I know we dogs can be wacky. We roll on our backs in the grass or dirt. We run just for the sake of it. Some of us will dig to the earth’s core, if you let us.
One of the wackiest is our setting up to sleep. I don’t know any dog that doesn’t circle a bit before settling in for sleep. It’s methodical. It’s rhythmic. It’s certifiable.
But, as with a lot of things dog, our actions are based on instinct. Smart humans theorize about our behaviors and some of what they come up with even makes sense.
One theory surmises that we circle to leave our scent on our sleeping spot. Another similar theory is that we are creating our personal space, which tells other dogs to stay away. Personal space sounds a little New Age-y for a dog. If we wanted personal space, why would we cram ourselves into a small space on your bed every chance we get?
A reasonable theory is that a wild dog had to check his sleeping space to make sure he wouldn’t be sleeping on top of any creepy crawly critters. He would also tamp down the grass or expose a cooler layer of earth. Seems very practical and a good instinct to develop. It’s so interesting how these instincts are passed from generation to generation and dog to dog, when the practicality for the action is gone. I don’t think I ever need to check the sleeping space I choose for anything more than a tossed-aside toy. Sometimes, I’ll just lay on top of it anyway.
The graphic above is missing one step though… it’s circle, circle, circle, plunk/heavy sigh, sleep.
Sweet dreams, y’all.
Oh, my! I was going to ask you about this crazy practice! Sometimes Sophie circles 3x one way then 3 times the other. But always ending in a kerplunk and sigh! Sometimes she lands on me.
Great info to share next time we chuckle at her routine.
I always love when Lola does this. It is so interesting to watch. I never put any thought into why she does it. So now I will have to pay more attention next time.
Some Hunter is missing this instinct. He just plops down where ever he is. I have a theory that at his first home he was influence by cats as a puppy because he has some really funny cat like tendencies and is missing some of these “normal” dog behaviors.
Milly always pads for a while, then sniffs, then pads, turns around and then plops down and before long legs are in the air…only wish it was that easy for me 🙂
I always have to circle, and throw in a scratch or two as well, for good measure!
Bunny
I can tell you, I don’t circle. Once in awhile I may turn around once.
I spent a lot of time in my crate as a young fella, so circling wasn’t practical. You either lay to face the door, so you could see, or turn to the back to keep the light out of you eyes.
Hawk aka BrownDog