The dog zoomies are also known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs). Which are exactly what they sound like: your pup running around at full speed like an absolute maniac. Despite what it may look like, this is totally normal behavior and many dogs do it. Does your dog get the zoomies?
Who gets the zoomies?
According to Live Science, cats, rabbits, ferrets and even elephants have been known to get the zoomies. Felines often experience them after bathroom breaks. However, dogs are certainly the most famous for their zoomies. Canines of all ages have been known to experience FRAPs, though puppies often have more energy to expel than senior dogs
What do zoomies look like?
Zoomies are synonymous with burning off energy. Zoomies can look like anything from frantic frolics through backyard to laps around the house. They are intense bursts of energy. Dogs tend to gallop at full speed in any direction they can. Often the behavior is repetitive and unexpected or sudden.
Some dogs might bark or grab hold of their favorite toy and try to convince you to join in the excitement. If you have a mouthy dog I strongly advise against participating during FRAPs. This could cause an accidental bite and negative reinforcement of a dangerous behavior.
Why do zoomies happen?
Zoomies depend on the animal, the surrounding environment and what activities the dog has gotten up to that day. Often, zoomies happen because your pup has pent up energy. This could be physical energy built up while your dog has been waiting patiently inside his crate for the dog walker. It could be nervous energy brewing at the vet’s office. If your dog gets excited on the way to the dog park.
FRAPs are not to be confused with OCD, which is a different affliction. The repetitive behavior associated with doggy OCD has less to do with expelling pent up energy and more to do with nervousness or anxiety. If you are unsure if your dog has OCD or the zoomies please speak to a professional trainer or veterinarian.
Where do zoomies happen?
Wherever your dog goes, zoomies can happen. When they are in the zoomies they have no regard for their surroundings. The dog will not heed calls to stop, come, or sit.” Your dog is effectively in the zone. Ideally you can open the door and let him out into the yard.
If you don’t have an enclosed yard or safe space for your dog to use as his own personal racetrack, herd him into a hazard-free area if you can.
When do zoomies happen?
Usually, dog zoomies happen around the same time each day (or at least after the same activity each day). For instance, a dog who is crated between lunch and dinner time may get the zoomies every evening around six o’clock. Another pup might go nuts with FRAPs whenever he gets home from the groomer.
Get in tune with your dog! Take notes on when he goes wild with zoomies. This will not only alert you if his behavior changes, it’ll clarify whether or not you need to give your pup more playtime. Many Australian dog breeds require ample time outdoors and routines that provide plenty of activities throughout the day. If your dog gets zoomies constantly, it could be his way of showing you he needs more time out and about and less time alone or crated.
Calmer breeds probably won’t have as much pent up energy to burn off, so if they suddenly experience frequent FRAPs, it could be a health issue worth investigating.
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