Why do dogs spin before lying down?

Question

Has anyone else noticed that dogs always spin around a billion times before they lie down to go to sleep? I used to think it was just a weird “quirk” that my dog (a Pug crossed with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) had, but more recently I noticed a friends dog (a Beagle) doing it as well. I then started watching more closely and I’ve now seen heaps of different dogs do it, German Shepherd, Boxer, Jack Russell, Pomeranian, etc. They approach their bed (or a comfy looking patch of grass), circle it, circle it again, then again, then again…and eventually they lie down. Are they tiring themselves out first? Why do dogs spin before lying down?

Answer 1

If it’s just a usual routine of circling, scratching/digging and then lying down to sleep, then it’s just an instinct thing and no cause for concern. However, if your dog is circling, lying down, getting up, circling again, whining, etc., then it may be something is actually wrong. These can be signs of discomfit or pain, possibly caused by something neurological or an issue with arthritis. Take note of how your dog is settling and if you notice that your dog can’t seem to get comfortable then maybe a trip to the vet could be a good idea. They can check for issues and advise on the best course of action.

Answer 2

Apparently, no one is 100% sure why do dogs spin before lying down, but, according to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda, it could be a throwback to their wild ancestry as wild, wolf-like creatures that lived in packs and slept outside (as opposed to pampered pooches who wear diamante collars and have trips to the spa to get a shampoo and a blow wave). Dr. Sueda says that when dogs had no choice but to sleep outside, exposed to the elements, they would walk around in circles to create a little nest. It would flatten the grass, smooth the sand or pat down the snow into a more level and comfortable sleeping surface. For the same reason many dogs will “dig” their bedding before settling down (primitive urge to create a sheltering den).

Answer 3

Another reason (again, going back to the old wolf-pack days) is that the circling leaves a mark for other dogs that this particular territory has been claimed.