Why Dogs Circle Before Sleeping And What It Means

Have you ever watched your dog turn around two or three times before finally lying down? It might look like a funny little bedtime ritual, but according to Pit Bull advocate Cole Reeves, those familiar circles have roots in behaviors dogs developed long before they had comfortable beds and cozy homes. Reeves, who cares for more than 100 rescued Pit Bulls, recently shared an explanation of why dogs do this, including one touching observation about how they choose to sleep near their favorite people. While some dogs circle only once, others take several turns before settling into their favorite spot. Reeves explains that this behavior can serve several purposes, from preparing a comfortable resting place to checking their surroundings. But it was his final observation about dogs sleeping with their backs toward their humans that particularly caught the attention of dog lovers. Why Dogs Turn In Circles Before Lying Down According to Reeves, the circling behavior goes back to the days when dogs and their wild ancestors rested outdoors. Without soft blankets or cushioned beds, turning around helped them flatten grass and other vegetation to create a more comfortable place to sleep. Circ...