Hyperactivity and dogs go hand in hand. But your Pug’s excitement doesn’t have to become unmanageable.
Whilst we can’t eradicate our Pug’s excitable sides completely (nor should we want to), it is possible to get excessive hyperactivity under control.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our tips and tricks for keeping your pooch calm and collected.
So, without further ado, let’s find out how to keep those zoomies at bay.
Are Pugs Hyper?
Yes, they can be. But it’s important not to let your Pug’s periods of hyperactivity get out of control.
As any seasoned Pug owner will know, it’s not uncommon to find them zooming around the house (or in circles) from time to time.
Why Are Pugs Hyper?
There are tons of reasons why your Pug might behave in a hyperactive way and each pet is different.
If your Pug is feeling excited they will make a show and dance about it. However, it’s important to note that some Pug hyperactivity is actually the result of separation anxiety.
In fact, most dog breeds experience periods of hyperactivity. Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), popularly termed the “Zoomies” are a common puppy trait that sometimes carries on into adulthood.
This kind of behavior is nothing to worry about – especially if your Pug is still young. In fact, it’s to be expected. These bursts of activity usually last for just a few minutes so unless your Pug is displaying an excessive amount of hyperactivity on a daily basis, you can rest easy.
Typical triggers for the zoomies include:
- Excitement – did the doorbell ring? Is the postman round the corner? Whatever gets your Pug excited could trigger the zoomies.
- Playtime – if your Pug notices people playing around them they’ll want to join in. Queue hyperactivity.
- Anxiety – Does your Pug get the zoomies every time you arrive home from work? This is not uncommon. Pugs are prone to separation anxiety. They’ll be relieved and super excited to see that you’ve returned.
[su_note note_color=”#fef5c4″ text_color=”#333333″ radius=”3″ class=””]
Top-tip: If your Pug’s separation anxiety becomes a problem, we recommend seeking the help of a professional animal behaviorist.[/su_note]
- Bath time – believe it or not Pugs are known to get the zoomies after a bath. And that’s not because they love baths.
In fact, it’s because they’re so, so, so, glad it’s over. Having a bath can be uncomfortable and stressful for dogs. Once the job is done they will celebrate their freedom.
What To Expect When Your Pug Has The Zoomies
An episode of the zoomies is a short burst of energy that typically involves a lot of running. Some Pugs will run all around the house, others will spin in circles, and some will jump here and everywhere. Many Pug owners report that their Pug’s eyes become wide in excitement.
Check out this video. Pablo the Pug has the zoomies!
Will My Pug Ever Calm Down?
When people get a Pug puppy for the first time, they often ask me: will my Pug ever calm down?
And the answer is yes. Although it can carry on into adulthood, canine hyperactivity is most prevalent in puppies. Pups have tons of energy and they’ve just got to let it out. This is a natural and important part of puppyhood.
Most Pug puppies will start to calm down as they mature. They will still get the zoomies from time to time, but the days of their puppyish antics should diminish considerably. As your Pug gets older, you’ll find that they want to spend more of their time snuggled up with you.
My Pug is Hyperactive: Should I Be Concerned?
In most cases, the zoomies are nothing to worry about. Random bouts of hyperactivity are part and parcel of being a dog. The zoomies are usually over in a few minutes, and your Pug should remain relatively calm for the rest of the day.
However, there are some practical considerations to take note of. If you live in a restricted space then it’s important to reduce any risk of accident or injury.
Keep your living spaces clear of items that might fall over and hurt your Pug – especially whilst they’re still a puppy.
Many Pug owners find that they can predict when their pup is going to get a bout of the zoomies, giving them a window to remove any hazards ahead of time.
How To Keep Pug Hyperactivity At Bay
Even though periods of hyperactivity are completely normal, there are some things we can do to keep our Pugs as calm as possible and moderate that frenetic behavior.
1. Regular exercise
Daily exercise and playtime will use up your Pugs excess energy and reduce the chance of a hyperactive episode. Aim for between 20 and 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
Aim to split this into two (e.g. 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening). Once they are all tuckered out, your Pug will just want to snuggle on the sofa with mum or dad.
If you spend a significant amount of the day away at work then try to ensure that your Pug has plenty of opportunities to engage in independent play. You might wish to create a designated play area or provide some treat-dispensing toys.
2. Daily routines
Keeping to a solid routine is really beneficial for Pug behavior. Routines alleviate stress and anxiety and promote consistent behaviors. By reducing stressors, your Pug is less likely to indulge in anxiety-driven hyperactivity.
Additionally, if you know when your Pug is likely to act out, you can provide a fun distraction to divert their attention.
3. Socialization
Socialization with people and other dogs is essential for healthy canine development. Socializing provides mental and physical stimulation and makes use of all that excess energy.
If you’ve got other pets at home, that’s great. If not, why not buddy up with a dog-owner friend or visit a dog park a few times each week.
4. Reduce anxiety
For some Pugs, the key to reducing hyperactivity is treating the root of the problem – anxiety. As social animals, Pugs are particularly prone to separation anxiety.
Finding ways to minimize the distress your pet feels will help them to calm down. Distractions are great (that could be a fun toy or puzzle). Some Pug owners have even tried canine aromatherapy.
Last Words
Are Pugs hyper?
Yes, they certainly can be. But a moderate amount of hyperactivity is nothing to worry about.
Most of the time the zoomies die down after puppyhood. However, there are ways to keep hyperactive behaviors at bay.
Exercise, moderating anxiety, adequate socialization, and consistent daily routines can make the world of difference.