Labradoodle zoomies can be overwhelming, destructive… and pretty funny!
Zoomies happen when your dog has a burst of energy. It can happen to Labradoodles of any age, but is most common in puppies and younger dogs.
This behavior is simply a way for your dog to dispel some energy, helping them to reduce feelings like anxiety, stress, or over-excitement.
Let’s take a closer look at Labradoodle zoomies so you can recognise the triggers and minimize destruction in your home.
Labradoodle Zoomies – Quick Links
- What are Labradoodle zoomies?
- What causes Labradoodle zoomies?
- Do Labradoodles enjoy zoomies?
- How to reduce Labradoodle zoomies
- Keeping your Labradoodle safe during zoomies
- When should you be concerned about Labradoodle zoomies?
If you have a Labradoodle, you likely know a thing or two about the zoomies already.
But, let’s take a closer look at the answers to the questions above so you know how to help your Doodle when he’s feeling a little over-stimulated.
What are Labradoodle Zoomies?
Does your Labradoodle sometimes take off running around the house in circles,jumping upand down, or careening through the backyard at full speed without stopping for several minutes?
If so, you’ve witnessed the zoomies!
This behavior is also known as a Frenetic Random Activity Period, or FRAP.
All dog breeds can experience the zoomies. In fact, it’s a very normal part of dog behavior.
Younger dogs and puppies are more likely to have the zoomies than older dogs.
This is because they tend to have more energy than older dogs. So, they’re more likely to need a way to get this energy out.
But, Labradoodles of any age can have the zoomies.
What Causes Labradoodle Zoomies?
Most often, your Labradoodle will get the zoomies when they’ve got a lot of built up energy, or after experiencing a stressful or very exciting situation.
Some common triggers of the zoomies include:
- Getting out of their crate after spending a long time inside
- Getting home from a trip to the vet or the groomers
- After bath time
- First thing in the morning after waking up
These are all periods in which your dog is building up lots of energy. This will eventually need a release.
Running around in circles at a high speed can help to expend this energy.
In fact, if you pay attention, it’s likely you’ll notice some common triggers for your Labradoodles zoomies.
Do Labradoodles Enjoy Zoomies?
So, we now know zoomies are simply a way to get rid of built up energy. Sound stressful?
Well, most zoomies are quite fun for your dog!
Watch them closely next time they’re running around.
Usually, your Labradoodle will be wagging his tail, leaping playfully, and doing the adorable doggy play bow.
Releasing pent up energy in this way will often feel great for your Labradoodle.
It allows your dog to get anxiety, stress, and over-excitement out of their system.
Zoomies are probably more stressful for you than they are for your Doodle!
How to Reduce Labradoodle Zoomies
Labradoodle zoomies are typically a very normal behavior. It is usually nothing to be concerned about.
But, it’s a good idea to keep track of how often your dog exhibits this behavior and to help ease potential build-up of excess energy if you can.
Reducing Labradoodle zoomies will involve managing your dog’s energy a little more, and anticipating when the behavior might happen.
Crating Your Labradoodle
If your Labradoodle is kept in a crate or a puppy zone for part of the day, try to make sure he is mentally stimulated during this time.
You might choose to leave him with an interactive dog toy, such as a chew toy stuffed with treats or some wet dog food.
Some owners like to leave classical music on in the background, or some relaxing TV, to give their Labradoodle something to listen to.
Remember, Labradoodles should not be crated for large portions of the day. Doing so can lead to other behavioral issues, as well as unhappiness and stress.
These are active dogs with high energy needs. So, you can’t expect them to sleep in a crate all day and night.
The longer you leave your Labradoodle crated in the day, the more likely he is to exhibit zoomies when you let him out.
Take the time to interact with your Labradoodle in those regular breaks. Play some games together, and give him the change to exercise and use his brain.
Labradoodle Exercise
Another way to reduce Labradoodle zoomies is to ensure your Doodle is getting enough exercise.
Labradoodles are very intelligent and athletic dogs. They need daily physical exercise to stay happy and healthy.
This includes the opportunity to really run about in a safely fenced area – not just going for two 10 minute walks around the block each day.
If you work during the day, you might want to wake up earlier to take your Labradoodle for a trip to the park.
Or, you could hire a professional dog walker, or pet care expert, to give your Labradoodle some exercise and attention whilst you’re busy.
Preparing for Stressful Situations
If you know you’re going to be doing something your Labradoodle finds stressful, try walking him or exercising him first.
This might be a trip to the vet or groomers, or even when you’re planning to give your Labradoodle a bath.
Exercising them first can help to ease any zoomies that might follow from a stressful experience like one of these.
Mental Stimulation
As well as physical exercise, you can help reduce the occurrence of zoomies by keeping your Labradoodle mentally stimulated.
Make sure your Labradoodle is mentally stimulated both inside and outside the crate.
Labradoodles are the offspring of two highly intelligent purebred dogs. So, it’s no wonder they can appreciate the extra help keeping their brains busy.
Interactive dog toys or puzzle toys are a great way to get your Labradoodle engaged and happy throughout the day.
Training is another great option. Train your Labradoodle to do some great tricks, like to shake their paw, or fetch specific toys for you.
Just remember that positive reinforcement training works best with Labradoodles.
Keeping Your Labradoodle Safe During Zoomies
Although you can take steps to reduce Labradoodle zoomies, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to prevent the behavior altogether. And that’s not a problem!
Most zoomie behavior is totally normal and safe. But, it can be dangerous for both you and your dog if it happens in the wrong environment.
If your dog is prone to zoomies after certain situations, prepare for this by ensuring he can zoom around in a safe area.
What Makes a Safe Area?
When your Labradoodle gets the zoomies, try to ensure he is in a room without sharp furniture or edges.
Make sure he’s in a room with no breakables. Tidy your things away, rather than leaving them sitting near the edges of dressers or shelves that could be knocked into.
Normally, the safest place for Labradoodle zoomies is going to be your backyard.
For most people, this is a place where your Labradoodle can run to his heart’s content without bumping into anything dangerous, or slipping on wooden and tile floors.
As long as your Labradoodle’s zoomies are clearly fun for him, and not too frequent, it’s a good idea to just let him get this energy out.
But, there are times when this behavior can be cause for concern.
When Should You Be Concerned About Labradoodle Zoomies?
Zoomies can be overwhelming for us, even if this behavior is also sometimes funny and cute. But zoomies can become more of a concern for some owners.
According to some experts, excessive Labradoodle zoomies can be classified as compulsive behavior. It can be the result of too much stress or anxiety.
Excessive zoomies may also mean that your Labradoodle isn’t getting enough exercise. Or that he isn’t being properly mentally stimulated throughout the day.
Insufficient physical and mental stimulation can lead to zoomies. But, it can also lead to:
- Depression
- Destructive behaviors
- Health issues
Watch Your Labradoodle
Pay attention to your Labradoodle’s zoomie habits to ensure they’re occurring naturally, and are triggered by common events.
If you can see that your Doodle is over-exerting themself during zoomies, or that this behavior is happening more often than it should, you should speak to an expert.
Your veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist will be best placed to help you out.
When it’s Time to Contact a Behaviorist
Excessive zoomies can be a sign that your dog is overly anxious or stressed. But, how much is too much?
If you feel that your Labradoodle is getting enough mental stimulation, but is still exhibiting compulsive zoomies, contact your veterinarian.
They may recommend that you look for a canine behaviorist. But, your veterinarian is always the best first call if you’re ever unsure about your Doodle’s health and welfare.
Have You Seen Labradoodle Zoomies?
What do you think about this behavior? Is it funny and cute, or are you at your wits end with the destructive side?
Labradoodles are high energy dogs, so it’s common that they’ll race around your home at some point.
But, by keeping them properly stimulated, both mentally and physically, you can minimize the frequency of this behavior.
Related Articles
References and Resources
- Farrell, L. (et al), ‘The Challenges of Pedigree Dog Health: Approaches to Combating Inherited Disease’, Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (2015)
- O’Neill, D. ‘Progress in Purebred Dog Health Since the Bateson Report of 2010’, Vet Record (2014)
- Howell, T. (et al), ‘Puppy Parties and Beyond: The Role of Early Age Socialization Practices on Adult Dog Behavior’, Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports (2015)