Understanding hidden cues when your canine exhibits discomfort - Awareness of these signs can foster trust and deepen your relationship with your dog
In the fascinating world of canine behaviour, a dog's 'zoomies' or Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs) are often misunderstood. Beyond being a burst of playful energy, these sudden bursts of activity serve multiple purposes, as explained by certified dog trainer Melissa Goodman of Mission Pawsitive in a recent Instagram post.
Dogs like Hana, for instance, exhibit zoomies not only for play but also to manage excess energy, relieve stress, or diffuse potential conflicts. Hana's behaviour, initially appearing playful, can also be a sign of discomfort, as demonstrated by her subtle head turn when a hand is over her head. This behaviour can be interpreted as a canine version of changing the subject.
Changes in a dog's body language can be subtle signs of discomfort, and understanding these cues is crucial for interpreting signs of unease in our furry companions. Hana's behaviour, followed by appeasement behaviour such as rubbing against the handler, provides an excellent example of this.
Dogs have various methods of communication, including sounds and body language. Learning about dog body language can significantly improve the relationship between dogs and their owners, as it allows humans to decipher their signs and emotions. Further information about dog body language can be found in the article titled "I learned these five dog body language cues and they changed my relationship with my dog."
Zoomies often occur when dogs have built-up energy, such as after being confined indoors for a while or not exercised enough. They can also be triggered by specific experiences peculiar to the individual dog, like after grooming, a bath, or playing a game of tug. These situations can induce excitement or relief, causing the sudden frenetic running. So, zoomies may represent an emotional outlet beyond pure play or stress relief—expressing excitement, happiness, or a sense of freedom.
Because dogs are unaware of their surroundings during zoomies, this behaviour can also serve as a spontaneous, natural way for them to regulate their arousal levels and reset emotionally, similar to how humans might jump up and down or pace when overwhelmed.
In summary, beyond just play and stress relief, zoomies function as a natural method for dogs to expel excess energy built up from inactivity, respond to emotionally charged moments such as relief or excitement, and self-regulate their internal emotional state. Understanding these signs can help people understand what to look for in their dogs to identify discomfort and ensure a harmonious relationship with their pets.
[1] Pankow, J. (2020). "Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?" PetMD. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/why-do-dogs-get-the-zoomies [2] Kaufman, L. (2019). "Why Do Dogs Have Zoomies?" AKC. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/why-do-dogs-have-zoomies/ [4] Frye, C. (2018). "Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies?" The Spruce Pets. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com/why-do-dogs-get-the-zoomies-3260872
- It's essential to recognize that a pet cat's behavior might also signal discomfort, similar to Hana the dog, as subtle changes in body language can be indicators of unease in our companions, regardless of whether they are dogs or cats.
- As pet owners, understanding our pets' body language can enable us to detect signs of discomfort, just like Hana, and, in turn, create a more harmonious home-and-garden environment for our four-legged friends.
- Pet treats can be employed as positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors in our pets, helping to strengthen the bond between pets and their humans, much like the way Hana's appeasement behavior demonstrated a strengthened relationship with her handler.
- To promote a healthy lifestyle for all pets, it's crucial to provide suitable opportunities for them to release excess energy, such as through exercise, playtime, or engaging in activities like zoomies, to ensure their overall well-being and happiness at home.
