Why do dogs turn around in circles before they laydown?

Answer 1

== == == == 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.

Answer 2

If 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.

Answer 3

First, 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)

Answer 4

Dogs may circle before lying down to help them create a comfortable spot and kick up any debris or grass that may be on the ground. This behavior is instinctual and is thought to originate from their ancestors that needed to make a safe and comfortable sleeping area in the wild.

Answer 5

I have heard that this is a defensive maneuver, a last look around for danger.

Answer 6

Because it's nearly impossible to spin in squares.

Answer 7

Normally this is just to locate the most comfortable position in which to curl up, the instinctive means of maintaining body heat in colder climates.

Answer 8

bored and most likely no one to play with...or your dog is excited

Answer 9

the dog is trying to catch it's tail