Dogs have indeed made a lot of difference to our way of life because aside from being loyal companions and dependable protectors, they have provided the family with amusement as well. Laughter - and more laughter will be drawn out from the family every time the dog amuses the family with its comic acts. A dog that turns around to chase the tail, sleeps with the four legs up and walks around with a cocked head would certainly draw out laughter. Turning around several times before lying down is another of the comical habits of the pet.
Even long time dog owners will still be puzzled or amused by the dog's habit of circling around before lying down to sleep. The pet will be seen doing this act whether it is inside the home or outdoors. This behavior was noticed in dog in the wild thus there is an idea that turning around in circles before lying down is a genetic trait that was handed to present day dogs by their ancestors. Before domestication, dogs would have to sleep on grasses, rocks, on hard ground or on freezing snow. Dogs in the wild have no choice but to sleep in areas open to the elements.
The ancestors of present day dogs are very resourceful as they have a way of making their beds not only comfortable but also free from dangerous insects and animals. Dogs would circle the sleeping area several times to trample vegetation or to flatten down the snow and to remove any dangerous creatures before settling down. Dogs in a pack will stay together.
Although wilderness is a huge area, the dogs would have to choose a den that will be sheltered from the elements and one that will be safe from predators. The place chosen to be the den may be cramped. A dog will mark a spot by turning several times. Circling around, similar to scent marking is the dog's way of telling other members of the pack that the spot was already taken.
Modern day dogs no longer need to make the bed comfortable. Loving pet owners make sure that the pets have comfortable beds. Pampered pets don't have to ensure that the bed is free from dangerous animals as these dogs usually sleep with the master. Circling around before lying down to sleep is a deep-rooted habit that was handed down by primitive dogs to present day canines. This behavior was genetically programmed and a dog owner can't do anything but allow the dog to do its own ritual before sleeping.
Even long time dog owners will still be puzzled or amused by the dog's habit of circling around before lying down to sleep. The pet will be seen doing this act whether it is inside the home or outdoors. This behavior was noticed in dog in the wild thus there is an idea that turning around in circles before lying down is a genetic trait that was handed to present day dogs by their ancestors. Before domestication, dogs would have to sleep on grasses, rocks, on hard ground or on freezing snow. Dogs in the wild have no choice but to sleep in areas open to the elements.
The ancestors of present day dogs are very resourceful as they have a way of making their beds not only comfortable but also free from dangerous insects and animals. Dogs would circle the sleeping area several times to trample vegetation or to flatten down the snow and to remove any dangerous creatures before settling down. Dogs in a pack will stay together.
Although wilderness is a huge area, the dogs would have to choose a den that will be sheltered from the elements and one that will be safe from predators. The place chosen to be the den may be cramped. A dog will mark a spot by turning several times. Circling around, similar to scent marking is the dog's way of telling other members of the pack that the spot was already taken.
Modern day dogs no longer need to make the bed comfortable. Loving pet owners make sure that the pets have comfortable beds. Pampered pets don't have to ensure that the bed is free from dangerous animals as these dogs usually sleep with the master. Circling around before lying down to sleep is a deep-rooted habit that was handed down by primitive dogs to present day canines. This behavior was genetically programmed and a dog owner can't do anything but allow the dog to do its own ritual before sleeping.
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