As a dog owner, many of us have lived through the following scenario many times. We are enjoying a quiet evening with the family sitting around watching TV and the dog lying quietly on the floor. Before we know it, the dog jumps up and begins running around the house like a crazed filled maniac. He continues running at top speed with a burst of energy that would make an Olympian proud.
It may seem as if this burst of energy comes from nowhere but it is timed with Swiss like precision. This issue is sometimes known as “crazy racing,” “turbo mode” and, more appropriately, “the zoomies.” In fact, this type of activity is reported frequently on social media and it is a necessary part of your dog’s life. It allows them to release energy and, although it may be more common with puppies, it may also happen with older dogs as well.
Veterinarians have a more official sounding title for this type of energetic frenzy. They refer to it as “Frantic Random Activity Periods” (FRAPs). They are part of our dog’s life but they may cause a little bit of stress in some humans. Perhaps the best way for humans to handle this issue is to schedule a time for the dog to get it out of their system. Have some scheduled play time in a fenced-in yard or take them to a dog park. Giving the dog play time, preferably off leash, can give them the opportunity to get it over with for the day.
Some dog owners have also found it beneficial to watch for pre-zoomie behavior. The dog will often bow with his front legs down after leaping up into position. The tail will wag furiously and it seems as if the dog is ready to play.
It may be possible to get the FRAP underway by mimicking the behavior and bowing before your dog. In that way, you are not stopping the dog from releasing the energy, you are simply directing it.
When the zoomies happened indoors, it can lead to some rather disastrous consequences, especially if the dog is large. You have a number of different choices if that is the case. You can either allow the outburst to run its course or teach the dog that it is improper behavior for inside of the house.
Some dog owners find that putting the dog in a crate for 1 – 2 minutes can help to head off the zoomie. You should never use a crate as punishment, but using it to keep the dog calm until you can move them to an appropriate area is a loving thing on your part.
Try putting light pressure on the shoulder blades of the dog to calm them. This technique has been used with success in many cases. Your hand should remain firmly but gently in place until the dog sinks to the floor and relaxes.
Chasing your dog or playing alongside of them when they are going through a zoomie may just caused them to take it up a notch. This could be disastrous if it is done inside of a home and could lead to broken furniture and the potential for injuries.
Some dogs are more likely to experience the zomies, especially high energy breeds that enjoy running. As the FRAP behavior begins, realise that it is going to run its course and then it will end for a while. In the meantime, have fun while the show is available.
These videos show the zoomies in action
Via: How Stuff Works
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