What Are Zoomies? (And Why Your Dog Isn’t Broken)

If you're a dog parent, chances are you've seen it happen.

One minute, your dog is calm.

The next, they're tearing around the house or backyard like they've just discovered caffeine. Spinning, sprinting, bouncing off furniture, eyes wide with joy.

Congratulations.

You've just witnessed the zoomies.

So… what are zoomies?

“Zoomies” is the joyful nickname for what dog behaviourists call FRAPs, Frenetic Random Activity Periods.

In plain English? It's a sudden burst of energy and emotion that needs an outlet.

Zoomies might look wild, but they're actually:

Completely normal
Short-lived
A sign of happiness, relief, or excitement

Your dog isn't misbehaving.
They're just being a dog.

Why do dogs get the zoomies?

Zoomies tend to show up during moments of big feelings or transitions.

Some of the most common triggers include:

🐶 Puppy energy, tiny bodies with endless enthusiasm
🛁 After a bath (why is this universal?)
🚪 After being confined, like a crate, car ride, or long nap
🌲 Arriving somewhere new
❤️ Pure joy and excitement

For dogs, zoomies are a way to release emotion. They're the canine equivalent of jumping up and down when you're excited.

Are Zoomies Something to Worry About?

In most cases, nope.

Zoomies are healthy and normal, especially in:

Puppies and young dogs
High-energy breeds
Dogs experiencing something new or exciting

That said, if you notice zoomies paired with pain, sudden behaviour changes, aggression, or signs of distress, it's always okay to check in with your vet. Trust your instincts.

What Should You Do When Your Dog Gets the Zoomies?

This part is easier than you think.

DO:

Let it happen in a safe space
Remove obstacles (including glass coffee tables)
Laugh, observe, and enjoy the chaos

DON'T:

Scold or punish
Try to stop it mid-sprint
Assume your dog is “out of control”

Zoomies usually last seconds, maybe a minute or two, and then your dog goes right back to normal life.

Zoomies and Professional Dog Photography (Yes, They’re Connected)

Here’s something many dog parents worry about, but don’t need to:

“My dog gets really excited in new places. I’m worried they won’t behave for photos.”

Zoomies are incredibly common at the start of a photography session, especially outdoor sessions.

And honestly, I expect them.

As a pet photographer serving Chilliwack, the Fraser Valley, and Greater Vancouver, I intentionally choose locations that allow dogs to sniff, explore, release energy, and settle naturally.

Some of the most joyful, personality-filled images happen after a zoomie moment, once the excitement has passed and your dog feels comfortable being themselves.

Your dog doesn’t need to be perfectly trained.

They don’t need to sit still the entire time.

They just need to be them.

The Takeaway

Zoomies aren't a problem to fix.

They're a reminder of everything we love about dogs: joy, enthusiasm, and unapologetic emotion.

And those qualities?

They're exactly what make photographs feel real.

If you're a dog parent in Chilliwack, the Fraser Valley, or Greater Vancouver and you've ever worried that your dog is “too much” for professional photos, I promise you, they're not.

They're perfect exactly as they are.

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What Are Zoomies? Understanding Your Dog’s Energy Bursts