My dog has a ritual that makes the entire family groan. Just when we’re all settled in to watch our favorite movie or TV show, it begins……scratch, scratch, paw, paw……pause…..(not done yet)…..scratch, scratch, paw, paw, PLOP! The inevitable sounds of our dog scratching away at the floor of his crate before laying down.
It’s only a mere 15 seconds, but long and loud enough to miss an entire segment of our TV program, thus the groans from family. The mute and pause buttons on our TV remote are highly utilized.
Instinctive Ritual
The reason why dogs dig before laying down is most likely due to hard-wired behavior from the days when dogs slept in the wild. Unfortunately, our dog’s ancestors didn’t have comfy, cozy beds provided to them by humans, so they had to make their own. They would use their paws and nails to smooth the surface, scratching away any sticks, stones, or other outdoor elements.
Digging would also create a shallow groove where they could lay, and find comfort in the cooler dirt below. In the colder months this shallow bed could provide some warmth.
Circling Before Laying Down
Spinning circles before laying down is another form of an instinctual behavior from our dog’s former days in the wild. This provided a means of stomping down the grass, leaves, weeds, or snow prior to settling down for a nap.
Snakes, bugs, and other pests were abundant, so circling could also be a way to rid them from the area and make it safe and secure.
This Is My Territory!
It’s possible that digging and circling were used to claim territory, leaving behind flattened grasses, and a scent, signifying to other dogs that this space is taken!
Our dogs may now be domesticated, but there are certain behaviors that remain a part of their make-up nevertheless. In my opinion, this is what makes them quite amusing creatures to watch and observe.
Does your dog display any unusual nighttime rituals? If so, we’d love to hear them, so please leave a comment below!
Wow, this is a really cool post. I honestly hadn’t though much about why dogs do that. I have 3 so it is kinda fun to know the reason that they do the things they do. Thanks for the info! I look forward to seeing what other information you have for us.
Thanks for your comment Bobby. Lots more info to come….:)
You have a very beautiful and informative site! I love dogs and learning about why they perform certain behaviors is very interesting to me! You have great information about why dog’s dig before lying and this is something I have been wondering for a long time! Thanks for the education and keep up the great work! 🙂
Thanks so much Johnathan!
Dogs are a real mystery to me, but I love them. I read a lot about dogs since I hope to welcome one in our family eventually. I found this article and your whole website very informative on topics that other websites are not covering. I’m the type of person who always wonders if I’m doing the right thing about my beta fish, plants and any living beings I am responsible for. I’m sure if I saw my dog circling and digging before laying down, I would be worried: he is in pain? or going nuts? 🙂 It makes a lot of sense that it’s an instinctive behaviour. I am looking forward to more articles on dogs and their day to day habits. This will certainly help me calm down when I will have a dog!
Hi Carolyn,
Thank you for your kind comment! I’m glad to hear you found it to be informative and helpful. I hope you can get a dog soon, they’re such a pleasure to have in our lives!