Most dogs usually have a hyperedge to them, but some can be a bit too hyper for most people. Seasoned pug owners can all come to agree that their dogs can be pretty active and curious most of the day, and that can raise questions for new and confused pug owners.
In this article, we’re going to look at why Pugs are so hyper, what age they calm down and what you as a pet parent can do to calm and channel that hyperactivity.
Why Are Pugs So Hyper?
Excessive hyperactivity in pugs is usually a result of extreme excitement or reaction to someone or something else being hyper as well. Pugs are companion dogs, therefore they are more susceptible to separation anxiety, which may lead to excessive hyperactivity.
Hyperactivity in dogs is usually referred to as Frenetic Random Activity Periods, or
“The Zoomies” This strange phenomenon is common, but not exclusive to pugs.
It is most detectable in puppies, but it can also affect adult pugs too. Pugs with high energy can be very active and even aggressive, but this is completely normal.
What Age Do Pugs Calm Down
As your puppy matures and reaches two years of age, they should calm down. Now, this doesn’t mean that they won’t be prone to getting short bursts of the zoomies. It just means that it will happen less often, as older dogs will just want to cuddle next to their owner.
The zoomies are considered to be normal behavior for breeds like pugs. With that being said, there is no need to be too concerned about it, especially since it only lasts for a few minutes at a time. There is still a need to be a bit cautious though, as too much activity can get out of hand fast.
What Triggers Frenetic Random Activity Periods in Pugs
As mentioned above, pugs can get pretty excited from the sight of someone or something else getting excited. If people are being playful and fun with one another, the pug will want to join in and get in on the action as well. It is just a natural part of their DNA.
Pugs can also become really excited and hyper when certain things in the atmosphere make noise or commotion. This includes things like doorbells, people, kids, and more. Most pugs will react by squealing or running around the area.
Another thing that can easily trigger the zoomies in most pugs is bath time.
Many Pug owners will tell you that your pooch can become overly animated after bath time. This hyper behavior is an expression of happiness that the bath is over.
That is usually because dog bathing requires the owner to restrain the dog for a while and use water that may be uncomfortable for them. This can easily make any dog pretty stressed out and fearful. When the bath is over, they are relieved.
Mindy my Pug would get the zoomies whenever we would try to dry her off with a towel after her bath.
What Do The Zoomies Look Like?
If you’ve never seen “The Zoomies,” you might be thinking, how do I know if my Pug has had them? You’ll know it when you see it.
An episode of hyperactivity will involve a short burst of energy when your pooch runs around in a wild run. Here are some of the signs to watch for your Pug has a case of the zoomies.
- They suddenly break into a gallop from standing still.
- Excited eyes
- A squatted run like they are going to attack something.
- They will run in tight turns and spins to change direction quickly.
Watch this video to see what the zoomies look like.
Are Zoomies Dangerous?
The short answer is usually not, it’s completely normal for all dogs to experience the zoomies once in a while. As a pet owner, there’s nothing to worry about, as the episode will usually last a short while and go away on its own.
However, if you live in a small space, your dog can knock over things and make a mess in their frenzy. They may slip on a rug or your hardwood floors and bump into your coffee table, or other furniture and hurt themselves.
As a Pug parent, there are some things you can do to help control this type of behavior to keep them safe. Some pet owners will notice their Pugs become more hyper at night or in the early morning hours.
How Can Frenetic Random Activity Periods Be Prevented?
Regular Exercise
If you take the dog out a lot and give it lots of exercises, along with involving yourself in an appropriate amount of daily playtime, this may decrease the pug’s energy. A long day of playing and exercise will make the dog tired at the end of the day. While this is a good idea, there are owners out there that don’t have time to play with their pugs all day, here’s what they like to play with.
In that case, it is best to try to set up some sort of playtime area or routine that the pug can do to keep itself entertained for a certain amount of time during the day. If you have a fenced-in backyard, you can install a pet door and allow Fido to play outside, just make sure there are no dangers in your backyard.
That gives the owner a break and the pug the ability to exercise and wear itself out. Another good idea would be to take it to a dog park for a day of fun and exercise.
It is best to try to reach for 30 minutes of daily exercise. This can be easily achieved with two 15 minute walks or two 15 minutes games of fetch. Exercise can be beneficial for the pug’s body, mind, and well-being.
Create a Daily Routine
If a pug is working on a daily routine with the owner, this may help lower stress and anxiety. It is best to try to stick to a consistent and easy schedule from morning to night. Include everything from waking up and eating breakfast to settling down and eating dinner. Routines usually help dogs get a sense of belonging and comfort since they know what to expect of the day.
Some pug owners can tell what time of day the zoomies usually happen. Some pugs get it in the morning while others get it at night. If that can be identified, give the pug a distraction at that time to settle down.
Separation Anxiety
You can usually find various techniques and tips online to help lessen separation anxiety with pugs. One popular way is to give the pug a distraction before leaving the house so that it won’t notice that it is alone. Smart toys and interactive toys may be perfect for this type of dilemma.
Final Word On Hyperactivity In Pugs
It is completely normal for a Pug puppy to be hyper. Enjoy it while it lasts, because it will subside as they become older.
If you can’t wait for this hyperactive period to end on its own, then you can try using the tips above to help them calm down.
References And Further Reading
Dogster – Dog Zoomies: Why They Happen And What To Do