Zoomies: When Your Pup Goes Full Throttle!
Right, so your dog’s gone wild again, tearing through the house like a tiny, furry missile. We’ve all seen it, and it’s got a name: “puppy zoomies.” Delightful, isn’t it? These little bursts of chaotic energy are perfectly normal, and contrary to what you might think, they’re not a sign of madness. They’re just your dog’s way of unleashing pent-up energy, usually after being still for far too long (and sometimes after being overstimulated!). Think of it like a pressure cooker releasing steam—only faster and far more amusing.
Now, as much as we all enjoy watching our dogs do their best impression of a Tasmanian devil, there’s a bit of responsibility involved. Let’s get prepped:
• Prepare the Battlefield: Zoomies can be unpredictable. You’ll want to remove anything breakable or otherwise important from your dog’s path. It’s not going to be pretty if they crash into your favorite lamp at Mach 1—for you or for them!
• Get Them Moving (On Purpose): Yes, the zoomies are a spectacle, but they’re also a sign that perhaps your pup needs more exercise. Exercise and mental stimulation each day can lessen the intensity of these episodes.
• Point the Missiles Elsewhere: Redirect their boundless energy into something productive—perhaps a game of fetch, some training exercises, or some brain games.
• Don’t Lose Your Cool: No need to get in a flap when the zoomies happen. Keep calm, carry on, and make sure you’re reinforcing the good behavior rather than scolding them for simply being dogs.
• Routine is Everything: Establish a rhythm to your day—exercise, play, rest. This helps your dog find a balance between full-throttle chaos and that rare state called “relaxation.”
And remember, zoomies aren’t a problem—they’re part of the joy of having a pup. Embrace the madness, because one day, they’ll be slower, and you’ll miss these wild little moments.
GOLD STAR'S TOP 4: Tips, Resources, and Learning Opportunities!
• READ ALL ABOUT IT: Library of free doggie how-to articles
My library contains many short articles covering a wide range of topics from helping your dog with weather-related fears to assessing when your dog is ready to be off leash. Bookmark the page as I'm always adding new material!
https://www.goldstardog.com/visit-the-library/
• WATCH IT: Training videos on YouTube
My growing library of dog training and for-fun videos. Become a subscriber to get notification of new videos!
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• FOLLOW IT: Facebook for training tips and techniques and more
Follow the page to be in-the-know on all events/new programs, training opportunities, weekly tips, and more!
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• ONLINE MINI COURSES: Free learn-at-home programs
Get started on recall, learn about dog body language, and prevent separation anxiety—and more! Download from the home page: https://www.goldstardog.com
It’s Therapy Dog Trick Tuesday!
On the final night of our Therapy Dog Academy class, I ask our students to unleash their creativity (pun intended) and show off a trick they’ve developed with their canine partners. These tricks are perfect for those moments when you need to keep your dog at a distance due to health precautions, allergies, or when you’re surrounded by a group of excited kiddos. Or maybe you just want to sprinkle a little joy and lift someone’s spirits with a fun trick! 🌟
The challenge? Design a trick that can be done easily on a leash and without too many props, all within a facility setting. And let me tell you, our students did not disappoint! 🐾✨
Check out what our Therapy Dog Academy graduates Cassie and Harvey came up with in this fun little video—Cassie taught Harvey to respond to all her cues with hand signals!
Katelyn Marley.MOV
It’s Therapy Dog Trick Tuesday!
On the final night of our Therapy Dog Academy class, I ask our students to unleash their creativity (pun intended) and show off a trick they’ve developed with their canine partners. These tricks are perfect for those moments when you need to keep your dog at a distance due to health precautions, allergies, or when you’re surrounded by a group of excited kiddos. Or maybe you just want to sprinkle a little joy and lift someone’s spirits with a fun trick! 🌟
The challenge? Design a trick that can be done easily on a leash and without too many props, all within a facility setting. And let me tell you, our students did not disappoint! 🐾✨
Check out what our Therapy Dog Academy graduates Katelyn and Marley came up with in this fun little video!!
It’s Therapy Dog Trick Tuesday!
On the final night of our Therapy Dog Academy class, I ask our students to unleash their creativity (pun intended) and show off a trick they’ve developed with their canine partners. These tricks are perfect for those moments when you need to keep your dog at a distance due to health precautions, allergies, or when you’re surrounded by a group of excited kiddos. Or maybe you just want to sprinkle a little joy and lift someone’s spirits with a fun trick! 🌟
The challenge? Design a trick that can be done easily on a leash and without too many props, all within a facility setting. And let me tell you, our students did not disappoint! 🐾✨
Check out this cool little trick from Scott and Arya Skye!!
Can’t help but smile at my sassy couch-mate, Arlo.
He’s quite expressive, isn’t he?
Harmony in the Kitchen
Look at this little bundle of joy! Arlo, a 7-mo (or so) Dachshund-Cattle Dog mix has been with us for about a month now as our foster until he finds his forever home. We have a few fun tricks to keep him happily entertained while I'm busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen!
First, I introduced him to the magic of a lick mat (see photo in comments)! It's amazing how something so easy can keep him so content and out from being under-foot while I’m busy in the kitchen. Plus, it's a fantastic way to keep his mind engaged and his taste buds happy!
And then, there's his newfound fascination with ice cubes! Who would've thought that something so mundane could be so entertaining? Watching him chase those slippery cubes around the kitchen floor is such fun. The crunchy cubes satisfies his need to chew as well.
Arlo also loves to chase tennis balls, so having one or two around to kick around in the kitchen also works great!
With these little tricks up our sleeves, Arlo gets to hang in the kitchen without being a pest. It's a win-win for both of us!
