Have you ever wondered why your Pomeranian spins in circles?
You may notice your dog spinning before it lays down or when you greet someone at the door.
Why does your Pomeranian spin and is it normal?
In this article, I explain the top eleven reasons why your Pomeranian spin in circles.
Pomeranians spin in circles for many reasons including many natural instincts like territory marking, securing the area, and pack protection. As well as excitement, anxiety or the desire for attention. Spinning can be a sign of a health or age-related concern.
Reasons Your Pomeranian Spins In Circles
- Your dog is making it self comfortable
- Securing the area, making sure it’s safe to lay down
- Marking it’s territory
- Pack protection, intincts to make sure the pack is kep warm while sleeping
- Excitement
- A sign that you dog needs to go to the bathroom
- Anxiety
- Attention
- Play
- Old Age
- Health Issues
Pomeranians Spin In Circles To Make Themselves Comfortable
Dogs have a natural nesting instinct.
Your dog may spin in circles before laying down as a way to clear the area of anything uncomfortable that they may end up laying on.
A simple study was done with 62 dogs. Half of the dogs were placed in an area that had a smooth floor surface with the other half was in an area with a loose fabric surface.
The dogs were monitored for the number of times they circled before laying down.
The dogs that were on the loose surface are circles more than half the time (55%) before they layed down, whereas the dog in the smooth surface area only circled 19% of the time.
Pomeranians Look To Secure The Area Before Laying Down
Our domestic dogs still have many of the natural instincts that they needed many years ago when they lived in the wild.
One of these instincts is to make sure the area is safe from predators before the dog lays down to rest.
A quick spin around may be the way your dog scopes out the area for potential dangers.
Pomeranians Spin In Circles To Mark Their Territory
Territory marking is a common instinct and behavior that is often found in dogs.
Spinning around in a circle and physically marking the ground over time is a way dogs let others know that that spot is theirs.
Pomeranians May Spin In Circles To Protect Their Pack
In the wild dog, and wolves sleep together in their pack to protect each other and keep each other warm.
This natural protection instinct may be a reason why some dogs spin in circles when preparing to rest.
Pomeranians Spin In Circles When They Are Excited
Some dogs have a hard time containing their excitement.
Dogs show their excitement in many ways including tail wagging, wiggling, barking, licking, and jumping.
If a dog is extremely excited it may spin in circles as a way of expressing its joy.
Your Pomeranian May Spin In Circles When It Needs To Go To The Bathroom
Do you know that feeling of not being able to sit still when you need to use the bathroom?
Dogs often experience the same thing and many spins around in circles when they really need to go.
Pomeranains May Spin In Circles When They Are Anxious
Sometimes a dog may start to spin in circles when they start getting anxious or if they develop Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
If your dog’s behavior suddenly changes or if you are concerned it’s best to discuss the situation with your vet.
Your Pomeranian May Spin To Get Your Attention
Pomeranains are known for being extremely loving dogs that get very attached to their owners.
It would not be out of character for a Pomeranian to spin in circles as a way to grab your attention.
Your Pomeranian May Spin When Its Playing
Pomeranians are very playful dogs and can experience what’s known as the zoomies when they run around really fast to release a burst of energy.
Your Pomeranian may spin in circles when they are feeling energetic and playful.
Pomeranian May Spin In Circles As They Age
When dogs age they can develop cognitive disorders that can lead to behavioral changes that can result in repetitive behaviors like spinning in circles.
If you are concerned about your dog’s behavior and a possible decline, it’s best to speak with your vet.
Dogs May Spin In Circles Due To Health Issues
There are times when spinning in circles is not based on harmless reasons like instinct or excitement.
Some dogs may have an issue with their vestibular system which is in charge of your dog’s balance.
If you have noticed any changes in your dog or have any concerns, bringing your dog to the vet is the best bet.
Is It Normal For A Dog To Spin In Circles
In most cases, it is very normal behavior for dogs to spin in circles.
If your dog has always spun in circles I would not be concerned.
If your dog has suddenly started spinning in circles or is this behavior is accompanied by any other symptoms it’s always a good choice to discuss it with your vet.
Do All Dogs Spin In Circles
Spinning is usually an instinctive behavior with not all dogs having the instinct to spin.
What Dog Breeds Are Known For Spinning In Circles
Any dog can spin in circles since it is usually a natural instinct that is found in canines.
You can expect spinning a little more in some happy and energetic breeds.
- Pomeranian
- Shetland Sheep Dog
- Border Collie
- Jack Russel Terrier
- Husky
- Golden Retreiver
- Labrador Retreiver
Final Thoughts
Although it can look silly when your dog starts spinning in circles when it’s preparing for a nap or when she greets you at the door, it is completely normal behavior.
