Why do dogs circle before lying down?

What you need to know

That little pre-bedtime spin is usually normal. Veterinary behavior sources describe circling as an inherited nesting routine that may have helped wild canids flatten grass, check the surroundings, choose a position and regulate comfort before lying down. Modern dogs may still perform the sequence even on a perfectly soft bed. The important exception is when circling becomes excessive, looks painful, or is paired with repeated getting up, stiffness or trouble settling. Then it can be worth discussing with a veterinarian.