Why do dogs circle before they poop?

A beagle puppy with its right paw outstretched as if pointing towards something. The background is white.

I came across some intriguing research recently. It was about why dogs circle before they poop. There’s been numerous suggestions over the years. Some believe it’s an instinctual behaviour of flattening soil or grass to drive insects away to create a clean space, or as a way or surveying the surroundings to ensure it’s safe before…

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