{"id":4670,"date":"2010-09-21T06:45:31","date_gmt":"2010-09-21T10:45:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cynthomas.com\/dogblog\/?p=1938"},"modified":"2010-09-21T06:45:31","modified_gmt":"2010-09-21T10:45:31","slug":"circle-circle-circle-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cynthomas.com\/journal\/circle-circle-circle-sleep\/","title":{"rendered":"Circle :: Circle :: Circle :: Sleep"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nI 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.
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\nOne 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.
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\nBut, 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.
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\nOne 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?
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\nA 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.
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\nThe graphic above is missing one step though… it’s circle, circle, circle, plunk\/heavy sigh, sleep.
\nSweet dreams, y’all.<\/p>\n

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