Why Do Dogs Circle Before They Lie Down? Is This Normal?

Ever watch your dog do a few spins before plopping down and wonder what they’re doing? It turns out this seemingly silly behavior might be rooted in instinct.  

“We suspect that circling is an instinctive behavior passed down from dogs’ wolf ancestors,” says Wailani Sung, DVM, DACVB, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and ​​owner of Bay Area Vet Behavior in Walnut Creek, California.   

Basically, your dog is just channeling their inner wolf—and this quirky canine behavior actually plays a few important roles in their daily routine. Here’s what their spinning is really about. 

Just like you might fluff your pillows or adjust your blanket, circling lets dogs get their resting spot just right.  

“Dogs likely circle to make sure they’ve found a comfortable and safe spot to settle,” says Elizabeth Stelow, DVM, DACVB, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and the chief of behavior service at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in California.  

Whether they’re circling on the living room rug or a plush dog bed, you know they’re preparing for an epic snooze.   

Not every surface is nap-approved. Dr. Stelow says dogs may walk in circles before they lie down to test whether their sleeping surface is stable and secure.  

Just as you might press down on a mattress or check if a chair is wobbly, your dog is doing their own quality-control check.  

While Dr. Stelow says we don’t know exactly why dogs do this, it’s likely evolution at work. “This behavior appears to be instinct rather than learned, since they will circle on a bed that they may have vacated mere hours ago,” she says.  

If the family cat likes to steal your dog’s favorite sleeping spot or there’s an unfamiliar scent in your home, your dog might make a couple of 360-degree turns before napping.  

This is to ensure they’re safe from potential threats, similar to the way that wolves scan for predators and hidden dangers, such as snakes and insects, Dr. Stelow says.  

Circling helps dogs warm up or cool down, especially if they’re outdoors. By walking in circles, your pup tramples whatever is beneath their feet, such as grass, leaves, or flowers.  

This layer then acts as insulation between them and the cold or hot ground, says Dr. Sung.  

Instead of trampling flowers outdoors, get them a floral blanket, like the Lesure Waterproof Calming Double-Sided Jacquard Shag & Soft Sherpa Fleece, or a bed, like the Vetreska Flora Bolster Cat & Dog Bed, to test out indoors instead.  

But why do they still circle before lying down inside? Whether they’re burrowing into a cozy blanket or snoozing on your bed, this self-preservation habit is hardwired into their DNA.  

Circling is usually harmless, but in some cases, it can be your dog’s way of saying they aren’t feeling well. Excessive spinning may point to anxiety, arthritis, cognitive decline, or a compulsive disorder.  

Dr. Sung recommends taking your dog for a vet visit if they display any of these signs:  

• They circle in multiple spots but can’t settle down.  
• They make frustration- or pain-related vocalizations while circling. 
• They lie down briefly, then get right back up to circle again. 
• The circling goes on for a prolonged period of time.  
• You notice physical changes while circling, like limping, stiffness, squinting, or difficulty lowering themselves to the floor.  
• You can’t interrupt or redirect excessive circling.  

If pain is part of the problem, supportive surfaces can be a big help. Dr. Stelow notes that orthopedic beds, like this Frisco Orthopedic Sofa Cat & Dog Bed or this Bedsure Orthopedic Bolster Dog Bed, are a good option for senior dogs whostruggle to get comfortable due to arthritis and joint issues.  

For anxious dogs, Dr. Sung recommends calming pheromone diffusers, such as the ThunderEase Powered by Adaptil Calming Pheromone Spray for Dogs, or supplements with L-theanine—an amino acid that may help with relaxation—like Virbac Anxitane (L-Theanine) Small Chewable Dog & Cat Tablets.  

Just like with humans, soothing routines can have a positive effect on your dog. Puzzle toys, like the Brightkins Brain Teaser Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, and soft music, like the Pet Acoustics Pet Tunes Calming Music Dog Speaker, can create a sense of calm that helps them settle more easily.  

And don’t forget the importance of movement and enrichment. Dr. Sung explains that adding an extra walk or slightly longer play session can help if circling seems driven by stress or nervous energy. 

“Even short training sessions to teach them new tricks can decrease anxiety and build up a dog’s confidence and provide them with more positive experiences,” she says. 

Why do dogs turn around three times before they lie down? 

There’s actually no set number of times that dogs turn around before they lie down. Some may circle once, others several times, and some don’t circle at all. The number depends on the individual dog and whether they’ve found a comfortable sleeping spot.  

Why do dogs go round and round before they poop? 

Some dogs circle before they poop to find a comfortable spot and make sure the coast is clear before doing their business. They’re in a vulnerable position when they squat, so some dogs just want to make sure no one’s sneaking up on them.