Dog Zoomies: Everything You Should Know

Your pup comes sprinting through your living room, running in large, wide circles with seemingly no desire to stop… It’s the DOG ZOOMIES! And while this slightly ‘crazy’ behavior can be confusing at first, we’re here to break down everything you need to know about dog (or puppy) zoomies! While dog zoomies is the most common term you’ll hear, there is actually a more technical term for this fascinating display of energy put on by your pup! FRAPs or FRAP. This stands for frenetic random activity periods. And while I think this term is spot on, “zoomies” is more fun! Just like the real name says, the zoomies are a spurt of energy (often at seemingly random times) from your dog.  Dog (or puppy) zoomies often include (but is not limited to) things like this… ⬇️ -Running as fast as possible -Running in no clear direction or with no clear purpose -Barking, howling or making other vocal forms of communication -Jumping on and off of things like couches, beds, nearby toddlers, chairs, etc. -Spinning wildly in circles (yes, this happens) -Trying to get you (or other dogs) to chase them, often encouraged by a play bow -Just overall being a little bit hyper and uncontrollable for a short burst of time The question of why do dogs get the zoomies gets a lot of attention in our private Facebook community and on our social media pages! And while there may not be a hard and fast rule as to why it happens, there are some ideas as to why. When our pups encounter prolonged periods of boredom, confinement, or even stress, it can create a pent-up amount of energy. And when you get a pent-up amount of energy and a desire to relieve stress… THE ZOOMIES! Most of the time our dogs get the zoomies after they’ve been forced to be not active for quite a while.  Additionally, it can happen after stressful situations. Think bath time, vet visits, and even new guests coming to your home! And while the zoomies can really happen to your pup at any time, you’ll often see it after a period of boredom/confinement (like in a crate) or after stressful situations. Just like undesired car repairs, the zoomies can happen at any time! And, it’s often when you aren’t expecting it. While these random bursts of energy can happen spontaneously, there are instances when dogs are more likely to get the zoomies. Here are a few ⬇️ -After being crated -After visiting the vet -After visiting the groomer -After a bath/shower at home -After being on a leash for an extended period of time -When they hear you say something they love like walk, park, dinner, treats, etc. -When you come home after a long period of time -When your dog knows you are about to leave -When your dog becomes extremely bored -When your dog knows it is about bedtime -When your dog doesn’t have enough outlets for physical and/or mental activity Those are just a few times when dogs get the zoomies! Before we answer how to stop the zoomies, we really should ask should we want to stop the zoomies? While it’s understandable to sometimes need your dog to chill out, shouldn’t we be excited when our pups get the zoomies?!  I mean we all want a tired, relaxed, and chilled out pup and doesn’t exercise help with that?  When my dogs get the zoomies, I’m stoked!  Why? Because they’re making my life easier. And as a human being, I like when my life is easier. They get to run around, go crazy, and get some energy out all while I often sit and enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of my couch! But if you do need to stop the zoomies, redirect to something less intense like a lick mat! NOTE: If you haven't already, PLEASE leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It is extremely helpful and appreciated :)