Dogs never fail to amuse us with their strange habits and one of those is going in circles before settling down and sleeping. I’ve always thought “Why do they do that?” Well it seems like a strange thing to do, but there is quite a history and biology behind why dogs do that. So let’s look into what this behavior means and why your furry partner repeats this routine every night.
An Inborn Behavior
Spinirmg or spinning in circles before sleeping is in fact something that modern dogs inherited from their dog ancestors. Believe it or not, wild animals like wolves and foxes along with feral dogs had to find a safe spot for themselves in the wilderness before dogs were domesticated and these have naturally come up with many useful ways to do that:
Smoothing the Soil Sleeping on the bare ground might do just fine now and then, but to dogs it was never easy. They would do those annoying spins around to smoothen out the long rough grass, snow or maybe even leaves to make a comfortable bed to snuggle in.
Monitoring for Reptiles
Wild dogs and wolves constantly had to contend with predators and other competing beasts. Spin around can help them observe the surroundings to rule out any threat to their safety prior to settling down in a particular location. This practice gave them reassurance in the location they had chosen.
While your dog no longer has to be on the lookout for predators or rough terrains, the urge is still embedded and persists till today.
Searching for Ease and Rest
Spinning while about to lie down in your house, even if as a puppy, has a more pragmatic explanation for dogs than it does for people. Like fluffing pillows or adjusting a blanket makes you comfortable, spinning assists dogs in determining how to position themselves so they can relax.
It’s also possible that spinning triggers their sensory apparatus which may enhance their feeling. So even while spinning, your dog is still searching for a suitable location to rest where it feels secured and safe.
Suggestion of Link to the Earth Magnetic Field
There is also a remarkable hypothesis: spinning could help your dog to connect its body to the Earth Magnetic Field. Unlike humans, other animals such as dogs have been reported to exhibit magnetic sensitive behaviours. While more research is needed to fully understand this phenomenon, it could be possible that spinning is approximately similar to what your dog needs to do in order to find a natural position in relation to some feature of the environment.
Contemplating Exaggerated Forms of Spinning
Spin before sleep is normal – so we perform this activity harmlessly. But when it comes to mulling or rotating excessively, that can be a problem. Here are a few possible causes:
Fear Or Stress
Persistent anxiety or stress may lead to this type of dog behavior where they stand at one point and keep rotating to and fro. Change in their usual place, location sounds or other factors of separation may make them anxious.
Health Problem
Another of many medical conditions where we may run into our dogs are Arthritis, joint issues, pain as well as difficulties settling. Exaggerated spinning may help them feel better when they are feeling these issues.
Boredom or Inactivity
Repetitive behaviours, about spinning for instance, may arise in relation to inactivity or a deficit in stimulation where enough playtime or exercise has not been provided.
If you feel like your dog has extended spinning periods or is always doing unusual things, it could be a good idea to see the veterinarian so they can rule out any suitable problems.
Ways to Make Your Pets Relax
On the other hand, if you think your dog is spinning too much or you want to help them feel good, then the following might want to be considered.
Get Them a Soft Bed
Buy your pet a dog bed which is comfortable and has support which is edged suited for their size and sleeping style. An orthopedic bed would be suited for older dogs or those with joint problems.
Provide Them With Their Space
Make sure their room is quiet and always calm supporting a distraction free or noise free environment. A calm and understandable environment will go a long way in soothing your dog.
They Like Routines
Dogs do well on routine. A more reliable chance would be to create a set pattern which can lead them to bed so that your canine is more comfortable.
Do a Vet Check Up
If your dog seems to be agitated or is unable to sit still, then you should take them to the vet and get a check-up to confirm that there is no underlying issue.
Real-Life Example: Max’s Spinning Habit Max, a six year old Labrador, dislikes the impressions left by his dog bed and prefers to stand. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that his owner Priya, saw him spin thrice each time he wanted to lie down. At first thought, Priya mistook the behavior for a normal eccentricity of her dog but this changed when Max started spinning more than usual and couldn’t settle down. Afte=random consultanting her vet, she was informed about Max developing mild form of arthritis which made things difficult for him when he would attempt to lie down. With the help of her vet, Priya was able to buy an orthopedic bed for Max as well as alter his diet to include a joint supplement. That did the trick and Max was back to normal. This kind of demonstration shows why it is necessary for the dog owners to understand their dogs better and notice even the smallest of the changes. Understanding and Embracing Their Quirks Dogs are usulaly known to have special bonds with their owners by fusing certain things, Max on the other hand decided to spin before sleeping which was not the best of the methods the canine could have employed. This particular habit is indicative enough of the fact that it stems from their need to feel secure.
Making sense of your dog’s actions and taking care of their requirements is the best way to guarantee that they remain happy, safe, and loved. Providing a warm bed and room for the dog, developing a steady daily pattern for the dog, or simply being available to the dog are all examples of minor details on their own that can greatly improve the quality of life for the dog.
Conclusion.
Next time your dog is going to turn around repeatedly at the same spot as it is trying to prepare itself to sleep, pause to consider the amalgam of instinct and comfort and character that it is easy to forget during the day. It is a display of their strong connection to their wild past and their strong love for you as well.
So let them continue twirling around in circles or spinning, or searching their favorite spot, that is what makes them so special.