Ever wondered why dogs sometimes start running around like crazy out of nowhere?
It’s called the zoomies. They’re also known as frenetic random activity periods, or FRAPs. It’s like a wild run. While some owners can get worried at the site of a dog zipping around like mad, it’s almost always nothing to worry about.
They’re a totally normal way for your dog to release pent up energy. The zoomies can happen out of nowhere, but are usually triggered when a dog is really excited. They can sometimes be triggered by watching other pets or people engage in playful behavior. There is usually a build up period to a zoomie. A dog leaping up and down a lot, wagging its tail rapidly and bowing down to you multiple times are all signs.
Zoomies are also a way for dogs to relieve stress, which may be why they run around after they have a bath, because they’re happy it’s over with. While zoomies are regular dog behavior, it may be a sign your pup needs to release its energy in other ways. If you recognize abnormal patterns of the zoomies, try walking your dog more or playing fetch.
However, there is something you should definitely avoid doing when your dog comes down with a case of the zoomies: chasing after it. This can send out a bad behavioral message, especially if it is a puppy learning how to properly act in the world. Instead, if you need to stop the frenetic activity, call the dog’s name aloud. This will hopefully rouse him or her into obedience.
Instances of the zoomies are most common in puppies. Don’t be alarmed if your puppy experiences a zoomie episode as often as twice a day. Owners shouldn’t be alarmed if the amount of zoomies experienced by the puppy decreases with age. This is a normal part of a dog’s maturity process. Most say that frequent zoomies in puppies is in fact the puppy testing its limits, seeing how much activity it can tolerate at that point in time. Additionally, an older dog will sometimes be induced into a zoomie if they observe a puppy doing the same, presumably in an effort to re-live its youth.
If you do want to trigger a zoomie in a well trained dog, there are a few easy methods. For example, you can give your dog the “play bow” trick instruction rapidly, making your dog bring his chest to the ground and up again. And remember, they almost always get frenetic when wet, although when it isn’t in a bath setting this can be cruel for the dog.
Also, it’s not just dogs that get the zoomies. Sometimes a cat will have a similarly frenetic experience. Like with puppies, kittens are the most prone to the zoomies. It is significantly easier to initiate a zoomie period with a cat. Dangling a piece of string in front of its face usually does the trick. As there is much less obedience training required with a cat, initiating a zoomie with them is much more advisable.