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You are here: Home / Science / Why Do Dogs Make a Tight Little Circle Before Lying Down To Sleep and What Does it Mean?

Why Do Dogs Make a Tight Little Circle Before Lying Down To Sleep and What Does it Mean?

February 22, 2020 by Karen Hill

Scientists would find it difficult and perhaps pointless to try to prove an explanation, but can make some educated guesses.

All canids, that is, wolves, coyotes, dogs, etc., typically circle before they lie down, though not every single member of all species will do this.

The old assumption was that it was to stamp down grass, but of course it would also work very well to make a little depression in dirt, or particularly snow, to get under the surface for protection from high winds in winter.

Or the circling might be preparatory activity, simply feeling out the ground for sticks or rocks or checking for enemies.

Dogs often circle, lie down, stand up and move someplace else.

It is not a rational process, but instinctive experimentation, because dogs apparently don’t have the brain power to look and think, “This looks comfortable, I guess I’ll lie down here.”

Instead they feel it out with their feet.

Related Facts

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  • Why Do Dogs Walk Around In a Circle Several Times Before Lying Down and What Does the Behavior Mean?
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  • How Did Dinosaurs Sleep and Did Prehistoric Dinosaurs Sleep Standing Up or Lying Down?
  • What Are the Different Groups of Dogs?
  • What Does the Phrase “Goodnight Sleep Tight” Mean and Where Did it Come From?

Filed Under: Science

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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