Why Your Dog Get's Absolutely Crazy

                  When your dog is like this...                        But you want her like this.

Dealing with the Zoomies.

If you are reading this then you are probably a desperate dog owner like me, searching for a reason why your furry friend goes crazy once and a while, and how to stop it. Let me tell you, I have experienced the same frantic feeling of hopelessness and confusion. Or maybe you have seen those viral videos of French Bulldogs going absolutely crazy and your wondering why. Let me tell you the reason why your dog does this, and how to deal with it. When your dog is running around the house, going nuts, there is an actual name for this, it is called Frenetic Random Activity Periods, or FRAP's. Also known as the zoomies.  Hilarious, right?! The American Kennel Club describes the zoomies as "frantic, repetitive behaviour." There are several different reasons why your pup might be having the zoomies. Here is a list of why they get the zoomies, and how to help calm your dog down.

1. Not enough exercise. 

When your dog has laid around all day they might get the zoomies. They are really just trying to use up any pent up energy so they can go to sleep. The best way to do this, in their eyes, is to run around like a chicken with no head, all while scaring you practically to death! 

2. After being in their crate for a long period of time.

If you were stuck in a small space for a long time then let out, wouldn't you want to run around? YES! The same is true for your dog. They need to move throughout the day, so when they don't they again, release their pent up energy. 

3. When they are in a stressful situation.

When your dog is totally stressed out, sometimes they use the zoomies to cope. So the next time you are at the vet and your puppy runs totally crazy, they are most likely dealing with a lot of stress or anxiety. 

4. The age of your dog.

Puppies and young dogs usually experience the zoomies most. I don't know why they are most likely to, but it does make sense. Even with that said, dogs of any age can experience the zoomies. 

Okay, so I've given you the reasons why; now you need to know how to deal with it. 

The best things you can do are...

1. Keep your dog exercised. 

Give your puppy lots of time to run outside throughout the day. Take her on walks, or bike rides. And play games like fetch or hide and seek. Keep their bodies and minds exercised and this will help with the zoomies.

2. Ration their food.

By feeding your dog the right amount of food and treats, your dog's energy level will be easier to control. For puppies, it is recommended to feed your dog's meal over three small increments each day. For your dog, spread it out between two meals a day. 

3. Let them run it out.

Sometimes, it is best to let your dog just run it out. Let them run in a safe space, and allow them to energy burn on their own. 

Now that you know why your dog has its moments of running totally wild, enjoy your dog, and good luck dealing with those dreaded zoomies! 

(This is all from what I have learned while raising my French Bulldog cross puppy and doing research. I am not a certified vet or dog trainer, so I hope you also talk to professionals about your questions or concerns! Thanks.)