Why do dogs spin before lying down?

Furthermore, if we look at the number of dogs who circled more than once before laying down, we find only one who did so on the smooth surface, as compared to 19% of the dogs who circled more than one full rotation before they went down on the uneven surface. read more

Before lying down, dogs often circle their beds or wherever they've chosen to settle in for a nap. This curious canine behavior dates back to prehistoric times, when dogs literally had to make their own beds. read more

Many dogs will circle around a spot before they settle down to rest. While no one can be certain of the exact reason why canines do this, the ritual is likely a residual habit from the days when wolflike dogs lived out in the wild, says veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda, DVM, of the VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. read more