Why Do Dogs Spin Before Lying Down? Is That a Satanic Ritual 😈

Disclaimer: It’s NOT a satanic ritual! Just kidding

Have you ever watched your dog do their pre-nap spin? You know, the one where they circle once, maybe twice-every now and then a dozen times if they’re feeling fancy-and then finally plop down with a sigh? It’s like they are auditioning for some kind of invisible dog ballet. But why do they do this? The answer might just surprise you! Let’s unravel the mystery behind this adorable yet puzzling habit of our four-legged companions!

The Call of the Wild

Believe it or not, this silly little spin isn’t just for entertainment’s sake; it’s an instinct born of their wild ancestors! Before they were your cuddle buddy who gets their tummies rubbed on the couch, dogs were wild animals that had to make it in the wild. Visualize this with me: their ancestors, wolves and early canines, slept outdoors-no comfortable beds and definitely no fluffy blankets. They had to make a comfortable, non-vulnerable spot, typically amidst tall grasses or on hard dirt.

Spinning set the grass down, and it was a method of shooing away unwanted bugs or critters. It made for a cozier, cleaner space to rest in. It was essentially like fluffing a pillow before lying down, except, well, more…