Dogs circle before they lie down because it is an inherited behavior from their wild ancestors, such as wolves, aimed at survival and comfort. In the wild, dogs would circle to flatten grass or snow to create a comfortable sleeping area, drive away insects or snakes, and ensure the spot was safe. Circling also helped them position themselves in relation to wind direction to detect predators, and group animals might circle to check on pack members. Despite modern pets sleeping in soft beds, the behavior persists as a genetic instinct to prepare a cozy, secure sleeping spot.
Additionally, circling may help dogs regulate their body temperature by finding the best spot to conserve or dissipate heat. The ritual is also part of a bedtime routine signaling them to prepare for rest, and it may have social or hierarchical significance in wild pack animals.
