Why does my dog run into me full speed

Q: Why do dogs run into peoples legs?

Sometimes, dogs may go between their owners legs seeking comfort or safety. Some research has found that medium and large dogs are more likely to demonstrate this behavior than small dogs. A lack of confidence, anxiety, or excitement can cause dogs to seek the closeness or protection of their owners legs.

If you’re a dog owner, it’s likely you’re well versed in the sudden bursts of energy that have our dogs (and especially puppies) spinning like tornados and doing laps around the coffee table like it’s an Olympic track. But have you ever paused to wonder, what are they doing exactly?

This behaviour is known as ‘dog zoomies’ and we’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about it.

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If you’re a dog owner, it’s likely you’re well versed in the sudden bursts of energy that have our dogs (and especially puppies) spinning like tornados and doing laps around the coffee table like it’s an Olympic track. But have you ever paused to wonder, what are they doing exactly?
What is dog zoomies?
What causes dog and puppy zoomies?
When do dog zoomies commonly occur?
Are dog zoomies harmful?
Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?
Zoomies are Common in Young Dogs
Many Dogs Get the Zoomies After a Bath
Dogs Often Get the Zoomies When Playing
Should I Be Worried About Zoomies?
How to Reduce Your Dog’s Zoomies
Does Your Dog Get the Zoomies?
Recommended Reading:
Why do dogs run into peoples legs?
Why does my dog try to knock me over?
Why does my dog like to run ahead of me?

What is dog zoomies?

The proper name for dog and puppy zoomies is ‘Frenetic Random Activity Periods’ or FRAPs. These periods usually display as sudden bursts of energy where your dog may run around in circles, usually with their backend tucked in, chase their tail and do laps of the house and/or garden. Typically, dog zoomies won’t last very long and will be over almost as soon as they began, and your dog will plonk themselves down for a much-needed rest.

What causes dog and puppy zoomies?

Zoomies is generally caused by a build-up of excess energy which is then released in one short burst. Don’t worry though, it’s a completely natural behaviour. It’s most common in and generally occurs less and less as they get older. But that’s not to say it’ll stop entirely – many older dogs will still have FRAPs!

When do dog zoomies commonly occur?

Although it’s caused by excess energy build-up, there are a few occasions that are likely to cause a FRAP, including:

Just before bed: your dog may be trying to blow off steam before a longer period of rest
After a bath: dogs may experience an adrenaline rush after bathing and may either feel relief that they’re out of the bath or are trying to dry off (or perhaps both)
After eating: this is particularly common with very food orientated dogs
During a training session: sometimes when we’re trying to teach our dogs something and they’re not quite getting it, it can lead to a build-up of nervous energy

Are dog zoomies harmful?

The behaviour itself isn’t harmful, but sometimes the area in which they do it can be dangerous, particularly if they’re constantly skidding on laminate or hardwood floors or running into furniture. If you think your dog will harm themselves in the house, instead of trying to stop the behaviour, just direct the behaviour outside instead or if not possible, a carpeted area.

Last updated on May 28, 2022 By

If you’ve ever bathed a dog chances are you’ve seen the zoomies. It’s that frantic, running around the house at full speed craziness that happens as soon as dogs get out of the bath.

Have you ever looked at your dog as he’s running around like a mad man and wondered what the heck is going on? Today we’ll take a quick look at why dogs get the zoomies.

Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?

So what exactly are the zoomies? Zoomies are a sudden release of energy in dogs. You’ve probably seen it after your dog gets out the bath — that frantic yet euphoric looking dash they make around the house.

It’s a common behavior (especially in young dogs), and it’s simply a way for dogs to release pent up energy. Any dog can get the zoomies, but they’re most commonly seen after a bath, during play, and late at night.

The technical name for that sudden burst of energy is frenetic random activity periods (FRAPS), but many refer to them as the rips or zoomies. If you’ve ever seen your dog run around the house after a bath like a maniac that’s the zoomies. If your young puppy gets sudden bursts of energy late at night that’s the zoomies.

Zoomies are Common in Young Dogs

If you have a young dog the zoomies are quite common and generally nothing to be concerned about. Zoomies are a quick way for our dogs to release extra energy. And although they’re more common in young dogs, older dogs get them too – especially when engaging in play. As dogs mature those sudden bursts of energy tend to happen less frequently.

While these outbursts are common they might indicate that you dog isn’t getting enough exercise. When Laika was an adolescent she’d often get them before bed, and I took it as a sign that I hadn’t quite exercised her enough that day.

If your dog gets the zoomies often try giving them some more mental & physical exercise. Just adding a few quick mentally stimulating games to their daily routine can have a huge impact. For my dog, a 5 minute nose work game such as ‘find the treats’ is just as tiring as a 30 minute walk.

Many Dogs Get the Zoomies After a Bath

Does your dog go crazy after a bath? If so you’re certainly not alone. Something mysterious happens to dogs after a bath – they go nuts. Running around the house, jumping up on furniture, zipping from room to room. Most dog owners are quite familiar with the post bath zoomies.

Experts believe dogs get the zoomies after a bath because it’s a quick way to get rid of nervous energy that’s been pent up. Zoomies after a bath is their way of showing relief that bath time is finally over.

Dogs can get pretty excited when playing, and it’s common for them to get the zoomies. (excited dogs also have a tendency to hump due to over stimulation)

When Laika plays with other dogs she almost always gets the zoomies – running around the yard, tongue out, looking happy as can be. There’s something endearing about a dog’s willingness to get silly, and it’s something I never tire of seeing.

Should I Be Worried About Zoomies?

Generally speaking, dog zoomies aren’t anything to worry about. It’s a normal dog behavior designed to burn off extra energy, and one that almost all dogs exhibit from time to time.

How to Reduce Your Dog’s Zoomies

Some dogs (especially young working type dogs) have a ton of excess energy to burn, and if they’re not kept physically and mentally stimulated they can end up with some destructive behaviors, including zoomies.

In those cases it’s always a good idea to add some more mental stimulation and physical activities into your dog’s daily routine. Something as simple as a quick 5 minute game of tug, some nose work games, or using a flirt pole out in the yard can help them burn off all that extra energy.

Does Your Dog Get the Zoomies?

Laika still gets the zoomies at night from time to time, and I usually just attribute it to a “not enough exercise” sort of day. Luckily our home layout is pretty open so she doesn’t create too much chaos.

Does your dog get the zoomies? What sorts of things trigger zoomies in your dog? Does your dog run around like crazy after a bath?

Why do dogs run into peoples legs?

Sometimes, dogs may go between their owner's legs seeking comfort or safety. Some research has found that medium and large dogs are more likely to demonstrate this behavior than small dogs. A lack of confidence, anxiety, or excitement can cause dogs to seek the closeness or protection of their owner's legs.

Why does my dog try to knock me over?

Most experts who have weighed in on the topic of a dog standing over you, or another dog, seem to agree that this is an act of dominance. Your pooch might be trying to establish himself or herself as the Alpha in the pack. Again, this goes back to their primal instincts from their days of living in the wild.

Why does my dog like to run ahead of me?

Possible reasons why your dog walks in front of you are that it wants to go faster, is being protective, wants to interact with things, has a lot of energy or you might have inadvertently rewarded it for doing so.