Any dog can get the zoomies (Frenetic Random Activity Periods or FRAPs), but high-energy breeds like Border Collies, Jack Russell Terriers, Dalmatians, Australian Shepherds, Boxers, and Retrievers are famous for them due to their need for outlets for pent-up energy, though Sighthounds also exhibit intense "zoom and crash" bursts. These bursts of crazy running, spinning, and leaping usually signal excitement or excess energy, common in puppies but also seen in older dogs.
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High-energy breeds like Border Collies, Jack Russell Terriers, and Labrador Retrievers often exhibit more frequent and intense zoomies. Age Factor: Puppies and young dogs are more likely to experience zoomies due to their higher energy levels. However, older dogs can still enjoy the occasional burst of energy.
What do zoomies tell us about how dogs are feeling? Zoomies are a sign your dog is feeling happy - full of energy and fun. They are letting off steam in the best way they know how. Sometimes dogs do run frantically when they're afraid.
“However, they appear to be a way to release pent-up energy, or perhaps, to alleviate stress. A dog who has been home alone all day with nothing to do may feel the need to zoom around the house or yard to expend some of that energy and get some relief from hours of under-stimulation.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
To say "I love you" in dog language, use soft eye contact, raise your eyebrows, give gentle massages (especially ears), lean into them, and engage in play or shared activities like walks, which build trust and affection through shared experiences and physical connection, releasing oxytocin for both of you.
Dogs say "sorry" through submissive body language like tucking their tail, lowering their head, making "puppy eyes," licking, and rolling onto their backs to show they're not a threat, which are appeasement signals to diffuse tension after a conflict or misbehavior, often combined with whining or approaching and retreating. They recognize when their human (or another dog) is upset and use these signs to seek forgiveness, though it's more about reducing stress than human-like guilt.
A red flag dog behavior signals deep fear, stress, or potential aggression, going beyond normal misbehavior, and includes intense growling/snapping without cause, sudden aggression in a calm dog, persistent hiding, resource guarding (food aggression), freezing, destructive behavior linked to separation anxiety, or signs of extreme anxiety like trembling, lip-licking, and tail-tucking, indicating underlying problems needing professional intervention.
Signs your dog is attached to you include following you everywhere, wanting physical closeness (leaning, cuddling, sleeping near you), bringing you "gifts" like toys, making soft eye contact, showing extreme happiness when you return, and displaying relaxed body language like belly-up sleeping, indicating they see you as their secure pack and provider. They may also exhibit separation anxiety or jealousy when you're with others.
Some breeds are more likely than others to develop ADHD, namely terrier breeds (particularly Cairns and Jack Russells), and German Shepherds.
The "heartbreak breed" refers primarily to the Great Dane, nicknamed this due to their affectionate nature combined with a relatively short lifespan (around 7-10 years) and susceptibility to serious heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), making losing them particularly difficult for their devoted owners. Other giant breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards also face significant health challenges, including cancer and heart disease, often earning them similar sentiments from owners.
The calmest dog breeds often include large, gentle giants like the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Dane, along with smaller companions such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Basset Hound, Pug, and Shih Tzu, all known for their laid-back, affectionate, and easygoing temperaments, thriving on companionship over high activity.
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Labrador Retriever: The Ultimate Friendly Companion
Labrador Retrievers consistently rank as one of the friendliest dog breeds due to their affectionate and outgoing nature. Originally bred as retrieving dogs, Labs are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and deep loyalty to their owners.
The Border Collie is widely recognized as the dog breed with the highest "IQ," consistently ranking first in intelligence studies for their exceptional ability to learn commands quickly (under 5 repetitions) and obey them (95%+ of the time). Other top breeds include the Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Doberman Pinscher, all known for their trainability and problem-solving skills.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
"Silent killer" in dogs usually refers to deadly diseases that progress with few early symptoms, primarily Heartworm, Hemangiosarcoma (a type of cancer), and sometimes Leptospirosis or Canine Parvovirus, all characterized by vague initial signs, rapid progression, and severe organ damage, making prevention and early detection crucial.
Adolescence marks the change from being a puppy to becoming an adult. In dogs, it can start any time between six and 12 months and can end between 18 and 24 months. During this time, there are dramatic hormonal changes and a reorganisation of the brain.
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
Generally, dogs dislike hugs, not being allowed to sniff, a lack of routine, and more. Even the most laid-back dog will hate some of the things we humans do—if they tolerate it, it's just because they love you or don't want to be dominant.
Leaning into you
Leaning against your leg (or whatever part is closest to them) is a big sign that they love you. If you find your dog leaning against you, take a moment to pet him and show him some extra affection.
The "10 10 10 rule" for dogs most commonly refers to either potty training for puppies (10 mins outside, 10 ft space, 10 mins supervision, or a cycle of 10 min outside/10 min inside) or the 80/10/10 raw feeding diet (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organs) for a natural diet; it can also refer to a nutrition guideline where treats are 10% of calories, or a rest rule (10 mins rest per hour of play). The specific meaning depends on the context, but all promote consistency, balance, and understanding canine needs.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, treat(s) takes the top spot as our pooches' favourite word, having featured in 35% of all the videos analysed, followed closely by walk or walkies in second place (34%).
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