Amusing Dog Behavior: Circling 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. It is the nature of wolves to stay in a pack. Aside from the desire to keep each other warm, wolves sleep close to each other for protection against predators. Wolves therefore would circle around before lying down to make room for other members of the pack. By circling around before lying down, the wolves are sure that the spot chosen is free from insects and snakes.
Dog wise people believe that modern day dogs are about 99% genetically identical to wolves. This is the reason why modern day dogs would manifest some of the behaviors of their ancestors. To make the bed fit the contours of the body, dogs would turn around several times before lying down. Dogs these days are provided with comfortable beds but the way the blankets are arranged may not be to the liking of the pampered pet. To "arrange" the blankets and make the bed comfy, the dog would circle several times before lying down.
Dogs that stay outdoors would find the most comfortable spot to sleep. 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.
Making sure that the spot is safe is another reason why dogs circle around before sleeping. Just as with wolves in the wild, domesticated dogs would make sure that snakes, scorpions and other insects are not lurking in the sport where they are about to sleep.
Modern day dogs are pampered pets. The cost of doggie beds would be the last of the concern of dog owners as long as the pet is comfortable. They are also allowed to sleep with their owners. This situation therefore negates the dog's need to make the bed more comfortable or to ensure that the sleeping area is free from snakes and insects. However, the habit of circling around remain. This is one of the habits of dogs that cannot be understood by humans in spite of the long years of association. Dogs though are still the best pets. Dogs are still man's best friends.
Dog wise people believe that modern day dogs are about 99% genetically identical to wolves. This is the reason why modern day dogs would manifest some of the behaviors of their ancestors. To make the bed fit the contours of the body, dogs would turn around several times before lying down. Dogs these days are provided with comfortable beds but the way the blankets are arranged may not be to the liking of the pampered pet. To "arrange" the blankets and make the bed comfy, the dog would circle several times before lying down.
Dogs that stay outdoors would find the most comfortable spot to sleep. 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.
Making sure that the spot is safe is another reason why dogs circle around before sleeping. Just as with wolves in the wild, domesticated dogs would make sure that snakes, scorpions and other insects are not lurking in the sport where they are about to sleep.
Modern day dogs are pampered pets. The cost of doggie beds would be the last of the concern of dog owners as long as the pet is comfortable. They are also allowed to sleep with their owners. This situation therefore negates the dog's need to make the bed more comfortable or to ensure that the sleeping area is free from snakes and insects. However, the habit of circling around remain. This is one of the habits of dogs that cannot be understood by humans in spite of the long years of association. Dogs though are still the best pets. Dogs are still man's best friends.
About the Author:
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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