Reasons Why Dogs Turn Around Several Times before Lying Down
Scientist that have studied the behaviors of wolves noticed the animals’ habit of circling before lying down. Scientists believe that this behavior is done primarily for comfort and for safety. Wolves are pack animals thus they will be seen living together. Aside from the desire to keep each other warm, wolves sleep close to each other for protection against predators. Thus, before lying down, members of the pack would circle around to mark the spot and to give others more room. The habit is also done to make sure that the chosen spot is not inhabited by snakes and other venomous insects.
Wolves are the ancestors of wolves and as such these animals are 99% similar in genetics. This is the reason why modern day dogs would manifest some of the behaviors of their ancestors. The habit of circling before lying down can be the dog’s effort to be more comfortable. It is possible that the dog is not satisfied with the soft and comfortable bed provided by the loving owner. Thus the pet would turn around several times to be more comfortable.
Dogs that are not allowed to sleep inside the house would sleep anywhere. Dogs would be seen digging the chosen spot a bit, turning around several times and then lie down. The dog digs to expose the cool layer of the soil to make the bed would be more comfortable. While the dog is turning around, the vegetation is trampled making the bed more comfortable.
The dog’s habit of turning around before sleeping is done to ensure that the chosen spot is safe. The habit of circling around to makes sure that the chosen spot to sleep on is safe from snakes and other insects is a trait handed down by the dogs’ ancestors, the wolves.
Dogs are one of the pets considered to be members of the family. Some pet parents consider doggie beds not be good enough for the pet. A lot of dogs are allowed to sleep with the owner. As such there will be no need to make the bed more comfortable in the same manner that there is no need to ensure that the bed is safe from harmful insects. However, the habit of circling around remain. Dogs have lived with humans for hundreds of years but they still have habits that are perplexing to humans. Dogs are the most popular pets. Dogs are indeed man’s best friends.
Dogs do many amusing things. One of them is to circle before lying down. Having learnt about this behaviour and why they do it. Wouldn’t it be fun to learn about other curious behaviours like why do dogs howl, pant or eat dirt? At Sarah’s Dogs you can.
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