Dogs circle in their beds due to ancient instincts like nesting, territory marking, and self-preservation, helping them create a comfortable, safe spot by flattening bedding, checking for threats, and regulating temperature. It's a self-soothing ritual, but excessive circling can signal anxiety, joint pain, or neurological issues, especially in older dogs, warranting a vet visit.
Turning in circles before lying down is an act of self-preservation, in that the dog may innately know that he needs to position himself in a certain way to ward off an attack in the wild. Some wildlife biologists believe that wolves sleep with their noses to the wind so they can quickly notice a threatening scent.
Beyond instinct, circling helps dogs adjust their sleeping area to meet their comfort needs. Much like humans fluffing a pillow, dogs turn in circles to smooth blankets or create just the right angle for curling up. The act may also help them regulate body temperature.
You can tell if a dog is sad by noticing changes in behavior, body language, and energy, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, hiding, lack of interest in play, a low or tucked tail, flattened ears, excessive licking/pacing, or increased inappropriate urination, all signaling potential depression or unhappiness that often requires a vet visit to rule out medical issues.
While circling is usually harmless, excessive or frantic circling may signal underlying health problems. Dogs may pace and circle due to discomfort from joint pain, neurological disorders, or urinary tract issues.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
Anxiety, Stress, and the Circling Compulsion
Dogs experiencing anxiety or stress might circle excessively or seem restless before settling down. This behavior might indicate underlying issues such as separation anxiety, discomfort, or other health concerns.
Dogs say "sorry" through submissive body language like tucking their tail, lowering their head, making "puppy eyes," licking, and rolling onto their backs to show they're not a threat, which are appeasement signals to diffuse tension after a conflict or misbehavior, often combined with whining or approaching and retreating. They recognize when their human (or another dog) is upset and use these signs to seek forgiveness, though it's more about reducing stress than human-like guilt.
"Silent killer" in dogs usually refers to deadly diseases that progress with few early symptoms, primarily Heartworm, Hemangiosarcoma (a type of cancer), and sometimes Leptospirosis or Canine Parvovirus, all characterized by vague initial signs, rapid progression, and severe organ damage, making prevention and early detection crucial.
Signs and symptoms of dog depression are similar to those people experience. You may notice a loss of interest in the things they typically enjoyed, a change in eating and/or sleeping habits, and low energy or activity levels. Depression can also present as signs of aggression, including howling or whining.
To say "I love you" in dog language, use soft eye contact, raise your eyebrows, give gentle massages (especially ears), lean into them, and engage in play or shared activities like walks, which build trust and affection through shared experiences and physical connection, releasing oxytocin for both of you.
A red flag dog behavior signals deep fear, stress, or potential aggression, going beyond normal misbehavior, and includes intense growling/snapping without cause, sudden aggression in a calm dog, persistent hiding, resource guarding (food aggression), freezing, destructive behavior linked to separation anxiety, or signs of extreme anxiety like trembling, lip-licking, and tail-tucking, indicating underlying problems needing professional intervention.
Some dogs instinctively position themselves so they can watch the room while still staying close to you. Sleeping with their bum toward you allows them to face potential threats or stay alert to noises — all while keeping their back protected by their favourite person. It's pack behaviour: one rests, one keeps watch.
Contentment or Relaxation
A dog that is comfortable or feeling relaxed can sigh, and it might be accompanied by an audible groan of pleasure. “For example, if the dog is curling up in his bed, and upon settling down he sighs, this likely indicates the dog would like to rest,” Dr. Spano says.
Cobbing in dogs is a gentle nibbling behavior, often with the front teeth, that resembles a person nibbling corn off a cob; it's usually a sign of affection, grooming, play, or a way to seek attention, but can also indicate boredom, anxiety, or stress, often seen in calm moments or as a self-soothing habit from puppyhood. While generally harmless and a form of social bonding or grooming, excessive cobbing might signal underlying issues like boredom, skin problems, or anxiety, requiring attention.
While modern dogs don't need to dig to regulate their temperature in the same way, this behavior can still be observed, especially if your dog feels too warm or cold. If you notice your dog digging more during the summer or winter, it might be their way of trying to find a more comfortable temperature.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.
Signs Your Dog is Stressed and How to Relieve It
Dogs are indeed capable of sensing human emotions and intentions, even if they don't necessarily judge them as "good" or "bad." They can pick up on subtle cues like body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions.
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
Generally, dogs dislike hugs, not being allowed to sniff, a lack of routine, and more. Even the most laid-back dog will hate some of the things we humans do—if they tolerate it, it's just because they love you or don't want to be dominant.
In conclusion, dogs are sensitive creatures that can remember and react to raised voices. While they don't hold grudges, repeated negative experiences can impact their behavior and emotional well-being. Understanding your dog's emotional states and body language is crucial for building a strong and loving relationship.
Dogs often get zoomies when they're particularly happy or excited, such as when they see their favorite person, receive a new toy, or enjoy a tasty treat. This behavior also ties back to a dog's natural instincts; in the wild, sudden bursts of speed could be crucial for chasing prey or evading predators.
Common Signs of Neurological Issues in Pets
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