Why does my dog spin in circles before laying in her bed?

Question

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Answer 1

This is an evolutionary trait dogs inherited from wolves a long, long time ago, and it is usually thought to have come from wolves "flattened down" a circle in tall grass to make a more comfortable place to sleep at the same time as hiding near "breakfast" in the grass or brush.  You might also see your dog "pawing-away" sticks and rocks in the spot before or after the circle thing.

Dogs.  Pretty amazing critters!  

Answer 2

My dog does this too! She is just trying to find a comfy spot before she layes down. Nothing to worry about.

Answer 3

This comes to a great story.

Millions of years ago, before they were domesticated, dogs had spent their lives in forests and woods. When they wanted to sleep, many forests and woods had bark and leaves on their floors, so the dogs repeatedly moved in circles and brushed out the unwanted things to make it comfortable.

Also, you should watch out if your dog urinates in that "circle spot". They used to have to do that so other dogs wouldn't sleep there. But in the end, these habits are a passed down instinct that lasted for ages.

Answer 4

My Basset Hound does this too! Sometimes he spends five minutes making the blankets...just the way he wants them. They are just looking for a good spot. I have found that if dogs are outside in the dirt as pups that "dig" at the blankets even more.  

Answer 5

My dog does the same thing.  He/she is trying to find the perfect place to lay down.

Answer 6

Good question!!

My belief is... nesting behavior and the turning may help compress bedding (mat down) to make a more comfortable spot to lye down on.  This is the only thing that I can figure.

Answer 7

It's the nesting instinct. wolves do the same thing. don't worry unless you see blood.

Answer 8

My dog used to do it too. Ha-ha don't worry i looked it up and there is no reason. It is kind of like how do spiders know how to make there webs design. It isn't dangerous so don't worry! It is just something all dogs do.  

Answer 9

Because wolves do this too.

Cats also do this, because lions,tigers etc. spin in circles before laying in bed/grass. :p

It's probably a territorial thing? Maybe?

Answer 10

to make herself comfortable. its like how people will roll around in their sleep without trying, they just want to be comfortable!

Answer 11

She's just trying to get comfortable!

Answer 12

getting cozy :]

Answer 13

its just a thing they inherited from wolves. there trying to stomp everything down. kind of like fluffing there pillow.

Answer 14

trying to get into a comfy, cozy spot.

Answer 15

Most dogs tend to do this, she is just trying to get in a comfortable position before she lays down :)

Answer 16

Its maybe a instinct thing too clear the area they are laying down in. Pushing down the grass or underbrush to make a safe area to lay down in and also to get their bodies curled up for sleeping. Contain body heat and protect their underside.