August 5, 2025 • 38 mins
If you need professional help please visit my Dog Behaviorist website.
Go here for Free Dog Training Articles
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
If you have ever watched a dog tear across the
yard like it's furs on fire,whipping around furniture, doing
laps around the couch andsuddenly dropping into a play
bow as if nothing happened,congratulations.
You have just witnessed aclassic case of the zoomies.
(00:25):
It's a scene that many petparents know very well One
moment your dog is dozingpeacefully and the next they're
spinning like a cheetahthroughout your living room of
frenzied activity, sometimesaccompanied by wild eyes, tuck
(00:46):
tails or an erratic spin, ismore than just random silliness.
It's a behavior rooted inbiology, emotion and environment
, and when we slow down tounderstand it, the zoomies
(01:07):
reveal something surprisinglyimportant about a dog's inner
world.
Don't go anywhere.
All that and more in 60 seconds.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
Raised by wolves with canine DNA in his blood.
Having trained more than 24,000pets, helping you and your fur
babies thrive, live in studiowith Will Bangura Answering your
pet behavior and trainingquestions.
Ladies and gentlemen, pleasewelcome your host and favorite
pet behavior expert, willBangura.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
Would you like to go on?
What Good day, dog lovers.
Hey, thanks for joining me foranother episode of Dog Training
Today.
I'm Will Ben-Gura.
(02:06):
I'm an accredited, certifiedcanine behaviorist through
International Canine Behaviorist.
I'm also a certified behaviorconsultant and a certified
professional dog trainer, andfear-free certified.
I specialize in working withsome of the most difficult dog
behavior problems, likeaggression, reactivity, fears,
(02:28):
phobias, obsessive, compulsivebehaviors, and do that all using
force-free, positive,reinforcement methods.
There's never a need to usecorrections.
There's never a need to useaversives.
Anybody can punish a dog.
(02:55):
It takes real skill, it takesreal education and understanding
to really be able to train ananimal, and we know that all
animals dogs you as well, dogsyou as well learn best when
you're having fun.
But today's topic we're going tobe talking about the zoomies,
because so many of you send meemail questions about dog
(03:17):
zoomies and are wondering what'sthis all about?
How do I get it to stop?
It's me crazy, my dog, it justgoes nuts.
You know what I'm talking about.
You know exactly what I'mtalking about.
I don't know that there's anydog owner.
I don't know that there's anypet parent that has had a dog,
(03:37):
unless they're this complete andtotal couch potato that hasn't
experienced the zoomies.
But before I get into the meatand potatoes of that, do me a
favor If you're a listener tothis podcast and you haven't
subscribed, please subscribe soyou never miss an episode of Dog
(04:00):
Training Today.
If you're watching on YouTube,please hit that like button, hit
that share button.
If you're watching on YouTube,please hit that like button, hit
that share button.
If you're listening to this onanother platform, and tell your
friends and families.
And if you love what we do,please think about giving us a
five-star review.
Yeah, hit that pause buttonright now.
It'll just take a second bygiving us a five-star review
(04:21):
that allows our content to rankhigher so that more people can
benefit from what we do at dogtraining today.
Okay, enough of that, let's getinto zoomies.
All right?
Um, to get to the root ofzoomies, we need to look at
what's happening inside the dog.
(04:42):
What's happening inside the dog, what's happening
neurologically, what's happeningemotionally and behaviorally?
Okay, and the first thing weneed to talk about is emotional
release.
One of the most common reasonsdogs get the zoomies is it
(05:06):
becomes a form of emotionalrelease After periods of stress,
excitement or frustration.
The zoomies may function like apressure valve.
Think of it like nervouslaughter in humans or the way a
child might run screaming fromthe school bus.
(05:28):
At the end of the day, it's notjust a physical act, it's an
emotional decompression.
For instance, many dogs exhibitfraps after a bath fraps after
(05:52):
a bath even if they enjoy theexperience.
It's a mix of relief, a mix ofoverstimulation and a burst of
post-event adrenaline.
The same can happen after a vetvisit or grooming, or even
during a play date, and a lot ofit's about pent up energy.
Zoomies are also a sign thatyour dog needs more structured
(06:19):
physical or mental stimulation,or mental stimulation.
Dogs, especially younger or highenergy breeds, accumulate
energy throughout the day.
If that energy is not releasedin a way that's meaningful to
them through, say, scent work orenrichment games, exploration
(06:45):
or social play, it builds uplike steam in a pressure cooker
and eventually something has togive.
This is why dogs often get thezoomies in the evening around
what many pet guardians refer toas the litching hour After a
(07:07):
day of holding it together whileyou've probably been gone
working.
Now the floodgates open.
And there's another thing to besaid about developmental stage,
or developmental stages.
Young dogs are more prone tozoomies, especially during
(07:28):
critical periods of developmentPuppies between eight weeks and
six months.
They're still figuring outtheir bodies and their impulses.
They lack inhibition and theirbrains are essentially wiring
themselves in real time.
The zoomies are a manifestationof neurological growth and
(07:52):
boundary testing.
It is a play, sure, but it'salso motor coordination.
It's also about emotionallearning.
It's about proprioceptivefeedback.
Think of it as the equivalentof, let's say, a toddler running
(08:15):
in circles because they justdiscovered how to Okay.
And then another thing aboutZoomies.
Hey, there can be contextualtriggers.
Sometimes zoomies occur inresponse to specific situations
After a poop yeah, I know thatsounds funny, but hey, it
(08:37):
happens.
Right, many pet parents noticetheir dog takes off running
after they defecate.
Dog takes off running afterthey defecate.
This poop zoomie may be acombination of physical relief,
a natural instinct to move awayfrom a vulnerable location, and
(09:00):
sensory stimulation.
Another time, contextually, isa trigger after a bath.
Even if the bath was gentle,being wet can feel strange.
Zoomies help the dog to dry offand to re-regulate their
nervous system.
Another contextual situationwhere we may see the zoomies is
after confinement.
Coming out of a crate or beingreleased after a long stay
(09:25):
indoors often results in thezoomies.
It's a simple case of reliefpaired with overstimulation.
Another context is during play.
When another dog's involved,zoomies can happen mid-play.
Zoomies can happen mid-play.
They're often mutual andreciprocal One dog initiates the
(09:47):
mad dash, the other dog giveschase.
This is where things can getmore complicated, especially in
multi-dog households.
But more on that later.
In grass, in snow, in sand, newenvironments, new textures and
(10:08):
new smells can trigger sensoryoverload, leading to a joyful
explosion of movement.
(10:31):
Oh, now I just got an email fromsomebody that was asking what
in the heck do you mean whenyou're saying FRAPS?
Well, fraps is the technicalterm for Zoomies.
Fraps actually stands forPhrenetic Random Activity
Periods, f-r-a-p-s.
(10:54):
Okay, let's get back intotalking about zoomies.
And we can't talk about zoomiesuntil we talk about the
neurochemistry behind thezoomies.
Okay, let's dive in a littlebit deeper.
What is going on in your dog'sbrain when the zoomies hit?
Well, fraps, remember the term.
(11:19):
They're almost always linked toa spike in arousal.
This can be caused byexcitement, it can be caused by
stress, it can be caused byrelief or even anticipation.
In neurological terms, arousalinvolves the activation of the
(11:39):
sympathetic nervous system, thesame system that governs fight
or flight responses, but unlikea true fear or panic response.
Zoomies are usually what wewould call estrous reaction or
positive arousal.
(12:00):
When a dog's overstimulated,the body releases let's just
call it a cocktail of hormones,okay Cortisol, adrenaline,
norepinephrine.
If that energy is notredirected into purposeful
behavior, it has to go somewhere.
So the dog runs and runs, andruns and then you've got the
(12:24):
zoomies.
There's also a role fordopamine.
You know that feel-goodneurotransmitter that drives
reward-seeking behavior.
Sprinting across the yard orbouncing off the couch may
simply feel good.
There is no ball to chase orsquirrel to hunt, just the pure
(12:47):
pleasure of motion, velocity andsensation.
In a way, zoomies might even beself-reinforcing behaviors.
The act of running increasesarousal, which makes running
feel even better.
That feedback loop continuesuntil the dog is finally spent.
(13:12):
Now let's ask one of the bigquestions Are the zoomies a
problem?
This is a common question.
Is it okay to let a dog havethe zoomies, or should pet
guardians try to intervene?
Well, the short answer is itdepends.
(13:34):
In general, zoomies areharmless and they can even be
healthy.
They help dogs burn energy,release tension and regulate
their mood.
But context matters.
In some situations, right, theycan be dangerous or, at the
(13:56):
very least, incrediblydisruptive.
When are zoomies just fine.
If your dog is zooming in asafe environment like a fenced
backyard or large open room orsecure play area, there's little
harm in letting them blow offthe steam.
(14:17):
In fact, watching a dog sprintfull tilt with their tongue
lollagagging throughout, the airout of their mouth and their
tail flying behind them, that'soften an incredibly joyful sight
, right?
Zoomies can be a sign of a dogfeeling safe, free and
(14:40):
unrestrained.
That's not something tosuppress, no, unless, of course,
there's a risk of injury.
Now, when do zoomies become, orwhen are zoomies concerning?
There's a few cases wherezoomies might not be as innocent
(15:03):
.
One is injuries, dogs withjoint issues or hip dysplasia or
recovering from surgery.
They shouldn't be allowed toengage in high-impact sprints.
What looks like joyful playcould aggravate an existing
condition.
Another challenge that reallycan be a problem is small spaces
(15:26):
.
A Zumi in a living room filledwith glass, coffee tables and
ceramic decorations well, that'sasking for trouble, right?
Collisions are common,especially when a dog corners
too sharply or slips on ahardwood floor.
Another situation where itmight be a problem that a lot of
(15:47):
people don't think of multi-doghouseholds.
If one dog starts zooming andthe others become overstimulated
, this can escalate, sometimesinto redirected aggression.
Yeah, believe it or not, I dealwith this all the time.
What began as play can suddenlybecome a fight.
(16:16):
If thresholds are crushed, thenthere's post-traumatic
responses.
In some cases, zoomies may be away for a dog to shake off
anxiety or fear after astressful event.
While this is not alwaysharmful, if zoomies follow every
unpleasant experience, it mightbe worth examining whether the
(16:37):
dog is chronically dysregulatedemotionally.
Then let's also talk aboutanother potential danger with
zoomies, and that's children orelderly people.
An 80 pound Labrador zoomingand careening around the yard is
not a risk free situation,especially around young kids or
(17:00):
seniors who might get knockedover.
Now I get a lot of emails heyWill, can you prevent the
Zoomies?
Zoomies are not something youcan eliminate completely, nor
should you try to.
They serve a purpose, but youcan reduce their frequency,
(17:23):
especially if they're becoming anuisance, by addressing the
underlying causes.
One of the things that you wantto begin to do is increase
structured exercise.
Many dogs get the zoomiessimply because they're
under-exercised.
A walk around the block mightnot cut it, especially for
(17:46):
working breeds or sporting dogsor adolescent pups.
Look at your dog's daily routine.
Are they getting enough time tomove, to sniff, to explore?
Are they getting enough time toplay?
Are they given freedom to runat full speed in safe areas, or
(18:10):
are they constantly leashed orconfined?
A tired dog is a calm dog, butthis does not mean just physical
exhaustion.
It means mental fatigue too.
Consider activities like scentwork and nose games, snuffle
mats and food, puzzles, trainingnew skills or tricks, play
(18:30):
dates with well-matched dogswith good temperaments,
exploratory walks in novelenvironments.
Adding these elements to yourdog's day can help prevent the
kind of pent-up tension thatleads to a zoomy explosion.
The other thing that you can dois build more compression time.
(18:53):
If your dog tends to zoom afterevents like baths, crate time or
guest visiting, it might bebecause they're not getting
enough decompression.
Decompression refers to theprocess of allowing the nervous
system to come back down from astate of arousal.
(19:14):
For some dogs, this requiresspace.
For others, it means engagingin calming, grounding behaviors
like licking.
Engaging in calming, groundingbehaviors like licking, chewing
or foraging.
Here are a few ways to supportdecompression Give your dog a
stuffed Kong or long-lastingchew after stimulation.
(19:38):
Use calming enrichment likelicking mats or scatter feeding.
How about playing calming musicor white noise?
Let them retreat to a safeplace, a quiet place.
Avoid overwhelming them withattention right after a
stressful experience.
(20:00):
So what can you do during aZoomie episode?
What can you do during a Zoomieepisode?
So let's imagine the Zoomieshave hit your dog is a blur of
fur and paws darting around likea missile with no target.
What should you do in thatmoment?
(20:26):
Well, the answer might dependon where you are, how safe the
environment is and whether yourdog is at risk of hurting
themselves or hurting somebodyelse.
The first thing don't chase, donot chase.
One of the most commonreactions that pet parents have
when their dog starts zoomingaround is to try to grab them or
(20:50):
give chase.
Well, that usually actuallybackfires.
To a dog in that high arousalstate being pursued.
That might feel like part ofthe game.
It adds excitement, itreinforces the behavior and it
almost always results in morezooming around Instead.
(21:11):
Stay calm.
Avoid yelling, lunging ormoving quickly towards the dog.
Any abrupt motion mightescalate the situation.
Let your body languagecommunicate neutrality.
Don't scold your dog.
That's another thing that'simportant.
(21:32):
Look, zoomies are notdisobedience.
Your dog is not acting out ortrying to push your buttons.
They're simply overwhelmed withenergy or excitement and are
letting it out in the only waythat they know how Scolding a
dog for zooming can actuallybackfire, especially if their
(21:54):
nervous system is alreadydysregulated.
You might teach them thatreleasing energy is bad, which
could result in more internaltension and, ironically, more
intense zoomies later on.
Okay, let's talk about usingenvironmental management.
(22:16):
If your dog is zooming in aspace where they might crash
into furniture, knock over alamp or collide with a child
into furniture, knock over alamp or collide with a child try
to guide them gently to a saferarea.
You can open a baby gate to letthem into the backyard or
(22:37):
calmly walk toward an open roomto encourage movement into that
direction.
If you anticipate the zoomies,say right after a bath,
proactively move your dog to asafe area in advance.
The other thing that you can dois, hey, give them space.
(22:59):
Sometimes the best thing thatyou can do during the zoomies is
just step aside, literally Moveout of their way.
Give them room and let theepisode run its course.
Most Zoomies only last a minuteor two.
They peak and then they vanishjust as quickly as they arrive.
(23:23):
Once it's over, you can offer acalming activity to help bring
their arousal level down gentlyA slow sniffari right, doing
some sniffing.
Do that in the yard.
A frozen food, toy or a softtowel massage can help ground
(23:44):
them again.
The other thing we can begin todo is start teaching impulse
control without suppressing thejoy.
You know, there's a fine linebetween helping a dog learn to
manage their impulses andshutting down their natural
playfulness.
We never want to punish a dogfor feeling happy, for feeling
(24:08):
excited or enthusiastic, but wecan teach them how to express
those feelings in ways that areless chaotic and more
predictable.
One of the ways to do that isto teach a default behavior.
Dogs thrive on structure.
Teaching them a reliablebehavior that they can fall back
(24:32):
on, even when they're overaroused, can help create more
control during high energymoments.
Sit or down Reinforce thisbehavior generously A lot.
Practice sitting down.
Give high value food rewards.
Practice that a lot in calmsettings.
(24:53):
Practice it during excitingmoments too, like when a
favorite person arrives.
Stationing have you ever doneany stationing training with
your dog?
Train your dog to go to a mator a bed and stay there briefly.
This becomes a kind of a homebase, if you will, they can
(25:15):
return to whenever they'reoverstimulated.
Pattern games exercises likeLeslie McDevitt's one, two,
three treat game or look at thatcan teach dogs to orientate to
you during these rising arousalsand these crazy energy filled
(25:43):
zooming sessions.
Doing things like the one, two,three treat game game, the look
at that pattern game thosethings can really help to keep
these things from spiraling outof control.
Now, if you want to learn moreabout the one, two, three treat
pattern game or look at that, besure to visit my website at
(26:08):
phoenixdogtrainingcom.
Go to the blog section.
You'll find both of thosearticles there and many, many
more.
All right.
Another thing that you can dostart teaching a good recall on
cue.
Teach your dog to come everytime when you call it.
(26:29):
If your dog tends to zoom inunsafe places, a strong recall
well, man, that can be alifesaver.
You need to make recall workridiculously rewarding.
If there's one thing, one thing, that your dog should just be
(26:50):
getting big time jackpots,bonuses, super high value food
rewards it's on recall training.
It could save your dog's life.
Other things you might play astructured game of tug followed
by a release command, scatter,kibble in the grass and
(27:12):
encourage sniffing.
These are other ways to channelthat energy.
Engage, in short, trainingdrills that blend motion with
focus.
How about using a flirt pole orchase toys?
But make sure you do that insafe areas.
All these things are ways tochannel that energy.
By meeting your dog where theyare, rather than trying to
(27:35):
suppress their energy, you turna chaotic outburst into an
opportunity for connection andfor learning.
Next we're going to be talkingabout when the zoomies are not
just zoomies.
But first I want to take aquick second to talk to you
(27:55):
about Calm Dogs.
Calm Dogs is a natural calmingaid that I spent five years
researching and developing.
That's right.
Calm Dogs is my creation.
I developed Calm Dogs for dogswith anxiety, fears, phobias,
reactivity and even aggression.
I created Calm Dogs to helpdogs that have noise
sensitivities, like a fear ofthunderstorms or fireworks.
(28:16):
Calm Dogs also works great fordogs with separation anxiety, a
fear of car rides and travel.
Calm Dogs even helps those dogswith a fear of vet visits or
grooming.
In fact, I'm so confident thatCalm Dogs will help your dog
that I make it absolutelyrisk-free.
Calm Dogs comes with a 100%money-back guarantee.
(28:36):
My promise to you is verysimple Calm Dogs works for your
dog or it's free.
Take the 45-day Calm DogChallenge.
Go to calmdogscom ordoganxietycom to learn more
about Calm Dogs and how it canhelp your dog today Risk-free at
CalmDogscom or DogAnxietycom.
(28:57):
All right, so let's talk aboutwhen the zoomies are not just
zoomies.
While most zoomies areperfectly normal and even
healthy, it's worth pointing outthat not all sudden bursts of
energy are rooted in joy or play.
Sometimes what looks like azoomie may actually be something
(29:19):
else entirely, and in thosecases it's important to pay
close attention.
And the first thing we need tolook at is are we talking about
anxiety or stress-drivenbehavior?
In some dogs, especially thosewith a trauma history or
underlying anxiety disorder,frantic movement may be an
(29:42):
attempt to flee something that'snot physically present.
This can look a lot like azoomie but feels different.
When you're observing it, signsthat it might be driven by
anxiety rather than healthyarousal might be whale eye or
(30:03):
dilated pupils, ears pinned backor a tucked tail, pacing or
repetitive circling pantingwithout exertion, difficulty
calming down afterward.
In these cases the movementmight be more compulsive than
playful and it might not be acelebration.
(30:27):
It might be an escape for thedog and their stress and their
anxiety.
When in doubt, record a videoand consult a certified behavior
consultant or a veterinarybehaviorist to see what their
assessment is Chronic pacing orrepetitive bursts that happen at
(30:51):
the same time each day or inthe same context.
Yeah, those are things thatmight warrant deeper assessment.
Let's talk a little more aboutcompulsive disorders.
In rare cases, repetitivemovement can signal the early
stages of a compulsive disorder,especially in dogs that are
understimulated, chronicallyisolated or poorly socialized.
(31:15):
If your dog engages in repeatednon-functional zooming for
extended periods of time,particularly indoors and without
any clear trigger, it may betime to rule out a
neurobehavioral issue as acontributing factor.
This is especially importantfor breeds that are more prone
(31:37):
to OCD-like behaviors, like bullterriers, dobermans or border
collies.
Movement disorders, flysnapping, fly snapping, tail
chasing or extended bouts ofzoomies that don't stop with
interventions are not the sameas regular zoomies.
(31:57):
They may start as a zoomie, itmight look like a zoomie, but it
evolves into something moreconcerning if left undressed,
and falls into something moreconcerning if left undressed.
Talking to other people aboutzoomies, you know there's one
more piece to the puzzle, andit's not about the dog, it's
(32:23):
about the people.
Zoomies can make dogs look crazyto those who do not know better
.
Strangers might think yourdog's out of control, neighbors
may express concern.
Even friends or family membersmight misinterpret a joyful
outburst as defiance, aggressionor hyperactivity.
How you frame the behaviormatters.
(32:45):
When you talk about zoomies,use language that explains
rather than justifies.
Try something like well, he'sletting off some steam.
It's a natural behavior foryounger dogs.
She's excited and needs a quickburst before she settles again.
(33:06):
It is his way of releasingbuilt-up energy.
We give him time toself-regulate.
This is a normal developmentalphase.
It helps him learn body control.
Just as importantly, help otherpeople in your household,
especially children, understandwhen to step back and give the
(33:30):
dog space during the zoomies.
Trying to intervene, pet orredirect a dog in the middle of
zoomies is not only ineffective,it's also potentially unsafe.
A child trying to hug a zoomingdog can easily be knocked over
or inadvertently nipped.
(33:51):
Zoomies are not a problem tofix.
Let's just step back for amoment.
In a world where many petparents feel pressure to control
, manage and train every aspectof their dog's behavior, zoomies
can be a breath of fresh air.
(34:12):
They're one of the fewremaining expressions of pure,
unfiltered canine joy.
In many ways, zoomies remind usthat dogs are not machines,
that they're not programmable orlinear.
They feel things deeply, theyexplode with emotion, they have
(34:40):
rhythms and waves of energy,just like we do.
When a dog gets the zoomies.
What we're seeing is a snapshotof vitality.
It's as close to a spontaneouscelebration as most dogs will
ever get.
The tail may tuck, the paws mayskid and the furniture may not
(35:03):
survive, but in those chaoticfew seconds, something beautiful
happens A dog is alive, they'represent and for a moment, that
dog, for that moment, iscompletely completely free,
(35:27):
completely free.
Now my final thoughts on thesubject.
Let them run, but run smart.
There's nothing wrong with thezoomies, but there is something
wrong with the idea that theyalways need to be corrected or
stopped.
Like any behavior.
(35:52):
Context is king.
If your dog is zooming daily,consider what their body and
mind might be asking for Morestimulation, more decompression,
a safer outlet for emotionalenergy, or maybe just your
permission to be a little wildnow and then.
By observing, understanding andresponding rather than reacting
(36:18):
, you allow your dog to havethat moment, their moment, while
still creating boundaries thatprotect everybody involved.
While still creating boundariesthat protect everybody involved
.
Zoomies are not misbehavior,they're information, they're
your dog's way of telling youhow they're feeling.
(36:39):
So listen, listen closely andmaybe, just maybe, the next time
they race through the yard,instead of reaching for a leash
or yelling their name, you takea deep breath and smile Because
(37:00):
for two glorious minutes twoglorious minutes your dog
remembered what it means totruly be a dog again.
Well, folks, that music means Iam out of time.
Thank you so much for joiningme for another episode of Dog
(37:22):
Training Today.
Hey, if you've got a dog withzoomies, I hope there was
something here that helped you.
And if you know someone who'sgot a dog with zoomies, I hope
there was something here thathelped you.
And if you know someone who'sgot a dog with zoomies, hey,
share that with them.
Be sure to give us a thumbs up,be sure to subscribe, give us a
five-star review, share thiswith your friends.
Until we talk again for anotherdog training today, happy
(37:43):
training and have a great day.
I'm will Will Vangura.
I'm out of here.
Bye.
If you have ever watched a dog tear across the
yard like it's furs on fire,whipping around furniture, doing
laps around the couch andsuddenly dropping into a play
bow as if nothing happened,congratulations.
You have just witnessed aclassic case of the zoomies.
(00:25):
It's a scene that many petparents know very well One
moment your dog is dozingpeacefully and the next they're
spinning like a cheetahthroughout your living room of
frenzied activity, sometimesaccompanied by wild eyes, tuck
(00:46):
tails or an erratic spin, ismore than just random silliness.
It's a behavior rooted inbiology, emotion and environment
, and when we slow down tounderstand it, the zoomies
(01:07):
reveal something surprisinglyimportant about a dog's inner
world.
Don't go anywhere.
All that and more in 60 seconds.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
Raised by wolves with canine DNA in his blood.
Having trained more than 24,000pets, helping you and your fur
babies thrive, live in studiowith Will Bangura Answering your
pet behavior and trainingquestions.
Ladies and gentlemen, pleasewelcome your host and favorite
pet behavior expert, willBangura.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
Would you like to go on?
What Good day, dog lovers.
Hey, thanks for joining me foranother episode of Dog Training
Today.
I'm Will Ben-Gura.
(02:06):
I'm an accredited, certifiedcanine behaviorist through
International Canine Behaviorist.
I'm also a certified behaviorconsultant and a certified
professional dog trainer, andfear-free certified.
I specialize in working withsome of the most difficult dog
behavior problems, likeaggression, reactivity, fears,
(02:28):
phobias, obsessive, compulsivebehaviors, and do that all using
force-free, positive,reinforcement methods.
There's never a need to usecorrections.
There's never a need to useaversives.
Anybody can punish a dog.
(02:55):
It takes real skill, it takesreal education and understanding
to really be able to train ananimal, and we know that all
animals dogs you as well, dogsyou as well learn best when
you're having fun.
But today's topic we're going tobe talking about the zoomies,
because so many of you send meemail questions about dog
(03:17):
zoomies and are wondering what'sthis all about?
How do I get it to stop?
It's me crazy, my dog, it justgoes nuts.
You know what I'm talking about.
You know exactly what I'mtalking about.
I don't know that there's anydog owner.
I don't know that there's anypet parent that has had a dog,
(03:37):
unless they're this complete andtotal couch potato that hasn't
experienced the zoomies.
But before I get into the meatand potatoes of that, do me a
favor If you're a listener tothis podcast and you haven't
subscribed, please subscribe soyou never miss an episode of Dog
(04:00):
Training Today.
If you're watching on YouTube,please hit that like button, hit
that share button.
If you're watching on YouTube,please hit that like button, hit
that share button.
If you're listening to this onanother platform, and tell your
friends and families.
And if you love what we do,please think about giving us a
five-star review.
Yeah, hit that pause buttonright now.
It'll just take a second bygiving us a five-star review
(04:21):
that allows our content to rankhigher so that more people can
benefit from what we do at dogtraining today.
Okay, enough of that, let's getinto zoomies.
All right?
Um, to get to the root ofzoomies, we need to look at
what's happening inside the dog.
(04:42):
What's happening inside the dog, what's happening
neurologically, what's happeningemotionally and behaviorally?
Okay, and the first thing weneed to talk about is emotional
release.
One of the most common reasonsdogs get the zoomies is it
(05:06):
becomes a form of emotionalrelease After periods of stress,
excitement or frustration.
The zoomies may function like apressure valve.
Think of it like nervouslaughter in humans or the way a
child might run screaming fromthe school bus.
(05:28):
At the end of the day, it's notjust a physical act, it's an
emotional decompression.
For instance, many dogs exhibitfraps after a bath fraps after
(05:52):
a bath even if they enjoy theexperience.
It's a mix of relief, a mix ofoverstimulation and a burst of
post-event adrenaline.
The same can happen after a vetvisit or grooming, or even
during a play date, and a lot ofit's about pent up energy.
Zoomies are also a sign thatyour dog needs more structured
(06:19):
physical or mental stimulation,or mental stimulation.
Dogs, especially younger or highenergy breeds, accumulate
energy throughout the day.
If that energy is not releasedin a way that's meaningful to
them through, say, scent work orenrichment games, exploration
(06:45):
or social play, it builds uplike steam in a pressure cooker
and eventually something has togive.
This is why dogs often get thezoomies in the evening around
what many pet guardians refer toas the litching hour After a
(07:07):
day of holding it together whileyou've probably been gone
working.
Now the floodgates open.
And there's another thing to besaid about developmental stage,
or developmental stages.
Young dogs are more prone tozoomies, especially during
(07:28):
critical periods of developmentPuppies between eight weeks and
six months.
They're still figuring outtheir bodies and their impulses.
They lack inhibition and theirbrains are essentially wiring
themselves in real time.
The zoomies are a manifestationof neurological growth and
(07:52):
boundary testing.
It is a play, sure, but it'salso motor coordination.
It's also about emotionallearning.
It's about proprioceptivefeedback.
Think of it as the equivalentof, let's say, a toddler running
(08:15):
in circles because they justdiscovered how to Okay.
And then another thing aboutZoomies.
Hey, there can be contextualtriggers.
Sometimes zoomies occur inresponse to specific situations
After a poop yeah, I know thatsounds funny, but hey, it
(08:37):
happens.
Right, many pet parents noticetheir dog takes off running
after they defecate.
Dog takes off running afterthey defecate.
This poop zoomie may be acombination of physical relief,
a natural instinct to move awayfrom a vulnerable location, and
(09:00):
sensory stimulation.
Another time, contextually, isa trigger after a bath.
Even if the bath was gentle,being wet can feel strange.
Zoomies help the dog to dry offand to re-regulate their
nervous system.
Another contextual situationwhere we may see the zoomies is
after confinement.
Coming out of a crate or beingreleased after a long stay
(09:25):
indoors often results in thezoomies.
It's a simple case of reliefpaired with overstimulation.
Another context is during play.
When another dog's involved,zoomies can happen mid-play.
Zoomies can happen mid-play.
They're often mutual andreciprocal One dog initiates the
(09:47):
mad dash, the other dog giveschase.
This is where things can getmore complicated, especially in
multi-dog households.
But more on that later.
In grass, in snow, in sand, newenvironments, new textures and
(10:08):
new smells can trigger sensoryoverload, leading to a joyful
explosion of movement.
(10:31):
Oh, now I just got an email fromsomebody that was asking what
in the heck do you mean whenyou're saying FRAPS?
Well, fraps is the technicalterm for Zoomies.
Fraps actually stands forPhrenetic Random Activity
Periods, f-r-a-p-s.
(10:54):
Okay, let's get back intotalking about zoomies.
And we can't talk about zoomiesuntil we talk about the
neurochemistry behind thezoomies.
Okay, let's dive in a littlebit deeper.
What is going on in your dog'sbrain when the zoomies hit?
Well, fraps, remember the term.
(11:19):
They're almost always linked toa spike in arousal.
This can be caused byexcitement, it can be caused by
stress, it can be caused byrelief or even anticipation.
In neurological terms, arousalinvolves the activation of the
(11:39):
sympathetic nervous system, thesame system that governs fight
or flight responses, but unlikea true fear or panic response.
Zoomies are usually what wewould call estrous reaction or
positive arousal.
(12:00):
When a dog's overstimulated,the body releases let's just
call it a cocktail of hormones,okay Cortisol, adrenaline,
norepinephrine.
If that energy is notredirected into purposeful
behavior, it has to go somewhere.
So the dog runs and runs, andruns and then you've got the
(12:24):
zoomies.
There's also a role fordopamine.
You know that feel-goodneurotransmitter that drives
reward-seeking behavior.
Sprinting across the yard orbouncing off the couch may
simply feel good.
There is no ball to chase orsquirrel to hunt, just the pure
(12:47):
pleasure of motion, velocity andsensation.
In a way, zoomies might even beself-reinforcing behaviors.
The act of running increasesarousal, which makes running
feel even better.
That feedback loop continuesuntil the dog is finally spent.
(13:12):
Now let's ask one of the bigquestions Are the zoomies a
problem?
This is a common question.
Is it okay to let a dog havethe zoomies, or should pet
guardians try to intervene?
Well, the short answer is itdepends.
(13:34):
In general, zoomies areharmless and they can even be
healthy.
They help dogs burn energy,release tension and regulate
their mood.
But context matters.
In some situations, right, theycan be dangerous or, at the
(13:56):
very least, incrediblydisruptive.
When are zoomies just fine.
If your dog is zooming in asafe environment like a fenced
backyard or large open room orsecure play area, there's little
harm in letting them blow offthe steam.
(14:17):
In fact, watching a dog sprintfull tilt with their tongue
lollagagging throughout, the airout of their mouth and their
tail flying behind them, that'soften an incredibly joyful sight
, right?
Zoomies can be a sign of a dogfeeling safe, free and
(14:40):
unrestrained.
That's not something tosuppress, no, unless, of course,
there's a risk of injury.
Now, when do zoomies become, orwhen are zoomies concerning?
There's a few cases wherezoomies might not be as innocent
(15:03):
.
One is injuries, dogs withjoint issues or hip dysplasia or
recovering from surgery.
They shouldn't be allowed toengage in high-impact sprints.
What looks like joyful playcould aggravate an existing
condition.
Another challenge that reallycan be a problem is small spaces
(15:26):
.
A Zumi in a living room filledwith glass, coffee tables and
ceramic decorations well, that'sasking for trouble, right?
Collisions are common,especially when a dog corners
too sharply or slips on ahardwood floor.
Another situation where itmight be a problem that a lot of
(15:47):
people don't think of multi-doghouseholds.
If one dog starts zooming andthe others become overstimulated
, this can escalate, sometimesinto redirected aggression.
Yeah, believe it or not, I dealwith this all the time.
What began as play can suddenlybecome a fight.
(16:16):
If thresholds are crushed, thenthere's post-traumatic
responses.
In some cases, zoomies may be away for a dog to shake off
anxiety or fear after astressful event.
While this is not alwaysharmful, if zoomies follow every
unpleasant experience, it mightbe worth examining whether the
(16:37):
dog is chronically dysregulatedemotionally.
Then let's also talk aboutanother potential danger with
zoomies, and that's children orelderly people.
An 80 pound Labrador zoomingand careening around the yard is
not a risk free situation,especially around young kids or
(17:00):
seniors who might get knockedover.
Now I get a lot of emails heyWill, can you prevent the
Zoomies?
Zoomies are not something youcan eliminate completely, nor
should you try to.
They serve a purpose, but youcan reduce their frequency,
(17:23):
especially if they're becoming anuisance, by addressing the
underlying causes.
One of the things that you wantto begin to do is increase
structured exercise.
Many dogs get the zoomiessimply because they're
under-exercised.
A walk around the block mightnot cut it, especially for
(17:46):
working breeds or sporting dogsor adolescent pups.
Look at your dog's daily routine.
Are they getting enough time tomove, to sniff, to explore?
Are they getting enough time toplay?
Are they given freedom to runat full speed in safe areas, or
(18:10):
are they constantly leashed orconfined?
A tired dog is a calm dog, butthis does not mean just physical
exhaustion.
It means mental fatigue too.
Consider activities like scentwork and nose games, snuffle
mats and food, puzzles, trainingnew skills or tricks, play
(18:30):
dates with well-matched dogswith good temperaments,
exploratory walks in novelenvironments.
Adding these elements to yourdog's day can help prevent the
kind of pent-up tension thatleads to a zoomy explosion.
The other thing that you can dois build more compression time.
(18:53):
If your dog tends to zoom afterevents like baths, crate time or
guest visiting, it might bebecause they're not getting
enough decompression.
Decompression refers to theprocess of allowing the nervous
system to come back down from astate of arousal.
(19:14):
For some dogs, this requiresspace.
For others, it means engagingin calming, grounding behaviors
like licking.
Engaging in calming, groundingbehaviors like licking, chewing
or foraging.
Here are a few ways to supportdecompression Give your dog a
stuffed Kong or long-lastingchew after stimulation.
(19:38):
Use calming enrichment likelicking mats or scatter feeding.
How about playing calming musicor white noise?
Let them retreat to a safeplace, a quiet place.
Avoid overwhelming them withattention right after a
stressful experience.
(20:00):
So what can you do during aZoomie episode?
What can you do during a Zoomieepisode?
So let's imagine the Zoomieshave hit your dog is a blur of
fur and paws darting around likea missile with no target.
What should you do in thatmoment?
(20:26):
Well, the answer might dependon where you are, how safe the
environment is and whether yourdog is at risk of hurting
themselves or hurting somebodyelse.
The first thing don't chase, donot chase.
One of the most commonreactions that pet parents have
when their dog starts zoomingaround is to try to grab them or
(20:50):
give chase.
Well, that usually actuallybackfires.
To a dog in that high arousalstate being pursued.
That might feel like part ofthe game.
It adds excitement, itreinforces the behavior and it
almost always results in morezooming around Instead.
(21:11):
Stay calm.
Avoid yelling, lunging ormoving quickly towards the dog.
Any abrupt motion mightescalate the situation.
Let your body languagecommunicate neutrality.
Don't scold your dog.
That's another thing that'simportant.
(21:32):
Look, zoomies are notdisobedience.
Your dog is not acting out ortrying to push your buttons.
They're simply overwhelmed withenergy or excitement and are
letting it out in the only waythat they know how Scolding a
dog for zooming can actuallybackfire, especially if their
(21:54):
nervous system is alreadydysregulated.
You might teach them thatreleasing energy is bad, which
could result in more internaltension and, ironically, more
intense zoomies later on.
Okay, let's talk about usingenvironmental management.
(22:16):
If your dog is zooming in aspace where they might crash
into furniture, knock over alamp or collide with a child
into furniture, knock over alamp or collide with a child try
to guide them gently to a saferarea.
You can open a baby gate to letthem into the backyard or
(22:37):
calmly walk toward an open roomto encourage movement into that
direction.
If you anticipate the zoomies,say right after a bath,
proactively move your dog to asafe area in advance.
The other thing that you can dois, hey, give them space.
(22:59):
Sometimes the best thing thatyou can do during the zoomies is
just step aside, literally Moveout of their way.
Give them room and let theepisode run its course.
Most Zoomies only last a minuteor two.
They peak and then they vanishjust as quickly as they arrive.
(23:23):
Once it's over, you can offer acalming activity to help bring
their arousal level down gentlyA slow sniffari right, doing
some sniffing.
Do that in the yard.
A frozen food, toy or a softtowel massage can help ground
(23:44):
them again.
The other thing we can begin todo is start teaching impulse
control without suppressing thejoy.
You know, there's a fine linebetween helping a dog learn to
manage their impulses andshutting down their natural
playfulness.
We never want to punish a dogfor feeling happy, for feeling
(24:08):
excited or enthusiastic, but wecan teach them how to express
those feelings in ways that areless chaotic and more
predictable.
One of the ways to do that isto teach a default behavior.
Dogs thrive on structure.
Teaching them a reliablebehavior that they can fall back
(24:32):
on, even when they're overaroused, can help create more
control during high energymoments.
Sit or down Reinforce thisbehavior generously A lot.
Practice sitting down.
Give high value food rewards.
Practice that a lot in calmsettings.
(24:53):
Practice it during excitingmoments too, like when a
favorite person arrives.
Stationing have you ever doneany stationing training with
your dog?
Train your dog to go to a mator a bed and stay there briefly.
This becomes a kind of a homebase, if you will, they can
(25:15):
return to whenever they'reoverstimulated.
Pattern games exercises likeLeslie McDevitt's one, two,
three treat game or look at thatcan teach dogs to orientate to
you during these rising arousalsand these crazy energy filled
(25:43):
zooming sessions.
Doing things like the one, two,three treat game game, the look
at that pattern game thosethings can really help to keep
these things from spiraling outof control.
Now, if you want to learn moreabout the one, two, three treat
pattern game or look at that, besure to visit my website at
(26:08):
phoenixdogtrainingcom.
Go to the blog section.
You'll find both of thosearticles there and many, many
more.
All right.
Another thing that you can dostart teaching a good recall on
cue.
Teach your dog to come everytime when you call it.
(26:29):
If your dog tends to zoom inunsafe places, a strong recall
well, man, that can be alifesaver.
You need to make recall workridiculously rewarding.
If there's one thing, one thing, that your dog should just be
(26:50):
getting big time jackpots,bonuses, super high value food
rewards it's on recall training.
It could save your dog's life.
Other things you might play astructured game of tug followed
by a release command, scatter,kibble in the grass and
(27:12):
encourage sniffing.
These are other ways to channelthat energy.
Engage, in short, trainingdrills that blend motion with
focus.
How about using a flirt pole orchase toys?
But make sure you do that insafe areas.
All these things are ways tochannel that energy.
By meeting your dog where theyare, rather than trying to
(27:35):
suppress their energy, you turna chaotic outburst into an
opportunity for connection andfor learning.
Next we're going to be talkingabout when the zoomies are not
just zoomies.
But first I want to take aquick second to talk to you
(27:55):
about Calm Dogs.
Calm Dogs is a natural calmingaid that I spent five years
researching and developing.
That's right.
Calm Dogs is my creation.
I developed Calm Dogs for dogswith anxiety, fears, phobias,
reactivity and even aggression.
I created Calm Dogs to helpdogs that have noise
sensitivities, like a fear ofthunderstorms or fireworks.
(28:16):
Calm Dogs also works great fordogs with separation anxiety, a
fear of car rides and travel.
Calm Dogs even helps those dogswith a fear of vet visits or
grooming.
In fact, I'm so confident thatCalm Dogs will help your dog
that I make it absolutelyrisk-free.
Calm Dogs comes with a 100%money-back guarantee.
(28:36):
My promise to you is verysimple Calm Dogs works for your
dog or it's free.
Take the 45-day Calm DogChallenge.
Go to calmdogscom ordoganxietycom to learn more
about Calm Dogs and how it canhelp your dog today Risk-free at
CalmDogscom or DogAnxietycom.
(28:57):
All right, so let's talk aboutwhen the zoomies are not just
zoomies.
While most zoomies areperfectly normal and even
healthy, it's worth pointing outthat not all sudden bursts of
energy are rooted in joy or play.
Sometimes what looks like azoomie may actually be something
(29:19):
else entirely, and in thosecases it's important to pay
close attention.
And the first thing we need tolook at is are we talking about
anxiety or stress-drivenbehavior?
In some dogs, especially thosewith a trauma history or
underlying anxiety disorder,frantic movement may be an
(29:42):
attempt to flee something that'snot physically present.
This can look a lot like azoomie but feels different.
When you're observing it, signsthat it might be driven by
anxiety rather than healthyarousal might be whale eye or
(30:03):
dilated pupils, ears pinned backor a tucked tail, pacing or
repetitive circling pantingwithout exertion, difficulty
calming down afterward.
In these cases the movementmight be more compulsive than
playful and it might not be acelebration.
(30:27):
It might be an escape for thedog and their stress and their
anxiety.
When in doubt, record a videoand consult a certified behavior
consultant or a veterinarybehaviorist to see what their
assessment is Chronic pacing orrepetitive bursts that happen at
(30:51):
the same time each day or inthe same context.
Yeah, those are things thatmight warrant deeper assessment.
Let's talk a little more aboutcompulsive disorders.
In rare cases, repetitivemovement can signal the early
stages of a compulsive disorder,especially in dogs that are
understimulated, chronicallyisolated or poorly socialized.
(31:15):
If your dog engages in repeatednon-functional zooming for
extended periods of time,particularly indoors and without
any clear trigger, it may betime to rule out a
neurobehavioral issue as acontributing factor.
This is especially importantfor breeds that are more prone
(31:37):
to OCD-like behaviors, like bullterriers, dobermans or border
collies.
Movement disorders, flysnapping, fly snapping, tail
chasing or extended bouts ofzoomies that don't stop with
interventions are not the sameas regular zoomies.
(31:57):
They may start as a zoomie, itmight look like a zoomie, but it
evolves into something moreconcerning if left undressed,
and falls into something moreconcerning if left undressed.
Talking to other people aboutzoomies, you know there's one
more piece to the puzzle, andit's not about the dog, it's
(32:23):
about the people.
Zoomies can make dogs look crazyto those who do not know better
.
Strangers might think yourdog's out of control, neighbors
may express concern.
Even friends or family membersmight misinterpret a joyful
outburst as defiance, aggressionor hyperactivity.
How you frame the behaviormatters.
(32:45):
When you talk about zoomies,use language that explains
rather than justifies.
Try something like well, he'sletting off some steam.
It's a natural behavior foryounger dogs.
She's excited and needs a quickburst before she settles again.
(33:06):
It is his way of releasingbuilt-up energy.
We give him time toself-regulate.
This is a normal developmentalphase.
It helps him learn body control.
Just as importantly, help otherpeople in your household,
especially children, understandwhen to step back and give the
(33:30):
dog space during the zoomies.
Trying to intervene, pet orredirect a dog in the middle of
zoomies is not only ineffective,it's also potentially unsafe.
A child trying to hug a zoomingdog can easily be knocked over
or inadvertently nipped.
(33:51):
Zoomies are not a problem tofix.
Let's just step back for amoment.
In a world where many petparents feel pressure to control
, manage and train every aspectof their dog's behavior, zoomies
can be a breath of fresh air.
(34:12):
They're one of the fewremaining expressions of pure,
unfiltered canine joy.
In many ways, zoomies remind usthat dogs are not machines,
that they're not programmable orlinear.
They feel things deeply, theyexplode with emotion, they have
(34:40):
rhythms and waves of energy,just like we do.
When a dog gets the zoomies.
What we're seeing is a snapshotof vitality.
It's as close to a spontaneouscelebration as most dogs will
ever get.
The tail may tuck, the paws mayskid and the furniture may not
(35:03):
survive, but in those chaoticfew seconds, something beautiful
happens A dog is alive, they'represent and for a moment, that
dog, for that moment, iscompletely completely free,
(35:27):
completely free.
Now my final thoughts on thesubject.
Let them run, but run smart.
There's nothing wrong with thezoomies, but there is something
wrong with the idea that theyalways need to be corrected or
stopped.
Like any behavior.
(35:52):
Context is king.
If your dog is zooming daily,consider what their body and
mind might be asking for Morestimulation, more decompression,
a safer outlet for emotionalenergy, or maybe just your
permission to be a little wildnow and then.
By observing, understanding andresponding rather than reacting
(36:18):
, you allow your dog to havethat moment, their moment, while
still creating boundaries thatprotect everybody involved.
While still creating boundariesthat protect everybody involved
.
Zoomies are not misbehavior,they're information, they're
your dog's way of telling youhow they're feeling.
(36:39):
So listen, listen closely andmaybe, just maybe, the next time
they race through the yard,instead of reaching for a leash
or yelling their name, you takea deep breath and smile Because
(37:00):
for two glorious minutes twoglorious minutes your dog
remembered what it means totruly be a dog again.
Well, folks, that music means Iam out of time.
Thank you so much for joiningme for another episode of Dog
(37:22):
Training Today.
Hey, if you've got a dog withzoomies, I hope there was
something here that helped you.
And if you know someone who'sgot a dog with zoomies, I hope
there was something here thathelped you.
And if you know someone who'sgot a dog with zoomies, hey,
share that with them.
Be sure to give us a thumbs up,be sure to subscribe, give us a
five-star review, share thiswith your friends.
Until we talk again for anotherdog training today, happy
(37:43):
training and have a great day.
I'm will Will Vangura.
I'm out of here.
Bye.
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Fudd Around And Find Out
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!