Scientist that have studied the behaviors of wolves noticed the animals' habit of circling before lying down. Scientists believe that this behavior is done primarily for comfort and for safety. It is the nature of wolves to stay in a pack. It is common for the pack to sleep close together as well presumably to conserve heat. Wolves therefore would circle around before lying down to make room for other members of the pack. By circling around before lying down, the wolves are sure that the spot chosen is free from insects and snakes.
Genetic similarities between modern day dogs and wolves is pegged at about 99%. This is the reason why modern day dogs would manifest some of the behaviors of their ancestors. To make the bed fit the contours of the body, dogs would turn around several times before lying down. It is possible that the dog is not satisfied with the soft and comfortable bed provided by the loving owner. Therefore the dog will be seen trampling the bed and the blanket to make it more comfortable.
Outdoor dogs would sleep anywhere. A dog that sleeps outdoors would find an ideal spot, dig, circle around and lie down to sleep. This behavior is commonly noticed when the day is hot as it is the dog's way of cooling itself by exposing the cooler layer of the soil. While the dog is turning around, the vegetation is trampled making the bed more comfortable.
Making sure that the spot is safe is another reason why dogs circle around before sleeping. The habit of circling around to makes sure that the chosen spot to sleep on is safe from snakes and other insects is a trait handed down by the dogs' ancestors, the wolves.
Modern day dogs are pampered pets. The cost of doggie beds would be the last of the concern of dog owners as long as the pet is comfortable. A lot of dogs are allowed to sleep with the owner. As such there will be no need to make the bed more comfortable in the same manner that there is no need to ensure that the bed is safe from harmful insects. However, the habit of circling around remain. This is one of the habits of dogs that cannot be understood by humans in spite of the long years of association. Dogs though are still the best pets. Dogs remain to be man's best friends.
Genetic similarities between modern day dogs and wolves is pegged at about 99%. This is the reason why modern day dogs would manifest some of the behaviors of their ancestors. To make the bed fit the contours of the body, dogs would turn around several times before lying down. It is possible that the dog is not satisfied with the soft and comfortable bed provided by the loving owner. Therefore the dog will be seen trampling the bed and the blanket to make it more comfortable.
Outdoor dogs would sleep anywhere. A dog that sleeps outdoors would find an ideal spot, dig, circle around and lie down to sleep. This behavior is commonly noticed when the day is hot as it is the dog's way of cooling itself by exposing the cooler layer of the soil. While the dog is turning around, the vegetation is trampled making the bed more comfortable.
Making sure that the spot is safe is another reason why dogs circle around before sleeping. The habit of circling around to makes sure that the chosen spot to sleep on is safe from snakes and other insects is a trait handed down by the dogs' ancestors, the wolves.
Modern day dogs are pampered pets. The cost of doggie beds would be the last of the concern of dog owners as long as the pet is comfortable. A lot of dogs are allowed to sleep with the owner. As such there will be no need to make the bed more comfortable in the same manner that there is no need to ensure that the bed is safe from harmful insects. However, the habit of circling around remain. This is one of the habits of dogs that cannot be understood by humans in spite of the long years of association. Dogs though are still the best pets. Dogs remain to be man's best friends.
About the Author:
Dogs do many amusing things. One of them is to circle before lying down. Having learnt about this behaviour and why they do it. Wouldn't it be fun to learn about other curious behaviours like why do dogs howl, pant or eat dirt? At Sarah's Dogs you can.
No comments:
Post a Comment