All About Dog Zoomies

If you’re a dog owner, it’s likely you’re well versed in the sudden bursts of energy that have our dogs (and especially puppies) spinning like tornados and doing laps around the coffee table like it’s an Olympic track. But have you ever paused to wonder, what are they doing exactly?

This behaviour is known as ‘dog zoomies’ and we’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about it.

What is dog zoomies?

The proper name for dog and puppy zoomies is ‘Frenetic Random Activity Periods’ or FRAPs. These periods usually display as sudden bursts of energy where your dog may run around in circles, usually with their backend tucked in, chase their tail and do laps of the house and/or garden. Typically, dog zoomies won’t last very long and will be over almost as soon as they began, and your dog will plonk themselves down for a much-needed rest.

What causes dog and puppy zoomies?

The reality is that we don’t exactly know but zoomies are generally caused by a build-up of excess energy or stress which is then released in one short burst.

This is completely normal behaviour common to all breeds and types of dogs – although it is most common in puppies and adolescents, and generally occurs less as they get mature. But that’s not to say it’ll stop entirely – many older dogs will still have FRAPs!

When do dog zoomies commonly occur?

Although it’s caused by excess energy build-up or a release of stress, there are a few occasions that are likely to cause a FRAP. Our dogs, like many mammals (including cats), are crepuscular. This means they are more active and have more energy during dawn and dusk – so zoomies are more common at this time. Also:

• Just before bed: your dog may be trying to blow off steam before a longer period of rest.
• After a bath: dogs may either feel relief that they’re out of the bath or are trying to dry off (or perhaps both).
• After eating: this is common with very food orientated dogs.
• After pooing.
• During a training session: sometimes when we’re trying to teach our dogs something and they’re not quite getting it, it can lead to stress and a build-up of nervous energy that needs a displacement activity!
• When you get home from being out: they may be so happy to see you or it may be a release of stress at having been left.
• When something exciting or novel occurs.
• If they have a build up of energy that isn’t being addressed with exercise and mental stimulation.

Are dog zoomies harmful?

The behaviour itself isn’t harmful although they may tell you something about how your dog is feeling.

Your dog’s posture will tell you if they are having fun or stressed. In most cases, they will be joyfully happy – in which case they will be showing loose, wiggly, bouncing body language, maybe interspersed with playbows when they may hold their tail high before tucking it in for the next zoom, and with a relaxed even floppy tongue. A stressed dog will be more tense and wide-eyed, and its tail will stay low and tucked even when stopping or pausing. In this case, it is best to try and calm them down and consider what has caused their stress.

Even with joyful zoomies, the area in which they do it can be dangerous, particularly if they’re constantly skidding on laminate or hardwood floors or running into furniture. If you think your dog will harm themselves in the house, instead of trying to stop the behaviour, just direct the behaviour outside instead or if not possible, a carpeted area.

You will be able to predict when the zoomies are likely to strike and make sure your dog is somewhere you can both enjoy them without any fear of injury.

Instead, you should get in the habit of carrying high reward treats and drop a couple on the ground as you unclip the lead, so they have something rewarding to focus on in their first few moments of freedom!  Instead of chasing them, try running in the opposite direction (make sure they can see you doing this) to encourage them to chase you instead. When they come to you, give them a treat and in future they’ll be more willing to come back to you. 

If they’re frequently running off, if you have any concerns about their recall, or if the area is dangerous in any way (close to a road etc), keep them on a long line so they’re secure but still have space to run.

If your dog’s zoomies seem to be happening a lot or at inappropriate times (like the middle of the night), it may be a sign that they’re not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation. You could try more or longer walks (age and breed dependent), more breed/type specific exercise and outlets, and mentally stimulating toys such as puzzles and snuffle mats.

That’s our guide to dog and puppy zoomies! Want to find out more about your dog’s behaviour? Learn why your dog stares at you, next.