Why do dogs turn in circles?

That means to say that the dogs were nearly 3 times more likely to circle before laying down on the uneven surface than on the smooth surface. Thus it appears that when dogs are presented with a soft, uneven surface, they are more likely to turn in circles before they lie down. 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

For dogs turning in circles before lying down, factors such as age, surroundings, or other individual differences may change the exact behavioral pattern. But the basic action pattern is likely an inborn and hard‑wired one. read more

When a doggie spins around in circles before bedtime, he may be behaving in a way that is natural to him -- a vestige of his wild origins. Dogs in the wild often dig out their own resting spots. Once they're satisfied with their work, they may examine it several times over by walking around it in circles. read more