4 Reasons That Dogs Walk In Circles Before They Poop

This is one of those, I wonder why questions, that many of us have asked over the years. Just as you may have imagined there just is not a simple answer to this age old question. However let me give you some possibilities that may help answer the question for you. 

1. The dog is tamping down the grass and chasing away any bugs or other creatures to give it a nice clean place to do its business. The circles allow the dog to get a good view of the surrounding area to make sure there are no threats or predators near by. 

2. The dog is looking for scents from other creatures to see who else has been in the area. Dogs just like humans want a nice clean and hygienic place to do their business. 

3. Some people say that the dog is going in circles to help stimulate the intestines to help bring on a bowel movement. Yes there is a theory that the dog with its circle dancing action is actually helping to stimulate the need to go to the bathroom. 

4. Now don't laugh about this one but there is also a theory brought on by researchers at a university in Prague that says dogs do this and then line their bodies up with the earth's magnetic axis. Sounds crazy you say. Well like all kinds of other wacky research they actually spent 2 years and probably millions of dollars conducting this research. 

Now keep in mind that not all dogs do the circle ritual and it appears that not all dogs do it every time they need to go. If you have a dog that circles it is just part of the norm for dogs. 

So why does your particular dog do the circle dance before doing its business is probably still up in the air. However it is not a behavior that you should be worried about. I think probably the biggest issue is for you to help your dog find the exact right location by simply keeping moving until that perfect spot is located. The worst part is getting him or her to hurry so we can get in out of the rain or snow or cold or heat. You get the idea!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?4-Reasons-That-Dogs-Walk-In-Circles-Before-They-Poop&id=8522888