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== == == == 1st: Some dogs just do it, but it can also be a sign that they have worms.
2nd: There are many reasons a dog may circle and it often may only be discerned when the behavior is examined in the context of when, where and how it is manifested. For example many dogs may circle in the area of where they are about to lay down. This is most probably a behavior that they retained from their wild dog and wolf ancestors. Many animals will check the area where they lay or bed down for anything that makes the area undesirable They also trample down the grasses, dirt, etc. for a more comfortable or hidden location. Domesticated dogs have taken that behavior and used it to get our attention and get their owner to react in a certain way. Such behavior is often built upon as trick or as a way of alerting the owner that the dog needs something as specific as food, water, or access to an area where they may use the bathroom. Thus over the centuries dogs and humans have expanded this behavior for our mutual benefit.
Dogs may circle out of distress, trying to reach an itch, sore, or injury. One such distress may be as stated in the first answer, worms, or or impacted anal glands which can cause mental distress and physical discomfort.
Dogs may circle out of nervousness or anxiety; such as when it is storming or when their owner leaves them; often as a symptom of separation anxiety.
Some dogs circle an area before they urinate or defecate. Since this is often also used a way of marking territory, the circling may be part of the preparation of the area for that purpose. Again another behavior likely linked to their wolf and wild dog ancestry.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoIf he or she is circling around and chasing their tails, this means they're bored, and doing it for a bit of attention, in other words "play with me."
In other cases, it could mean the dog is stressed in some way. If the dog is about to lie down to sleep, one theory is that the circling tramples down vegetation such as grass to make a more comfortable bed, allows the dog to check the surroundings and begin to relax. in some cases when the dog is a young pup they sometimes think that there tail is some type of thing that they can not see clearly so they run around in a circle trying to see it clearly. but when they grow up they get used to it that it is there and realize that it is their own tail.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoFirst, know that many veteranarians, dog psychologists, owners and maybe even the dogs themselves can't seem to come to full agreement on this.
Now that this is out of the way, I will give my take based on research and experience and the foundational belief that "Dogs follow the leader or are the leader."
I've found the behavior you've explained (running in a circle, many times while dragging the behind) to occur almost always because of one of the following two situations:
1) Since dogs are pack animals by nature, they instinctively crave affection from the pack leader by instinct (alpha dogs don't give affection or attention in the wild unless it is a reward for excellent behavior).
Given that you (or someone else in the room) has a perceived higher role in the pack or is the Alpha, they will attempt to please you by doing this behavior because it comes with your positive attention/action (for example: paying attention, laughing, clapping and/or giving a treat).
While you may enjoy the behavior, know that it is unnatural for the dog and is similar to him/her to shaking, rolling over or playing dead in that it is simply a behavior done for a reward (from affection to treats).
2) While the top part may sound like the answer you want to hear, this one is equally as true and unfortunately as possible. A dog running in circles (with/without butt down) can be a sign of depression or another mental change in the state of the dog. You may not believe in doggie depression, but know that quite a bit of research has been done on dogs and mental illnesses and this is a precursor to canine mental illnesses.
And, even more sad, is that these issues are typically the result of a human controlled reason such as providing lack of exercise or mental stimulation.
In the end, remember that dogs are not humans and their emotions and thoughts are not even closely related to ours. For additional resources, take the time to look up "Alpha Dog" or "Dog psychology" (be sure to look for at all resources as many sites offer only the opportunity to purchase someones book)
Wiki User
∙ 16y agoI have heard that this is a defensive maneuver, a last look around for danger.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoBecause it's nearly impossible to spin in squares.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoNormally this is just to locate the most comfortable position in which to curl up, the instinctive means of maintaining body heat in colder climates.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agobored and most likely no one to play with...or your dog is excited
Wiki User
∙ 13y agothe dog is trying to catch it's tail
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Why would a possum go around in circles?
To flatten the grass around them so they could sleep much similar to dogs
Why do dogs run in counterclockwise circles?
Dogs often run in counterclockwise circles just because they are excited. While some dogs seem to turn only in one direction, other dogs will run in clockwise circles, and some dogs will do both, at different times.
Why do dogs turn in circles before they defecate?
Scientists believe dogs turn in circles to stomp down grass and weeds to give the dog a place to defecate. Other theories include looking for predators and finding the best place to mark their territories.
How many dogs can you have before you need a kennel license?
how many dogs can I keep before I need a license
Why do dogs make a complete circle before they lay down?
In the wild, there are often weeds or grass that has to be tampered down to make a nice place to lie down. Since dogs are related to wild dogs, they have this habit inbred in them. HII!!!!!Pet dogs will circle anywhere indoors, even in their own beds. It's not reasoned behavior, but is instinctive to all canines, domesticated and wild.No one knows for sure but my explinathion is they cirlsbecuase they wanna make sure it is safe and comfortable. i mean think about it u dont gor write to sleep u have to roll and make sure it is comfortabl. One contradiction to this is a sled dog which will often pad out a circle in the snow and sleep with the wind blowing from back to front so as to stay warm.They do this as when they were wild living outside they had to "make their bed" by stepping on the tall grass to make it flat, comfortable and warm. Now that they are domesticated it is just an instinctive act.This appears to be a trait that is passed down generation to generation. Dogs have scent glands on their paws, so they may be "marking" the area as their own before sleeping. However, there isn't a clear answer as to why dogs do this, and not all dogs circle before lying down to sleep.From wisegeek.com: There are actually a few theories on why dogs turn around three times before sleeping, including genetics, instinct and general comfort. Like many other domesticated animals, dogs still retain many of the traits found in their undomesticated ancestors. In fact, modern dogs are believe to be 99% identical genetically to their common ancestor, the wild wolf. Wolves living in packs exhibit many of the same behaviors observed by owners of domestic dogs. One reason dogs turn around three times before bedding down is because that's what feels right instinctively. Ancestral wolves traveled in packs for a number of reasons, primarily to hunt animals larger than any one wolf could kill on his own. When pack animals lie down to rest, they instinctively form a tight circle to take advantage of their neighbor's body heat. Perhaps dogs turn around three times before bedding down today because the practice has become ingrained after thousands of years. When wild packs of dogs turn around three times in the wild, they may be establishing their territory and orienting themselves within the circle. Another reason some experts believe dogs turn around three times is to trample down the area for comfort. A pack of wild dogs may decide to bed down on a grassy field, for instance, so the individual dogs turn around three times to force the tall grasses down. Any other hazards or obstructions may also be uncovered when dogs turn around three times. This trampling behavior is often observed in domesticated dogs who use padded dog beds or sleep outdoors routinely. Some suggest that dogs turn around three times for a different form of comfort. Wolves have been observed digging up the ground as they prepare their bedding sites in the wild. This behavior is more often observed during hot weather, so some have theorized that the wolves are exposing a cooler layer of dirt to gain relief from the heat. Domestic dogs, especially larger breeds kept outdoors, may also be duplicating this behavior in an effort to cool down during hot weather. When dogs turn around three times or more, enough of the cooler dirt may be exposed to provide some relief.it goes back to wolfs preparing somewhere to sleep for example repeatedly trampling on some dried leaves walking around and around on them to flatten them. dogs still do this now an it is in there nature, its basically there way of making themselves comfortable.Not all dogs do spin around in circles before lying down. As for those dogs that do spin before coming to rest, there is no real way of knowing what goes through the mind of a dog. Some animal behaviorists believe that this activity is linked to the defensive behavior of wolves who might have turned around to look for threats or to locate other members of the pack before coming to rest. Many dogs also engage in nesting behavior and the turning may help to compress bedding to make a more comfortable spot on which to lie. And they like weinersit is a vestigial routine of flattening grass and making it comfortable. some dogs will dig at the bed or pillow as if it were dirt to make a comfy place.it is because it is an instinct the wolves do that too all because they want to make sure that there are no bugs under their paws the dogs do it because it is a way to get comfortableNo one will ever know
Why do dogs walk in circles before laying down?
Dogs have nerves that tell them how to do things it genetic ly forces
Why would a possum go around in circles?
To flatten the grass around them so they could sleep much similar to dogs
Why do dogs run in counterclockwise circles?
Dogs often run in counterclockwise circles just because they are excited. While some dogs seem to turn only in one direction, other dogs will run in clockwise circles, and some dogs will do both, at different times.
Why do dogs circles sleep?
Dogs sleep in circles so they can keep them selves warm. Its not like they knew blankets existed! Anyways its not like they can sleep on their backs or bellies! or can they? No they can't.
Do the dogs at puppy mills get to play?
Dogs in puppy mills usually entertain themselves by running around in circles in their tiny cages. Some dogs just lay in their cage and hope to die. Sound fun?? <<<adopt don't shop>>>
Which was first the cat or the dog?
Dogs were around long before cats came into the picture. Scientists believe dogs were around tens of thousands of years before the cat showed up.
Were dogs born before cats?
Yes, because in Egypt they would worship cats, and dogs were not yet around.
Why do dogs turn in circles before they defecate?
Scientists believe dogs turn in circles to stomp down grass and weeds to give the dog a place to defecate. Other theories include looking for predators and finding the best place to mark their territories.
What does it mean if your dog is walking in circles?
If your dog is circling before lying down to take a nap, this is pretty typical dog behavior and is normal. If your dog is walking in circles without a reason (such as circling a toy or a new object in the yard), this can be a sign of brain disease and should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Dogs can get infections of the lining of the brain, and certain breeds are more likely to have these infections, and the sooner the infection is treated the better the outcome is likely to be.
Why do dogs turn around before lying down?
Around, and around, and around again! Dogs will often circle the bed or carpet two or three times before curling up and going to sleep. Are they checking for bed bugs or snakes? Not necessarily. Many times dogs are just flattening out their beds to get comfortable. Actually, this behavior is a genetic trait left over from when the dog's ancestors used to dig their own shelters. After digging, the dogs would feel comfortable in their "dens" and plop down down for some much needed shut-eye.
Did mammoths come first before dogs?
Mammoths were living before wolves were domesticated into dogs.
How do you know what's the brand of dogs?
how it reacts around other dogs or around people
