From Circles To Dramatic Sighs: 5 Things Happy Dogs Do Before Naps

As every dog owner knows, pooches and naps go together like peas and carrots. Already sleeping pups, dogs snuggling up to snooze, and dogs who are ready for bed — all of these are soothing sights to behold for pet lovers. Cuteness spoke exclusively to Russell Hartstein, a certified dog behaviorist who offers dog training services in Los Angeles, about some of the behaviors that contented canines display as they prepare to nap.

"Body language associated with relaxation or being tired is fairly obvious. However, a dog who is depressed can also display these behaviors. So a parent really has to know their dog very well to make sure that their dog's behavior is context appropriate," Hartstein shares. "That being said, many dogs circle prior to plopping down for a nap." Animal behaviorists have a few theories about why dogs, like their wolf ancestors, circle before lying down to sleep: checking for lost pack members, sniffing for predators, flattening tall grass to make a comfy bed, and marking the area with their own scent.

To see an amusing example of a dog turning around and around on the couch a dizzying number of times — even switching directions more than once — before finally settling in for some slumber, check out this TikTok video about a pit bull named Logan. The video of Logan's naptime antics is captioned "Quem mais tem um doguinho que roda roda pra dormir?" [Who else has a doggy that spins around and around before going to sleep?]

Turning in circles isn't the only thing dogs do when they're getting ready to fall asleep. "They might also scratch the floor, pillows, blankets, or the ground, if they're outside, prior to taking a snooze," Hartstein tells Cuteness. For dogs' wolf ancestors, this scratching or digging action helped to ensure that the sleeping area had no sharp twigs or stones to disturb their rest. It also aided in temperature regulation by giving the animal access to the cooler dirt hidden below warmer top layers of grass and leaves. Pampered indoor dogs today are still hardwired for this behavior.

For an entertaining example of a dog scratching at blankets and bedding, take a look at a TikTok video about a Scottish terrier named Dr. Andrew. The video, captioned "This is not about the bed. This is about the process 💤," shows the little black doggo pawing repeatedly at his fluffy dog bed and fleece blanket before ultimately deciding the bedding is adequately cozy for his needs and curling up to sleep.

It should come as no surprise that dogs, like humans, often yawn when they're feeling sleepy. "Yawning is quite common when a dog is tired and ready for a nap," Hartstein shares. A whole host of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even fish yawn. Scientists are unsure about the exact reasons for this behavior, positing it may have something to do with either stimulating or cooling the brain, but regardless of the reason, many animals yawn upon first waking up or when feeling exhausted and ready for sleep.

Want to watch a compilation of the cutest yawns you ever did see? Watch this TikTok video of a Vizsla named Edna, who yawns on various blankets and sleeping spots. The adorably drowsy doggo makes a little squeaking noise with each of her big yawns. One viewer commented, "No better sound than this ✨," and another wrote, "Ours make the exact same noise 😂😂😂."

An array of breathing sounds, such as dramatic sighs, also signal that naptime is imminent. "Deep breathing and eventually snoring can accompany exhaustion or a tired pup," Hartstein explains. A dog that breathes deeply and exhales loudly while showing relaxed body language and curling up on a bed or a couch is likely a pup ready to drift off to dreamland. When dogs are sleeping soundly — especially while stretched out flat on their backs — snoring may occur.

It's an undeniable truth that a gently snoring dog is cuter than any snoring human. Need proof? This TikTok video is of a snoring golden retriever puppy named Albert, whose little teeth and boopable snout are the very epitome of cute. "Omg those teefers & the cute snoring is so adorable 😍 🥰," wrote one netizen, while another observed, "Dog snoring is so cute.... My husband's not so much."

If you have ever looked at your dog and thought it can't possibly be comfortable sleeping like that, then you have seen firsthand how pets can sometimes twist themselves into truly weird configurations and still sleep soundly. "Some dogs like to sleep in a sphinx position while others in a lateral down position and some like to sleep upside down," Hartstein says. "Every dog is unique and has their own personality and sleep preferences, some of which are very funny and endearing."

To see a sweet little fluffball snoozing in several weirdly endearing positions, this TikTok video of a golden retriever puppy named Bru is too cute. The sleeping cutie-patootie stretches out on his back with his paws pointed one way and his body going in a different direction, and does several twisting stretches that would challenge even an experienced yoga instructor. One viewer exclaimed, "Ohh I just know that baby is comfy!!! 🤭🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎," and another observed, "Signs of a good nap."