogs need to perform in circles before lying down is genetic. Canine ancestors such as wild wolves exhibited the same behavior, while domestic dogs retained this genetic predisposition. Evolved behaviors like these are designed for self-preservation and are strongly passed down through generations in the animal kingdom.

 

"Dog behaviorists believe dogs need to perform the bedtime ritual of turning around Spinning in circles before lying down is hereditary. "

 

Spinning in circles before lying down is an act of self-preservation, since a dog may innately know that he needs to position himself in a certain way to fend off an attack in the wild. Some wildlife biologists believe that wolves sleep with their noses facing the wind so they can quickly pick up threatening scents. Circling allows the wolf to determine the direction of the wind so he can best position himself. A wolf takes a quick breath and knows it may be in danger and has been alerted of a potential attack.

Most domestic dogs are pets that sleep in our homes or other safe, controlled environments. Although they are immune to wild animals, our canine friends have retained this evolutionary protective trait. So, like their ancestors, our dogs do a few laps before lying down.

 

Are there other reasons why my dog might be spinning in circles before lying down?

There is another evolutionary explanation for this hovering behavior. Wild canids such as wolves, foxes, and coyotes travel in packs that include many family members. The whole group is protective of group members and is constantly on the lookout for stragglers. Turning around helps the group leader assess the group and investigate areas where members may be falling behind.

 

Circling also provides an opportunity to look for a potential predator one last time before bed. So, again, this bedtime rotation is actually a form of self-preservation and protection.

 

Each package has an established hierarchy. Some members are more dominant, while others are more submissive. Bedtime turning routines may also be part of a ritual to determine a wolf's place in the pack's pecking order.

 

Will circling make my dog comfortable?

 

A more fundamental reason for canine circling is that dogs in the wild don't have the luxury of manufactured puppy beds and pillows. They make their own beds in nature. To make their sleeping areas more comfortable, dogs will pat tall grass and move thorny bushes and stickers before lying down. They dug up rocks and fallen branches. In colder climates, dogs will go around in circles to reposition snowdrifts.

 

This "nesting" procedure also finds unwanted residents, such as snakes or insects. Additionally, changing the layout of an area by moving grass, snow, or foliage will indicate to other dingoes in the area that that particular spot is used for overnight stays.

 

Does circling help animals control body temperature?

 

Dogs in the wild have no control over weather conditions and must survive extreme temperature changes. They can't turn down the thermostat when it's hot, or grab a blanket when it's cold, so they "indent" to regulate the temperature of their sleeping quarters.

 

"Scratching and turning allows them to find a more comfortable sleeping temperature."

 

In hotter climates, outdoor dogs scratch at the ground to remove topsoil and grass that retain and radiate the sun's heat. Remove the topsoil to expose the cooler soil below. Scratching and turning helps them find a more comfortable sleeping temperature.

 

In cooler climates, wild canids coil into tight balls to conserve body heat. The tighter the hug, the warmer the dog will be. In addition, other wolf pack members form a circle, effectively sharing body heat. Therefore, the ritual of turning over before going to bed also has a biological basis.

 

How does circling help our pet dogs?

 

These are all good reasons for a dog to run in circles before laying down in the wild, but what does that have to do with our modern domestic dogs who live comfortably in our homes and yards?

 

The desire for comfort is innate, so one explanation is that our dogs circle in circles before laying down in order to make the bed the way they want it.

Unlike us, quick plumping with pillows is a no-go. But their bedtime ritual doesn't stop there. It's a rehash of the actions their ancestors took before falling asleep under the stars.

 

What should I do if the circle is too large?

 

While it's fun to watch our dogs turn around before bed, it can also be a sign that something is wrong. A dog in pain will excessively circle in an effort to find a more comfortable position. They may also squat and stand up a few times before lying down completely.

 

If your dog still has trouble settling after turning around a few times, consult your veterinarian. Orthopedic conditions such as arthritis and neurological conditions such as spinal cord or back problems can turn routine nighttime circling into a painful experience. With proper evaluation and treatment, bedtime can become a comforting and comforting ritual again.