They are exactly as they sound: dog zoomies. When you see a happy dog running erratically around your home or yard, zipping back and forth for a few seconds before falling due to what most of us refer to as the “zoomies,” it’s difficult not to smile. Technically known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPS), dog zoomies often only last a few minutes at most.
What happens before the dog zoomies hit?
Dogs frequently have a gleam in their eyes before to the zoomies, and they may begin to play-bow at you or other dogs. Dogs with the zoomies frequently move fast back and forth, around in circles, or from one side of the yard or room to the other until they collapse. When she has the zoomies, my youngest dog particularly likes attempting to grab her tail. While zoomies in dogs and your dog’s frantic motions when they hit might appear alarming, they are actually a common manifestation of happy dog behavior, and as long as your dog is zooming in a secure area, these FRAPS are nothing to worry about.
Why do zoomies in dogs happen?
Dog zoomies are a terrific method for dogs of any age to release stored up energy, however they tend to hit pups and young dogs more frequently than older dogs. Dogs experience the zoomies for a number of causes, including when they are very stimulated or aroused or after witnessing another dog playing vigorously. In dog training classes, dogs can experience confusion or mild tension, especially if the skills being practiced are difficult and they need to let off some of their nervous energy.
Many dogs of all ages get the zoomies when it’s wash time! After the bath is over, even my 15-year-old dog starts running about like a puppy. Dog zoomies are quite normal for dogs, but if they happen a lot, you should consider how much exercise your dog gets and whether there are any ways to include more organised exercise into his daily routine.
Controlling dog zoomies
As long as your dog is zooming in a secure location, zoomies are a normal aspect of canine behavior and shouldn’t be discouraged or prevented. This entails keeping the dog indoors or in a secure yard, preferably on carpet, and far from breakables, young children, and senior members of your family who might be accidently knocked over by a huge, zooming dog. Don’t let your dog run around on hardwood floors or other slippery surfaces. It may be amusing to watch a frapping dog skid and slide over a floor, but it may also be quite dangerous because your dog could slip and hurt himself.
Therefore, instead of attempting to stop a dog from zooming, try to stop the setting in which he zooms. For instance, if you are aware that your dog develops the FRAPS after a wash, be careful to take him right away (either while being carried or while on a leash) to a space where he can safely zoom.
Never chase a dog with the zoomies
Sometimes the dog zoomies will attack your dog at a time or place that is genuinely dangerous, like off leash at a dog park that isn’t fenced, rather than just at an unpleasant time (like when dinner guests are about to arrive) (please always obey leash laws). You need to get your dog immediately in that scenario, and if he has the zoomies, he might flee “Forget his education,
Contrary to popular belief, chasing after a frapping dog is not the most crucial thing to do. If you run after your dog, he might think you’re playing with him. He will be motivated to keep running by that! Instead of pursuing your dog, run away from him (away from any roadways or other potential hazards) and yell at him to follow you. It’s a good idea to be ready for this eventuality and to keep expensive treats and/or toys close at hand.
In connection with it, teach your dog that “A good idea is always to arrive. To achieve this, routinely train your dog to reliably come when called, either on a longline or in a secure enclosure, using treats, praise, and other positive reinforcement methods. Never punish your dog for failing to come when called; instead, create training scenarios that will help him succeed the next time by removing distractions, introducing a leash or longline, reducing the distance between you and your dog when you call her, and/or using a higher-value treat as a reward.
Why do dogs suddenly develop Zoomies?
Zoomies, also known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), are those occasional, unmistakable bursts of energy that dogs experience. Zoomies frequently exhibit frenzied, repeated behavior like spinning or racing in circles. An excessive amount of energy that dogs accumulate and then release all at once is a common cause of zoomies in dogs.
Dogs may have zoomies more frequently at certain times of the day than others, such as first thing in the morning or in the evening after spending a large portion of the day confined to a crate. A wash can cause zoomies in certain dogs, while stressful situations like going to the vet might cause them as well. The syndrome known as zoomies most frequently affects pups and younger dogs, while it can occasionally affect dogs of all ages and breeds.
As long as your dog has enough space to run around without getting hurt, zoomies are a normal dog habit that most of the time is nothing to worry about. However, persistent zoomies may be an indication of a more serious behavioral issue, so it’s a good idea to keep track of how frequently and for what reasons your dog zooms.
Have you ever seen your dog racing erratically around the house or backyard? You undoubtedly questioned what he was doing. He appeared to have been stung by a bee, startled by something, or transformed into a wild beast. It might have just been a case of the dog zoomies.
Zoomies are a sort of Frenetic Random Activity Period (FRAP) when a dog appears to suddenly explode with energy, claims Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Jill Goldman, Ph.D. of Los Angeles. “They are energy explosions like a volcano. Following its accumulation, energy is expressed and released. A dog will typically exhibit repetitive behavior when they have the zoomies, such as running in circles, performing laps around the yard, or repeatedly going around the dining room table.
According to Goldman, dogs exhibit the zoomies when they have “extra energy that has been confined, such as physical energy from being crated or nervous energy from tolerating an uncomfortable circumstance. The opportunity to finally let that energy out can result in FRAPping behavior that appears out of control. You can anticipate a case of the zoomies any time your dog isn’t allowed to release his inherent energy.
When do Zoomies Happen?
Zoomies frequently occur first thing in the morning after dogs have slept all night because they are a way for dogs to release their energy. For dogs who have been kept in crates or who haven’t been walked, they can also occur later in the day. The zoomies can also result from stressful events like being restrained, getting bathed or groomed, or going to the vet. Some dogs can become agitated even after a successful poop.
And zooming isn’t just limited to puppies. Any age dog can engage in the behavior. However, according to Goldman, this will happen more frequently the younger the dog is. The less opportunities a dog has to exercise that energy, the more often you’ll witness it. Senior dogs sleep far more than young puppies, so they naturally have less energy to expend, but because they lack the opportunity to express themselves appropriately, they may also feel the want to zoom.
A typical and natural dog behavior is the zoomies. Even though not all canines participate, those who do frequently exhibit joyous behavior and an air of excitement. In fact, the behavior frequently coexists with play bows. The fact that dogs are finally able to release their pent-up energy explains why they appear to be having a great time.
Are Zoomies Safe?
Are zoomies safe, though? According to Goldman, it’s okay to let your dog’s zoomies take their course as long as there are no impediments that could get in the way and hurt your dog in the process.
Make sure your dog is in a secure location whenever you start to feel the zoomies, such as after using the bathroom. To avoid sliding and falling, a room with carpeting could be preferable. The coffee table’s delicate ornaments should also be avoided. Or allow your dog to run free in a completely enclosed yard where he can’t cause any mischief. Give your dog the freedom to enjoy himself and let it all out.
Is there ever a situation where the zoomies are not as entertaining as they appear to be? Goldman advises keeping tabs on your dog’s zooming habits. You can comprehend why the zoomies occur if you chart when they occur. Maybe it’s right after taking a bath, for instance. Zooming once in a while is acceptable, but if it happens regularly, the dog may be under too much stress or spending too much time in the crate “She advises that if they frequently occur inside the home, you are probably not providing your dog with enough mental and physical stimulation.
A dog that frequently performs the zoomies may also be an indication of a more serious issue.”
According to Goldman, it’s critical to distinguish between typical zoomies and compulsive behaviors like excessive tail-chasing or persistent shadow-chasing. A licensed applied animal behaviorist or a veterinary behaviorist can assist you figure out the cause of your dog’s zoomies if you have any worries about them, such as if they occur frequently or during stressful situations.
How do you handle a spaz in your dog?
A dog who is jumping up and down, whirling in circles, or barking and yipping is not happy. These are all symptoms of being overexcited. The only way the dog’s brain knows how to deal with her surplus energy is to burn it off physically.
Sadly, these indications are sometimes misinterpreted as happiness by individuals. Many people also have a tendency to find it adorable when a dog behaves in this way, which leads them to unintentionally reward the behavior. Cut down on your dog’s enthusiasm to avoid future misbehaviors, such as hostility.
A happy dog is not an excited dog. a relaxed dog is. Here are six measures to follow if you want your dog to stop being overly excited all the time and start acting calm, submissive, and content.
Don’t Encourage Excitement
The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that your actions will determine whether your dog approaches you with eagerness more or less frequently. Giving a giddy dog attention or affection is the worst thing you can do. Simply letting him know that you approve of what he is doing When he realizes that showing excitement is rewarding, he will continue to do so. Ignoring a dog that is overly eager is the best course of action. Do not touch, speak, or make eye contact. Turn away from her if she tries to leap on you, or push her back down.
Encourage Calm Behavior
The reverse of the first tip is this. You can show care and attention to your dog when it is in a calm, obedient mood, which will promote that state. Reward your dog’s conduct while he is calm if he is treat motivated. You can train your dog to automatically enter the calmer state by simultaneously rewarding calm behavior and ignoring enthusiastic activity.
Wear Your Dog Out
The stroll is crucial since it’s easier to prevent your dog from becoming overly excited if she doesn’t have the energy to do so in the first place. It gives your dog focused exercise and uses up surplus energy while also emptying it. The best kind of exercise is not simply letting your dog go around the yard and relieve herself. In fact, she can end up being more thrilled than before after engaging in this kind of behavior. Similarly, the goal of the walk is not merely for your dog to do potty and return home. It resembles how a pack might travel while out on a quest to obtain shelter, food, and water. This enables your dog to keep in touch with her instinctual nature, maintain her forward momentum, and expend any extra energy. The perk of embarking on the adventure with the pack is returning home, where there is food, water, and shelter. She will identify her sense of calm with this incentive if you exercise your dog before bringing her home.
Provide an OutletWith Limitations
Keeping your dog mentally engaged can also aid in lowering excessive energy. Playtime then becomes relevant. Playing catch, having your dog look for a food that has been hidden, or putting him through an obstacle course are all enjoyable methods to exercise and tire out your dog. The fact that you can choose the activity’s duration and level of intensity is crucial here. Limitations become relevant at this point. The game is over if your dog becomes overexcited. This forms of negative reinforcement are subtle. Limiting behavior teaches your dog that “If I calm down, I get a treat,” whereas praising calm behavior teaches them that “If I get too crazy, the treat goes away.”
Engage Their Nose
Since a dog’s nose serves as her main sense organ, being able to capture her sense of smell can be relaxing. Lavender and vanilla scents can soothe your dog, especially if you associate them with peaceful moments, like placing a scented air freshener close to her bed. Verify that your dog isn’t allergic to any specific odors, and contact your vet for suggestions on which scents are best for soothing dogs.
Calm Yourself
Most importantly, you must control your own energy since the dog cannot be calm if you are not. How do you discipline your dog when you need to? Do you frequently yell “No” at them or can you usually get them to cease their undesirable conduct with just a gentle prod or a quiet word? If you fall into the second group, you’re a part of what makes your dog excited. Only when a dog is ready to engage in a risky behavior, such as running into oncoming traffic, should you correct them with a loud noise. But all it should take is one quick, sharp noise to divert your dog’s interest. Here’s a visual to remember: in the woods, two troops. The opponent is seen when they reach a clearing. One of them begins to advance. The other soldier must stop this somehow. not by shouting.” Without speaking a word, the move—an arm across the chest or a hand on the shoulder—is probably already clear in your mind. Dogs have an innate grasp of this type of correction since they are hunters. The deer would be long gone and none of them would eat if the group approached a herd of deer in a clearing and the Pack Leader barked to order them to stop. The leaders’ energy and body language are all they have to stop the pack.
If your dog is inherently excitable and high-energy, it can take some time before you notice results from these methods. It’s crucial that you continue to use them consistently and don’t give up. It’s likely that your dog didn’t suddenly turn into a hyperactive mess, so you won’t be able to reverse the situation overnight. But once you commit, you’ll be shocked at how rapidly things will start to shift. Success depends on being consistent.
How composed or overexcited is your dog? What techniques have you employed to regain that composure and obedient energy? Please tell us in the comments.
