Zoomies, or Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), refer to those unmistakable explosions of energy that dogs have on occasion. Zoomies often feature frantic, repetitive behavior such as running in circles or spinning around.
Yes, the zoomies are a sign of being happy. It's not a bad thing, and it's a sign that your dog is enjoying life. You want them to be able to express their happiness. What are some ways pet owners can make the zoomies easier on their dogs?
"Generally speaking, dog zoomies happen when dogs are feeling happy and excited," says Amelia Wieber, dog behavior consultant, trainer, and Daily Paws Advisory Board member. It's just good fun for your pup (until a kid or a vase gets knocked over).
Gets The Zoomies
Dogs that are zooming around are typically either bored and trying to burn off some steam, or they are hyperactive due to overtiredness. If your dog gets the zoomies, think back to what was going on beforehand.
Zoomies are a natural part of behavior for dogs, and not something you should worry about preventing or discouraging, so long as your dog is zooming in a safe place.
While there isn't one simple answer (because every dog is different), the zoomies typically last about 1-5 minutes. Again, the technical term of Frenetic Random Activity Periods has the answer within the phrase, random.
In much the same way you may find you're able to lessen the degree or frequency of zoomies by increasing physical exercise or challenging your dog mentally. This is a great way of releasing some of that pent up energy before it's channelled into one of these random bursts of energy.
Your dog is tamping down the grass and chasing away any bugs or other creatures to give it a nice clean place to do its business. The circles allow your dog to get a good, clear view of the surrounding area to make sure there are no threats or predators near by when they are in such a vulnerable position.
It is an activity motivated by joy and a sense of satisfaction at being released from something of pressing urgency for our dogs. Some experts believe that running after a poop may be indicative of some sort of infection, itch, or even an injury to the dog's anus. Running is a common reaction to anxiety or even pain.
Yes, your dog knows how much you love him! Dogs and humans have a very special relationship, where dogs have hijacked the human oxytocin bonding pathway normally reserved for our babies. When you stare at your dog, both your oxytocin levels go up, the same as when you pet them and play with them.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
Indoor zoomies usually don't occur more than once per day, and often it's at the same time of day. We know our dogs are Zen masters of routine, and sometimes an evening routine (like settling in for a TV program) or bedtime ritual will trigger the need for a quick trip (or six) around the sofa.
Zoomies also happen quite often at night. Especially with puppies who have been crated all day or have not been given enough opportunities to exercise. As soon as they get the chance to run around, they take it. Even adult dogs get the zoomies, although the younger the dog the more frequently it seems to occur.
So what exactly are the zoomies? Zoomies are a sudden release of energy in dogs. You've probably seen it after your dog gets out the bath — that frantic yet euphoric looking dash they make around the house. It's a common behavior (especially in young dogs), and it's simply a way for dogs to release pent up energy.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy.
Eye Contact
As your dog squats, do you notice that she stares at you while doing her business? You'd think she'd look away in hopes of getting a little privacy, but she locks eyes with you instead. That's because when your dog is in that pooping position, she's vulnerable, and she's looking to you to protect her.
It's not unusual for dogs to grieve the loss of a person they've bonded with who is no longer present. While they might not understand the full extent of human absence, dogs do understand the emotional feeling of missing someone who's no longer a part of their daily lives.
Generally, most puppies will start to settle between 6 - 12 months, but as mentioned above there are a few other factors that can impact puppy energy levels. Some might say that female dogs are calmer dogs due to the fact they mature quicker than males, however a more impactful factor to consider would be their breed.
From Birth to 10 Weeks
They have boundless energy and curiosity. They spend most of their day playing and learning the foundations of being a dog: chasing, running, pawing, biting and fighting.
Although all puppies are officially considered adult dogs once they reach one year old, puppies continue to grow in height and size while their bones are still developing, which takes anywhere from 6 to 24 months.
Just like their human pals, dogs are likely to choose a favorite person based on a number of factors. Some of these include the person's demeanor, interactions with the dog, and how well the person helps meet their basic needs.