You've probably seen it hundreds of times: your dog approaches his bed, rug, or sofa, begins to spin around repeatedly, as if performing a strange ritual dance, and only after "settling" does he finally collapse to sleep. Sometimes, he even scratches his paws a bit, perhaps on the pillow you just bought.
The question arises: "But why does he do it? Is he looking for the perfect position, or is there more to it?" The answer will take you back in time, to his wild ancestors, and reveal how deeply connected domestic dogs are to their primal instincts. Let's explore this fascinating behavior together!
A Wild Legacy: The Wolf's Legacy
The main reason your dog performs this goodnight ritual is written in his DNA. His wolf ancestors lived in wild environments and needed to create a safe and comfortable bed for the night. By circling, they performed two fundamental actions:
- Flattening Grass or Vegetation: This movement was used to create a flat, comfortable surface to lie on, clearing the space of rocks, twigs, or insects.
- Checking the Territory: That turn around was also a way to scan the surroundings one last time, make sure there were no predators lurking and choose the best direction to be ready to react in case of danger.
Even if your dog now sleeps on a soft fleece pillow, that ancestral instinct is still very strong within him. It's a behavior he hasn't forgotten, despite the comforts of home life.
Other Reasons: From Heat to Marking
Besides the main reason, there are other complementary explanations for this funny ritual:
- Regulating Temperature: In colder climates, wolves would turn around to create a sort of "bump" in the ground that helped them retain body heat. Conversely, in warmer weather, this could serve to discover cooler ground to lie down on.
- Territory Marking: Dogs' paw pads contain sweat glands that release pheromones. By circling and scratching, the dog is, in a sense, "marking" its bed as a safe and familiar place, impregnating it with its scent.
- Finding Comfort: Sometimes, it's simply a matter of comfort. The dog is testing the surface and adjusting it to find the perfect position to nestle into.
What to do? Let it happen or worry?
In the vast majority of cases, it's completely normal and harmless . It's an instinctive behavior that makes him feel safe and comfortable. Just let him do his reconnaissance lap: he's just preparing for a peaceful sleep.
However, be careful and consult a veterinarian if in doubt if:
- The spinning becomes obsessive and compulsive , to the point of never being able to lie down.
- The behavior is accompanied by anxiety or vocalizations .
- You notice that the dog seems disoriented or in pain during the movement.
DogModa: The Right Rest for a Wild Instinct
At DogModa , we love observing and celebrating every aspect of your dog's unique personality, including his most ancestral behaviors. That circling is his way of saying, "This is my den, I'm safe here."
To satisfy this primal need for a comfortable and safe haven, our online pet shop offers a selection of beds and kennels designed to meet your dog's every need. From igloo beds, which mimic the protective feel of a den, to super-soft orthopedic mattresses, to fleece blankets for your dog to snuggle into, we have everything you need to transform your dog's bedtime ritual into a truly comfortable experience.
Our pet clothing and accessories are designed for those who want the best for their four-legged friend, because every dog, with his wolf instincts, deserves to sleep like a true king.
Ready to give your "pet wolf cub" the den of his dreams?
Discover our collection of beds, cushions, and sleep accessories. At dogmoda.it, you'll find everything you need to pamper your dog with taste.