Have you ever watched your dog turn in slow circles before lying down? It might look cute or funny, but this behavior comes from an ancient survival instinct.
Long before dogs lived in homes, their wild ancestors had to create safe sleeping spots outdoors. Circling helped them flatten grass, chase away insects or snakes, and align their bodies with the wind to better detect predators.
Some scientists even believe dogs may be subconsciously aligning themselves with Earth’s magnetic field, a behavior observed in other species for orientation and comfort.
Even though our pets no longer need to prepare a bed in the wild, the instinct remains deeply wired — a small, harmless echo of their evolutionary past.
So next time your dog spins before sleeping, know that it’s not just routine — it’s a glimpse into the ancient instincts that still guide them today.
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