Stuck Indoors with the Zoomies? Tips and Advice

If you have a high-energy dog, you have more experience with the zoomies than you’d probably care to admit. Dogs love to race around the yard, at the dog park, or in any other open space. Unfortunately, the zoomies sometimes hit your fur baby inside too. If you’re frustrated with watching your dog zoom around the house, over your furniture, and back again, this article is for you because we have some tips for handling the zoomies.

Zoomies Have a Name

Those furious bursts of speed through the house or around their favorite outdoor play space can be either random or seem to have a pattern depending on your dog and the day. Most of us call them the zoomies, but they have a technical name. They are frenetic random activity periods (FRAPS), and the theory is that it relieves stress, releases energy, and allows your dog to show excitement, but it’s unclear why dogs feel the need to FRAP.

Remember Zoomies Are Normal

Dogs everywhere get the zoomies. It’s normal dog behavior, but it shouldn’t happen in a space that is unsafe for your dog. Zoomies aren’t behavior that indicates an issue, but they shouldn’t be mistaken for behaviors such as chasing their own tail, which suggests a bent toward obsessive compulsiveness. The good news is that zoomies usually last less than 10 minutes, which is a minor inconvenience for you.

Look for Patterns in the Zoomies

Most of the time, zoomies can be attributed to pent-up energy and excitement. Some puppies may never have the zoomies, and others will have them for life. There tends to be a theme to the behavior, though. You may notice it happens at the same time every day; pay attention to the timing and look for triggers that you might be able to eliminate if the indoor zoomies are becoming an issue.

Preventing the Zoomies

You might be able to lessen the frequency or degree of the zoomies by providing increased physical exercise or mental challenges for your dog. Increasing physical or mental activity for your pup is the way to release the energy before it gets channeled into the random burst of energy associated with the zoomies.

The Takeaway

Dog zoomies are normal, but sometimes they can be problematic for pet owners. Typically, dogs will outgrow the zoomies when they are still relatively young. If you’re still waiting for your dog to outgrow the random bursts of energy, try providing your pet with focused mental stimulation and physical activity to redirect that energy. Contact Dog Training Now Charleston to learn more!