why is the dog turning arround first before they lay down?

From what I understand it is an instinctive behaviour that started from when wild dogs used to turn themselves until they determined which direction the wind was coming from. Once they found this out, they would face themselves in this direction so that they could smell danger from upwind.

I am thinking that he does a little dance by going around in circles to wear himself out a bit so he can get a good sleep. Truthfully, I think it's a comfort thing. What way does he want to face, for a good sleep, but I'm really not sure. It's sort of like the reason we sometimes get up, toss our pillow to the other side of the bed, & then go to sleep that way.

I was going to say I do not know but with all these great explanations I now know. Great topic, I have learned something new again.

[i]Hi bombshell, hahaha..I never think about this...and now you made me realize! hmm...I have no idea also, maybe they are just checking their place! hahahah! I would love to learn from other people's opinion![/i]

Nope have no idea yet we do roll over in bed to get comfortable so it might be that..littleowl

someone told me that its there way of spreading their scent before they lie down.. i always thought they were making the area more comfy like if they were on a blanket they were fluffing it but that wouldnt make sense on a hard surface so maybe it is the first one.. i dunno about you but i know what i smell like lol

Its an instinct. They are doing several things, they are making sure the grasses are beaten down (I know, there's no grass in their bed but that's the instict for you) checking to make sure there isn't anything dangerous there (ditto). You noticed that they don't look around while they are doing the circling thing - generally they circle more than once - they are looking at the place they are going to lay down - that's because they have already scoped out any danger around them - I know, I know, there is no danger, but this is the nature of the beast.

as he has ensured his front is safe he wants to be sure his back is also safe

This is instinct of thousands of years. They turn around (usually 3 times) before laying down to trample the tall grass of the wild. I watched my dog do this last night before laying down on the tile floor.

It's good to know from the other posters why dogs do this. I always thought that my doggie just does this to find a better position. She is a twirler!