William Frankenfield age 10,

Why does a dog circle around before he lies down?

Some people think that the dog remembers this trick from his ancient ancestors. This may or may not be true but there does not seem to be a better explanation.

The ancestors of the dog were, of course, wild animals. They roamed the plains and the prairies wherever they were likely to find food. These regions were often grassy regions. For dogs are meat eaters and the animals they feed upon are very often grass eaters.

The will dog of course had to sleep. Being a sensible fellow, he did not want to get caught napping. This might happen if he beat down a big bed of grass on which to sleep. So he tried to call as little attention to himself. He made only' a small bed in the grass, one that no bigger animal could spot from afar, The best way to do this was to circle round and round in a tight ball. And some people say that our modern dog still practices this careful trick, though he no longer has any need to do so.