Ok, if you have owned a Boston Terrier for at least a month, chances are you have seen a blast of energy come from them. These blasts of energy can happen at night, randomly during the day, or on walks. Your Boston is ok. These bursts of energy are called Zoomies.
Bella used to do this every night at 9:00 pm when she was younger, not so much now that she is 10 years old.
Here are some examples of zoomies and things you need to know about them…
What Are Boston Terrier Zoomies?
Boston Terrier zoomies are random bursts of energy that will send your Boston running in circles around the house or yard. These bursts of energy are called FRAP’s Frenetic Random Activity Periods. FRAP’s usually lasts for one to five minutes.
Why Do Boston Terriers Do Zoomies?
These sudden bursts of energy happen for any number of reasons. According to the South Boston Animal Hospital dogs can get the urge to do zoomies because of:
- Excitement
- Lack Of Exercise
- Triggers such as Boredom, Bathing, Inside The House Too Long
To me, the above response from the Animal Hospital really means a Boston Terrier can have the urge to do a zoomie for ANY reason.
Zoomie Explanation Video
Personal Experience
From my experience, it seems like Bella had only done zoomies for two reasons. First, when Bella was younger, she would do zoomies around our apartment almost every single night at 9:00 pm. It was pretty comical for a while because it happened at the exact same time every single night.
I’m not sure if it was us being home that triggered these bursts of energy or our habit of being on the couch watching television at that time. But it seemed to be the time of day that triggered the event.
The second time Bella has ever done zoomies is on walks. This was less often, but in Bella’s older age, she would get the excitement to do zoomies on walks. Zoomies would especially happen when she was let off the leash.
Is This A Good Thing For Dogs To Do Or Bad?
The American Kennel Club says zoomies are a natural and safe thing for dogs to do. The zoomies are simply a way for a dog to release energy from their body. The only words of caution is to create a safe environment for zoomies to happen.
If you have yet to experience a zoomie, be sure to check out the videos above. You will want to ensure your home is picked up. And there is nothing your Boston can run into that could harm them.
As long as you create a safe space free of dangerous hazards, it is perfectly fine for a Boston to do zoomies.
Safe Tips For Zoomies
Once again, according to Marc Bekoff, Ph.D., professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, dogs doing zoomies is safe and healthy. The only thing you will want to ensure is a safe environment for your dog to run around in.
On A Walk
- Unleash your Boston. This will help them from getting tangled up and possibly injuring their legs.
- If possible, keep your Boston confined to a back yard or dog park with a fence. This way, they don’t accidentally run into the street when they are going crazy.
In The Home
- Clear all tripping hazards; computer cords, toys, or clothes.
- Pick up small children from the floor…yes, this can happen and Boston’s move about 1,000 miles an hour.
- Take your Boston outside. This would be the ideal situation allowing them a larger space to run around in.
Do Dogs Ever Grow Out Of Doing Zoomies?
Zoomies are more typical in younger Boston Terriers. Bella, my Boston, has not done a zoomie in nearly three years, she is now ten years old. From the age of approximately nine months to about three years old, Bella was doing zoomies almost every night at 9:00 pm; at least it felt that way.
Bella’s Last Zoomie In Her Old Age
The last zoomie Bella did was three years ago, she was 7 years old, and it happened while on a walk. Emily and I had gone on a late-night walk near our home. There was a company selling trampolines and had them on display in the front yard of the building. We took Bella off the leash while Emily and I jumped on the trampoline.
The jumping on the trampoline, for some reason, triggered Bella into doing the most impressive zoomie I had ever seen. Not only did she run in circles, but she was literally doing circles while running in circles.
I have never seen Bella do a zoomie like that before. Nor has Bella done one ever since then…it may have been her final hurrah.
Videos Of Boston Terriers Doing Zoomies
Check out the Boston Terrier Society YouTube Channel.
Final thoughts…
Zoomies are a healthy way for dogs and Boston’s specifically to burn excess energy from their bodies. There should be no concern for this little burst of energy that comes from their body. However, if you are ever worried about your dog, contact a medical professional to get your questions answered.
Boston Terrier zoomies, to me, are a funny characteristic of the breed. Nothing makes me laugh more than seeing Bella run from one end of the house to the next, and then all of a sudden freeze. Then, of course, she does it all over again.
Tip
Be sure to have your phone ready to capture the zoomie in action, you will want to remember those moments. This is one thing I wish I would have done when Bella was younger.
