Dog Zoomies – Why Do Dogs Run In Circles?

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Dog zoomies are periods of frantic activity in which a dog runs around in circles, and seems to be unaware of their surrounds. In canine psychology circles we call it a frenetic random activity period, or frap for short. Zoomies are more common in puppies, but can happen in dogs of any age. They do it without noticing what’s going on around them, what they break, or who they knock over in the process. When the dog zoomies happens indoors, it can leave the rest of the family in quite a state.

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A dog with the zoomies is not going mad. Nor is he bad, or dangerous. Apart from the risk of tripping over something or smashing up the furniture the zoomies isn’t harmful to him.

Frapping or zoomies is a normal dog behavior but if it’s causing you a problem, there are steps you can take to reduce it. Increases in exercise and training are the most effective solutions. Dogs can be taught that zooming is only appropriate outdoors. And if you are alert to your dog’s triggers, you can anticipate most cases of the dog zoomies and move them into your yard.

Is this the dog zoomies?

Does your dog suddenly runs madly around the house like a wild animal, low to the ground with legs bent. Do his eyes look a little crazy, is his butt tucked underneath him, and does he appear to have no regard for his own safety or your best china? If so, you’re probably watching a case of the zoomies dog in action

The word zoomies really does sum up this crazy behavior very well.

What do dog zoomies look like?

Dog zoomies isn’t just clumsiness or restlessness. The behavior is quite distinctive, as is the posture of the dog. It’s almost a squatting kind of run – difficult to describe but you’ll recognize it once you’ve seen it.

You may also see play bows interspersed with the running.

Another feature is the sudden way that the zoomies start. A dog with a case of the zoomies will break into a flat out gallop from a standing start.

Sometimes right in the middle of your living room! There is often very little warning.

Why does my dog run around like crazy?

People often use the word ‘crazy’ to describe the zoomies dogs do. The dog will be oblivious to any damage, often crashing into tables and knocking chairs flying. If he’s outdoors in your yard, he’ll often race in a big circle at break neck speed, leaning right over to turn as tight as he can.

And perhaps stopping on occasion to spin around and set off in the opposite direction.

He may well not hear your pleas to ‘stop’ or ‘look out’ The zoomies don’t last long. But they can leave a trail of destruction behind them. And for a new dog owner, they can be quite shocking.

So what exactly is going on here. Has a dog with the zoomies got a problem? Or is the problem all yours? Why do dogs run in circles like this? Let’s discover what the scientists say.

dog zoomies

Frap dog behavior

Of course, biologists have come up with another name, so you’ll also hear zoomies referred to as ‘frapping’. Frapping dog is not an expletive (though you might feel inclined to use one)!

Frap is an abbreviation

F = frenetic
R = random
A = activity
P = period

And it’s a pretty self explanatory one.

Why do dogs get the zoomies?

So why do dogs run in circles like this? We don’t know exactly why some dogs are prone to frapping or getting the zoomies and other dogs aren’t.

Dog zoomies are more common during time periods when a dog is full of energy. In other words he hasn’t been exercised for a while, or has been shut in the house for a few hours.

Some dogs never get the zoomies, no matter how full of energy they are, and others get them frequently. So that isn’t the only explanation.

Dog zoomies can also have triggers particular to that individual. Such as after grooming, a game of tug or a bath. Though if this is your dog’s only trigger, this may not be a true case of the zoomies

dog zoomies play bow
Sometimes you’ll see a playbow before the zoomies start!

Why do dogs run around after a bath?

If your dog races around after his bath he might not have the zoomies. He may just be expressing his delight at the bath being over. Other dogs will zoom around with their head on the ground and their butt in the air after a bath, as they try to rub themselves dry on your carpets. One of my spaniels does this.

Again, it isn’t quite the same as the zoomies, which involves that distinctive posture I describe above. And a dog that is just drying himself will be more responsive to you than a dog with the zoomies. So how can you tell if your dog is about to get the zoomies? Is it possible to recognize the signs?

Zoomies – dog on the brink!

Zoomies are most common in dogs that are puppies or quite young, that haven’t had much exercise in the last few hours, and that are starting to get a bit excited, or playful. Play bows can be a sign.

If your dog has had the zoomies in the past and starts to play bow indoors, there is a good chance you are about to see a case of the zoomies. While dog zoomies are not in anyway linked with aggression, occasionally a young dog will start nipping during frapping behavior.

Dog zoomies – biting

If your dog is nipping or biting during an attack of the zoomies, you need to change the way you manage him. Avoid physically handling him, and stop any game you might have been playing. He needs to have a chance to calm down.

If you can open a door and let the dog outside to burn up some energy in your yard, then do so. Have your dog wear a house line indoors, so that you can restrain him at arms length if you need to.

Are the zoomies harmful to my dog?

Dog zoomies are not intrinsically harmful. They won’t give your dog a seizure or take him into some kind of permanent emotional melt down. Despite the clumsiness of dogs that get the zoomies, they don’t usually hurt themselves in any significant way, especially outdoors. The zoomies is also not usually a sign that they are sick.

If your dog has had the puppy zoomies on a regular basis since he joined your family, this is just ‘normal for him’. It’s how he lets off his extra energy. You don’t need to worry. Except about your china.

However, if a previously very calm dog suddenly starts to run in circles on a regular basis, consider having a chat with your vet. Especially if nothing has altered in the family routine that could have caused her to have some extra energy to let off. This change in behaviour could possibly be a sign of another problem.

Are the dog zoomies dangerous?

Dog zoomies are not usually too risky. But do be extra careful if you have a dog at higher than usual risk of injury. Dog zoomies along with stitches for instance can spell trouble. Avoid any known triggers for his zoomies. And to consider how to safely give him enough exercise, to reduce his pent up energy.

Dogs with the zoomies don’t usually crash into each other. But if you have a second dog in the house who is frail, elderly, injured or sick, you may want to protect them from a zoomie-inclined companion. For example by escorting them to safety when the zoomies begin!

And equally, a dog with the zoomies could knock down a toddler or an elderly or unsteady adult. This isn’t common, but it is something for owners of high energy dogs to be aware of.

What to do when your dog gets the zoomies

Don’t be tempted to chase your dog when he gets the zoomies, indoor or out. Chasing him is likely to excite him even further. Move him outdoors if at all possible

The Labrador Handbook by Pippa Mattinson(paid link)

I have had a lot of success with simply opening the back door and waving the dog outside the instant the zoomies begin. If the zoomies dogs are a big problem for you, think about what might have triggered them so that you can work on preventing or reducing them in the future.

How to prevent dog zoomies

Because dog zoomies is normal behavior you don’t need to do anything, other than help your dog learn to express this behavior in your yard, rather than around your coffee table. But, you may find that offering your dog more ways to dispel his energy helps to reduce frapping episodes, or even stop him from doing it altogether

Exercise will help to prevent the zoomies. Dogs won’t normally zoom when they are physically tired. Mental stimulation helps too. Dogs may be more prone to the zoomies when they are bored. A couple of training sessions each day will help to exercise your dog’s mind

Most dogs are more likely to have the zoomies when they are already in a playful of excited state. So learning how to calm a puppy or an older dog will help you.

The Labrador Site Founder

Pippa Mattinson is the best selling author of The Happy Puppy Handbook, the Labrador Handbook, Choosing The Perfect Puppy, and Total Recall.

She is also the founder of the Gundog Trust and the Dogsnet Online Training Program 

Pippa's online training courses were launched in 2019 and you can find the latest course dates on the Dogsnet website

169 COMMENTS

  1. Hi. I never knew about zommies till I saw this in one of my sites I received. I have a female German Short Hair, she is just 2 1/2 yrs old and she has a lot of energy. She always has this thing that she would lay on the couch and rub her face like being bashful and then start to dig and if I tell her to stop she will get up and do this run then jump from one couch to the other and you can’t grab her to stop or tell her, she does it more. She’s done this since a pup, but now as she is getting older I never thought it be Zommies. One good thing is that she is slowly becoming manageable and not doing it as much anymore. I have been running her a lot more and my friend who is a trainer told me that when she starts to do the running to have a short leash on her and in my hand so that I can control her and to prevent her to jumping on the couches. So far it’s working. Also I will tell her she has a choice either keep it up or she goes out in her kennel, and it is funny because she will drop down and lay in her spot on the couch and be good. I am glad now that I saw this article and now have and know about the Zommies.

  2. I have an American Staffordshire Terrier who has frapped his whole life, pretty much. I think it’s hilarious because he gets this crazy look, does a play bow, then he will start at me like he’s a quarterback with the ball! I never knew what it was called or why he did this, but I’m glad to know it’s not a concern, because we have a lot of fun. I think he does it more because I think it’s funny. I’m sure it looks crazy to my neighbors, him being a Pitbull and running at me like that! We have a good time, though.

  3. I’m hoping someone can give me ideas on what to do when dogs have zoomies when out on a walk.
    My 7 month lab/springer mixwere out walking. Her first zoomie was off leash, she had lots of space to run about but instead ran and decided that I looked a bit tasty so she started nipping. Sadly she can jump pretty high now so was going for my face. I waited until she’d calmed down and leashed her to head home as there are some pretty busy roads to cross. Just before we got to the road, bang goes another. This time she drew bleed from my arm and bit my breast. Almost got her home around 5 minutes later and she decides to go again.
    I’ve tried standing calm and ignoring her, not making it into a fame by pushing her off, saying ‘no’… I’ve been in tears tonight, more from the fright than the physical pain. The last 2 times, I had to hold her leash as she could have ran into the road.
    Any suggestions how I can manage this if it happens again? 🙏🏻

    • When my pup did this I attached her lead to something and sat just out of reach till she calmed then rewarded her and we walked on. It seemed to be that her emotional bubble had boiled over.

  4. I am very concerned about my little rat terrier, he just started running frantically revolutions in our yard. My concern is he may have a heart attack. He is now almost 2 years old and usually plays well with his brother who is an American Blue Georgia bull dog. Since inception they both play tug of war or with their yard balls etc. But the last 3 days he has not wanted to play with the other dog. All the little guy wants to do is run around in the yard we have a lot of yard to run in. Today he is ignoring me and won’t come in to eat I will have to go get him and bring him inside. He has a great appetite they both do they were rescues within six months of each other. Vet office closed today being Sunday. However I will call my vet in the am. This dog is real high strung and very loud and may need something to calm him down.

  5. Such a relief to know that our 5 month old Shorkie isn’t possessed!! Our other dogs have had running spurts but nothing like this guy! It’s amazing that he hasn’t hurt himself or anything in the house while zooming!

  6. My JRT/pointer 4month old dog gets the zoomies. It is amazing to watch and see how fast she runs. She is dodging outdoor furniture and leaping over fallen sticks. Thankfully its only happened outside.

  7. I have a 2 year old Pitbull and he gets the zoomies a lot. He always has these Sparks of energy. He will play for 5-15 minutes then get tired about 5 minutes later he is excited to play again. He tends to do his zoomies when he thinks you are going to play with him. He never does them inside. We have a small house and he isn’t allowed to run inside. When he gets his zoomies outside he is actually very agile and avoids all obstacles. He will purposely run towards items just to avoid them. I really need to make him an agility course. When he gets the zoomies I get out of the way.

  8. My puppy gets the zoomies when he is OVERTIRED. Sometimes over exercising them and not enforcing naps is what causes them to bring out that extra energy as they are just fighting to stay awake. I think this article is completely off base on the cause.

  9. Really glad to read this article and comments. I have an 11-week old mini maltese that I thought was demon possessed, haha. She gets the zoomies at night when I’m about to turn in to bed and runs around like a maniac. She also becomes a bit vicious, and wants to bite. She calms down after about half an hour…

  10. when our 11 week Lab has the zoomies, today it lasted for 30 minutes she goes for the arm with a hard bite and draws blood with winter tops on. Cloths are ripped on the arm sleeve, pants and of course hands.
    I am worried that as she get stronger this will get worse. and a really hard bite will happen on the hand damaging tendants.
    We have to have many dog toys that a long to redirect the energy after the zoomies as she is still hyper. we don’t play tug of course as the toy are just to direct her biting us like mad. So glad the kids are grown up as no way could they be around here when this is happening.
    For the first 3 week I dig the bite inhibition and then a trainner at BestFreinds Pet store, in Australia, said to not do this any more, it encourages biting. So I am so confused with so much conflicting info.
    told to to put her in the play pen as that in punishment. but I am over as being a human pin cussion.

  11. Our 6 year old lab/pit rescue gets the zoomies EVERY TIME he does #2!!! It’s ok in the back yard, but when we are walking it’s awful trying to deal with 55 pounds on a leash!

  12. Not only does our lab/pittie mix 4 mo old get the zoomies every night, but almost at the same time 😂(7pm)!
    What is hilarious (?) is that as a 3 month old, it was adorable. At 4mos and literally twice as big, it’s…. epic?.. no. Awe-inspiring? 🤣🤣

  13. We have a 3 month old Old English Sheepdog and he is the calmnest wee thing ever….until about 6pm. He goes berserk for about 5 minutes it’s hilarious! I heard about the ‘zoomies’ from a colleague so didn’t worry too much but it’s like he turns into a completely different demon dog. I tried, this time, to calm him down but he was nipping and snarling so i Googled and found you. I’m so glad i know to just let him be – out in the garden. He came straight back in after 1 minute as the Sully we know and love – phiew!

  14. Our 17 year old Mini Poodle gets the zoomies, she has done this since she was a pup. We just let her and the other two dos (also seniors) stay out of the way and watch her. We worried seeing her do this since she is elderly so I decide to search on line….I am more surprised this is a “thing” so now we know..Bless the interned and the people who share good information.

  15. My 9 Month old purebred German Shepherd has the Zomies ever since he was 4 mo old. He would run circles around a tree stop an go the other direction. now he chases his lease around the tree till he catches it an works it back and forth like he’s trying to cut the tree down. Now recently he will grab his ball or frisbee an run around the tree with it in his month. When I go out to play fetch with him he will fetch the ball or frisbee and bring it back to me. Then he will take off around the tree with it in his mouth.

  16. My 13 month old chocolate Labrador is very big and extremely strong and goes on wild zoomies in the house. Usually after walks or drying off paws after the rain. During the zoomies he leaps up on the sofa knocking it over onto its back which in turn hits the solid oak dining table and chairs sending them flying. He’s almost knocked the large flat screen TV over (I caught it just in time!). He is walked three to four times a day. One hour in the mornings, twenty to thirty minutes each twice during the day and another hour in the evening before bedtime. He has off lead runs in a field on the hourly walks. We have to walk him so often as he refuses to toilet in the garden and will hold it for over 14 hours if we don’t take him out (The longest we tried not taking him out to toilet to encourage him to go in the garden before we caved in as worried he’d hurt his bladder). I think it’s because he is still intact and is scent marking as he’ll urinate up to 15 times on a walk. He has lots of exercise and plenty of interaction to keep him busy but makes no difference. I’d love to sort these issues out as it’s difficult to manage some times.

    • My 9 month old husky gets zoomies out in our yard, but only when he knows he has to go inside. It is his way of saying heck no…I’m not going inside. It is very frustrating because I know I can’t chase him, but he will continue repeatedly for over 5-10 minutes if I try to get him to come inside. He will even run at the door straight on, and then veer off at the very last second. He has torn up our yard completely because he mostly does it when the ground is wet from rain. And because of that he gets absolutely disgusting and super muddy. I have tried ignoring him so he doesn’t get attention for it, but that hasn’t helped. I now basically have to figure out what path he is using and get in the way so I can get him on the way by. After he gets a really bad case, I only take him out on the leash for a day or two, and then he is behaved for a while. But it always comes back, despite getting tons of play time and exercise. I absolutely do not want to have to take my dog out on a leash all the time in the yard and take away his chance to explore and have a little freedom. But this repetitive nature of getting the zoomies when he doesn’t feel like listening is exhausting.

  17. Have a 2 year old-ish rescue lab mix who does this. We say it’s like someone wound him up like a spring and he just has to unwind- which is fine. My question/problem is he tends to run into me sometimes, not sure if deliberate or if he just comes too close and can’t stop. I try to stand by the house or up against a tree if possible but sometimes he catches me in the middle of the yard. Which is why I am writing this with a fractured knee as he caught me with his shoulder right below my knee ( he’s only 40# so his shoulder lines up perfectly) Any ideas on how to train him to stay farther away from me when he has the zoomies

    • Many years ago my Labrador male puppy (9 months) had a zoomie after jumping out of a river on a windy day, It was in the middle of a field, and as I saw him coming I stepped out of the way, I thought, but he also moved and yes I fractured my knee, not walking properly for 6 months. So yes, this happens. Best thing to do, is to face the dog in this situation, crouch down with your hands in front and if he runs into you, grab him. He may push you over but it’s better than turning to the side and him hitting you in the knee. I learned after that when I threw a ball while he was in a zoomie, he often came out of it and then chased the ball … He grew out of this.

  18. My one year old black lab does this when she gets excited about seeing someone new. Kids think it’s hilarious having to dodge out of her way as she runs around crazy. She normally calms down after a few minutes and hasn’t caused much damage… yet 😂

  19. My Jack Russell gets it after we have come back from a long walk. It’s that last burst of energy she uses up and then crashes out for a sleep. She gets daily 2 hour walks, we walk miles, with a couple of quick toilet breaks. At the moment she’s not allowed to free run as she is deaf and has no recall. She runs on a long training lead in the park. Zoomies is just to use the last bit of energy up. My gsd was the same.

  20. Well, maybe I have the oldest dog that does this…he’s not a puppy, he’s 5! Our Fox Red Lab will break out into zoomies, often after a walk. It’s fun to watch! He runs circles around his older brother (9) Yellow and gets him excited as well! Sometimes, he does it in the house, often at night and then, gets tired and settled down. Every kind of dog ( Husky and Border Collies) we’ve had has done this. We call it ‘Freak Out”!

  21. I have a pug who just recently turned 1 year old. He has been doing zoomies from the beginning. We walk 2 miles every morning i probably and he will suddenly break into a zoomie on the walk on a leash! I’m not very graceful so occasionally it trips me and I fall. I have no problem with the zoomies, he is cute as a button and is my heart! I probably love him more than normal,but he is my child! Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.. Anita mom of Zeb.

  22. My 10 week old pup gets the zoomies every night at around 7pm she just goes crazy running around like someone possessed lol

    • I am having the same problem and it is 7 at night and she is running like crazy and when I pick her up she wants to bit me have you fund a solution?

  23. We have a 6 month old Cavapoo who gets lots of play time and walks but every now and then goes absolutely nuts around the garden. I know everyone says it’s fun to watch them burn off their energy but she destroys our garden. Literally destroys the garden which is obviously unacceptable. She caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage and nearly kills herself in the process. She totally ignores any signals or efforts we make to stop her. Totally defiant. Otherwise she is a loving, well behaved little girl.

  24. I have an 18-month-old Chihuahua who has started to spin round and chase his tail in the evenings, but not at other times. It may be attention-seeking behaviour, but he gets really wound up. Sometimes he manages to catch his tail and chew at it, which I don’t want him to develop any further. Any advice would be most welcome.

  25. THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES! I have a five month old Boston Terrier (my second Boston), who behaves exactly as you describe. My first Boston did not display this behaviour. I was worried the new pup was demented. Now I have a word, zoomies! He walks 5km each day, plays exceedingly well by himself, he is very active, but, about 8:00 pm each evening, the zoomies start. His trigger appears to be tiredness rather than boredom. It has even occurred at 3:00 am, as I write this. He is now snoring. Jeez Louise, what a site to see! Happy it’s normal☺️ Thank you for such aclearly written piece.

  26. My Pugalier gets the ‘Zoomies’ every few days , day or night. Outside he runs in a large circle, head down as If in a marathon. Inside it’s straight down the passage using a couch to do a quick turn back again. There’s no stopping him..when he stops he’s puffing and panting and needs a drink. At least I now know what it is …

  27. My female black Labrador who is nearly 2 years has a case of the zoomies on occasion. She’s a joy to watch as she appears so free and energised. She’s nearly always on a walk when she just takes off as if she’s just heard a starting gun. Her rear is low to the ground with bent legs. She tends to run in circles sometimes halting briefly to run in the opposite direction. I’ve no idea how she manages to avoid knocking into trees or shrubs as she is often in the woods when she starts. I’ve made no clear association with anything and remain uncertain as to what triggers the behaviour. I just stand and watch. It’s self limiting and once she’s finished, she quickly calms and returns to her walk.

  28. My 15 month old female black lab gets the zoomies when we put the sprinkler on and allow her to play in it. She runs like a mad thing around the garden and I swear I can see her smiling! We love it.

  29. My parents have a labrador who is 5 months old and he sees me like inve in 10 days and when he sees me he goes nuts, listens nobody, can not separate from me and often I am afraid of him when he goes like in pic…

  30. We call them Brain Farts. Both of our labs had them. They always look like they are zoned out or even afraid a bit when they stop.

  31. Every dog we have had, had the zoomies, at one time or the other. I love it! It’s fun to see them run and enjoy themselves. Its just a dog being a dog!

  32. My Chihuahua also gets zoomies. Outside she runs in a giant circle faster than you can believe but inside she just runs back and forth a couple of times.

  33. Our rescue of four months (Labrador/pit bull – mix, a little over a year old) gets the “zoomies” three times a day after every single walk. We call it a “surge” because basically it is a surge of energy that generally last for 30 seconds. At this point we know it is going to happy and just let him get it out without truly acknowledging it. Overtime ignoring it (not viewing it as a form of entertainment or trying to “control” it via discipline) has caused his surges to decrease in duration. At first it was roughly a 5 minute surge, now it is about 30 seconds after a 20 minute walk. It is reassuring to know that others are running into this “issue” and it is common amongst our respective breeds. He also will get a “surge” after/during we are playing tug or goofing off. He can be VERY playful and begins nipping followed by a surge of energy. During these surge sessions I know that the act of “playing” is the direct cause of it. We do not mind it in our house as it is not “aggressive/reckless behavior” it is simply “expending energy behavior”. With that said after an hour or two at the dog park his “surges” are generally non-existent.

    • Glad to hear it’s not just our dog..we got a 1-3 yr old Pit maybe pit mix female from a shelter; she was there 6 mos. She’s very friendly very very loving.. slathers us with kisses…but she is a bad “leash puller” and so until she’s better trained and more decompressed here at home I put her in the backyard off the leash and the next day she startled me…she did laps at at least 30mph maybe 40 about 10 laps like that looking crazy..I let her do it as I figured it’s good to get her energy out after all she had been caged for 6 mos with I am sure little time out. Thing is after her being out and exercise she in her playful mood can get a little “mouthy”..lighty put her teeth on my hand and I sternly said No.. thing is she wants food all the time as we made the error everytime we eat or snack to give her a taste..one time I said “NO” sternly as she was tap dancing all around me…she does not like being told “NO” sometimes and she has very softly did a low growl sound (no teeth) but as loving as she is. she sits next to one of us all the time, sleeps with us, kissed us like mad…but I don’t know I think I see some worrisome signs? When the mailman came here sounded like she’d kill him! But yea the running thing, it was kind of bizarre! Good to know alot of dogs do it maybe I am being overly cautious.

  34. My dog is a 1yr old staffie. She is very playful and loving but sometimes with no reason or explanation to why she sets of like a bullet and runs round the hose the hall way the bedroom and goes crazy for about 15 minutes she is like a greyhound on heat but it is scary for anyone who doesn’t know her and if you try to stop her from doing it she growls at you. We take her out for runs and she is always running so mad its like she has a auto pilot button to switch on and off. When we get back home she rests and sleeps for a little then she can be ok and maybe in a day or two or day after she can have zoomies again. I wish that i could calm her down as she also jumps up at visitors and no amount of telling her its impossible to hold her down she has a mad time and i cant stop her. But after all said and done she is lovable;e and i love her but not loving the zoomies thnx

  35. Useful article! My six months old labrador seems to have zoomies almost daily, but strange enough after a long walk and his food, so it can’t be a lack of exercise. It’s scary to see and a bit dangerous.

    • My dog is exactly the same, straight after exercise and food, when she should be tired and calm! She finishes eating, looks at me, gets into a play bow and she’s off!!!

  36. I always thought the ‘zoomies’ was a playful expression. My pup zooms at times even after she is adquately exercised and tired… Just out of the blue…
    However, I just read on another site that a dog behavioist said ‘zooming’ F.R.A.P.ing was the puppy “disapatting fear”. And dog is being “chased and the prey” of an imaginary predator”. Of all I’ve ever observed in my pups or dogs, I’ve never heard this opinion.

  37. Our rescue gets the zoomiesxas well. He’s an 11 month lab/boxer/pit bull mix. He’ll get excited playing around in the yard with his ball or toy and then all of a sudden he’ll be running full speed laps around the pool. He will stop and turn on a dime and spray grass and dirt in the air. He’ll get so excited that he’ll start barking and nipping but doesn’t bite. He wears himself after a while. I thought he was crazy until I read this article. I’m glad to know he’s just burning off energy and it’s not aggressive behavior. It’s a blast to watch him tearing through our yard and having so much fun.

  38. My black labrador get them mostly when I return home I love to see her so excited I get a little leary of her hurting herself but she’s in a sort of controlled kaos just makes you happy to see her so excited and happy love her truly.

  39. Zoomies are really fun to watch. I love it when my two dogs go crazy and run around. It’s pure joy and I wouldn’t dream of stopping them. They normally get zoomies late afternoon so I make sure they are in the yard that time. At first, I thought my puppy was possessed when I witnessed the zoomie behavior, but after a while, I got used to it and looked for patterns when it occurs to minimize the damage lol. Thanks for the great info and good job education dog owners. 🙂

  40. Our 5 month old gets them out of the blue. She also lunges and barks. Try to calm her down and it takes awhile. How do you get her to calm herself down? We had a 13 year old that wasn’t like this. She did the roomies but never acted so aggressive. Help!

  41. It is how dogs bring down large game by spinning and tripping them up .they are dogs in their natural world they walk run to hunt every day not sit in a house and do nothing.

  42. My dogs always get the zoomies inside or outside. Every dog I have ever had has had them I just encourage it and tell “wild dog” over and over as they do it. They are happy and I enjoy it.

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