Why do dogs spin around before lying down?

Yes, our doggies are all about being loyal, affectionate and full of unconditional love. But if we're all honest, they can be proper weirdos on occasion...

Nap time is one part of a dog's daily life that brings out some genuinely odd habits. We like to think we know a thing or two about dog beds here at Molly Mutt, so let's shed some light on your dog's nap time quirks.

Why Does My Dog Sleep in the Strangest Places?

Ever found your dog behind the toilet? Wedged under a bookshelf in a space so small you can't figure out how they got there? This is completely normal behaviour.

No matter how much they love their dog bed, you might find them occasionally holed up in an odd corner. When dogs seek out small, enclosed spaces, they are instinctually recreating a "den" — a safe, sheltered spot that feels protected on all sides.

A washable cotton crate cover can help satisfy this instinct while keeping things stylish enough for your living room. Darker patterns work best for dogs who wake up before sunrise — lighter ones suit dogs who love a sunny nap spot.

Why Does My Dog Spin in Circles Before Lying Down?

This behaviour is entirely instinctual, going back to a time long before dogs had beds. In the wild, dogs would turn in circles and scratch the ground to clear the area and create a comfortable sleeping spot — flattening grass, moving stones, or checking for unwanted visitors.

Modern farm dogs have done this for hundreds of years with loose hay when settling in for the night. The habit remains for many domesticated breeds today. It also explains why your dog might nuzzle and rearrange a pet blanket into just the right shape before lying down — they're doing exactly what their instincts tell them to do.

Do Dogs Dream?

It is widely believed that dogs dream, based on both observation and research. Brain wave patterns recorded during dog sleep are consistent with those of humans during dreaming. Studies on rats — animals with smaller, less complex brains than dogs — have also shown that they dream about real-life activity based on memory, suggesting the same is likely true for dogs.

Simple observation can also indicate a dream state. After about 20 minutes into your dog's nap, you may notice changes in their breathing, small muscle twitches, or even their eyes moving behind closed lids — looking at dream images as if they were real.

So yes, your dog is almost certainly dreaming — most likely about something from earlier that day. A walk, a squirrel, or possibly their dinner.

Give Them a Bed Worth Dreaming About

Whether your dog spins three times before settling, steals all the blankets, or somehow ends up sideways across the entire bed — they deserve a comfortable, familiar-smelling place to sleep. Our washable cotton dog bed covers are designed to be stuffed with your old pillows and blankets, so the bed smells like you from day one.