If you’ve ever seen your dog circle around a few times before finally lying down, you might wonder why they do it. As a dog behaviorist, I’ve seen this in nearly every dog, and it’s one of those quirky habits that’s both fascinating and deeply rooted in their past.
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Content:
- Why Does My Dog Turn in Circles Before Lying Down
- What Does It Mean When a Dog Spins in Circles
- Why Do Dogs Sleep Curled Up in a Circle
- What Breed of Dog Spins in Circles
- Final Thoughts
Why Does My Dog Turn in Circles Before Lying Down
For starters, think about what a dog’s life would have been like in the wild. They didn’t have dog beds; they had to make their sleeping spots safe and comfy on their own. So, they’d circle around to flatten the grass or whatever surface they were on, checking for anything sharp or dangerous. Even though our modern dogs don’t have to worry about these things, that instinct is still there.
It goes a bit deeper, though. Circling also helps them figure out the best way to lie down. Dogs have a lot to consider: is the space big enough? What’s the temperature like? They may curl up if it’s chilly or stretch out flat if they’re hot. It’s kind of like when we fluff up our pillows and get cozy.
Plus, dogs see the world differently than we do. With their wide peripheral vision, they have a much larger field of view. Sometimes it takes a few circles for them to fully understand their surroundings. Unlike our binocular vision, which lets us quickly size things up, dogs need a little extra time and movement to assess things.
One reddit-user explains: “Dogs' vision is a particularly large field of vision and more specifically they have a wide peripheral vision field of view. As such, something which humans may look directly at and consider may take a dog a few round circles to fully comprehend (through sight) due to their wide field of view as compared to our binocular vision.”
If you want to keep an eye on this behavior and see if you figure it out for yourself, the Pet Cam is a great way to make sure it’s normal, and nothing out of the ordinary.
What Does It Mean When a Dog Spins in Circles
Most of the time, spinning or circling is totally normal. Your dog is just following their instincts. But if you notice your dog spinning excessively or if they seem to circle for a long time without lying down, it might be worth looking closer. In some cases, this could point to something more serious, like a compulsive disorder or even a neurological issue.
Dr. Bonnie Beaver, DVM, mentions that some dogs spin due to high energy levels or poor communication with their owners. But it can also be linked to issues like epilepsy.
This is also where a pet cam can come in handy. It’s a great way to monitor their behavior and spot if something’s off.
Why Do Dogs Sleep Curled Up in a Circle
When dogs sleep curled up, it’s another leftover from their wild days. Sleeping in a ball helps them stay warm and protect their vital organs. For some dogs, it’s just the coziest way to sleep. If you see your dog doing this, it means they’re feeling secure and relaxed.
What Breed of Dog Spins in Circles
Most dog breeds spin in circles at some point, but some do it more than others.
Dr. Beaver says that “ the tail chasing/circling/whirling behavior can occur in mixed-breed and purebred animals and has become a significant problem in German Shepherds and Bull terriers. In Bull terriers, a possible relationship with white colors is suggested.”
Final Thoughts
Circling is an interesting behavior, and understanding it can make you appreciate your dog even more. They may not be wild animals anymore, but they still carry a piece of that history with them, right there in your living room.