A new study says dogs may use Earth’s magnetic field when they relieve themselves. Researchers observed 70 dogs from 37 breeds defecate and urinate over two years. They found that when the magnetic field was calm, dogs preferred to position their bodies along a north–south line. During magnetic disturbances, dogs showed no preferred direction.

The dogs were allowed to roam freely, so their movements were not influenced by leashes, walls or roads.

So, if your dog is spinning around before using the bathroom, it’s probably recalibrating its internal GPS with the Earth’s magnetic field.

1. Which way do dogs face when they relieve themselves?
2. What do they use to find the right direction?
3. What happens when there are magnetic disturbances?

1. Do you agree that dogs can sense the Earth’s magnetic field?
2. Would you like to test this idea with your own dog?
3. Have you ever used a compass? When and why?
4. Feng shui suggests that direction matters. Do you use feng shui to arrange things in your home?