Why do dogs walk in circles before they lay down?

Many dogs will circle around a spot before they settle down to rest. Your dog's ancestors had to sleep outside, in the elements, without much warmth or safety. Walking around a spot was a way to stamp down grass, leaves or snow and create a soft, level surface — something akin to carving out a nest. 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

Doggy beds and pillows haven't always been around, so wild dogs had to pat down tall grass and underbrush to make a comfortable bed for themselves and their pups. The easiest way to prepare that night's sleeping area was by walking around in a circle. read more

The results were rather straightforward. On the smooth surface, roughly one out of every five dogs (19%) turned at least one full circle before laying down. On the shag carpeted, uneven surface, more than half of the dogs (55%) turned at least one full circle before they finally rested. read more