Many dogs tend to have a lot of energy, but some can be even more energetic than usual, which might be too much for many people.
People who have owned pugs for a long time all seem to agree that their dogs can be quite lively and curious throughout the day. This might make new pug owners wonder and feel unsure.
In this article, I will explore why Pugs are so full of energy, at what age they become calmer, and what you, as a pet owner, can do to help them become calmer and direct their extra energy.
Why Are Pugs So Hyper?
Pugs being super hyper often happens when they get really excited or react to others being excited too.
Pugs are friendly buddies, so they might feel more worried when they’re apart from their people, which could make them act extra hyper.
When dogs get super active and start acting all crazy, it’s often called “Frenetic Random Activity Periods” or “The Zoomies.” This funny thing happens not just to pugs, but to other dogs too.
It’s most common in puppies, but grown-up pugs can also catch it. Pugs with lots of energy might get really lively and sometimes even a bit feisty but don’t worry, it’s totally normal.
Pug Puppies Have Two Modes: Stop and Go
I believe another reason Pugs are often seen as hyper is because they have very high energy levels and love to play, especially when they are puppies.
A young Pug can zoom around, hopping from one thing to another, and then suddenly plop down for a nap.
Pugs appear to have only two modes: super-fast and drop dead!
Pugs experience these bursts of energy that might seem like hyperactivity. However, it’s really just their way of having fun and releasing built-up energy.
Pugs Loves Licking and Exploring Everything
Another reason why Pugs can sometimes become a bit hyper is because of their curious nature and love for exploring.
They like to use their tongue to discover the world around them.
Pugs are really interested in anything they can taste, and they really enjoy eating. If you want a Pug to perform a trick, offer them a treat!
Every morning, my dog wakes me up by licking my nose. He wants me to know that it’s time for his breakfast, and he’s quite eager about it! He’s willing to do almost anything for a tiny piece of food or even a crumb.
Thanks to him, my kitchen floors have never been so clean!
At What Age Do Pugs Become Calmer?
As your puppy grows up and reaches around two years old, it should start calming down. But don’t be surprised if they still have short bursts of the zoomies from time to time.
Just know that these crazy moments will become less frequent as your dog gets older, and they’ll prefer to snuggle up with you.
Getting the zoomies is pretty common for breeds like pugs.
So, you don’t need to worry too much about it, especially because these bursts of energy only last a few minutes.
Still, it’s good to be a bit careful, because too much excitement can sometimes lead to trouble.
What Causes Frenetic Random Activity Periods in Pugs?
As mentioned earlier, pugs can get really excited when they see someone or something else being excited.
If people are having fun and playing around, pugs want to be part of the fun too. It’s just in their nature.
Pugs can also get super excited and hyper when things around them make noise or cause a commotion.
This includes stuff like doorbells ringing, people moving, kids playing, and more. Most pugs respond by making excited sounds or running around.
Another thing that often triggers the zoomies in pugs is bath time.
Many pug owners will tell you that their dog becomes extra active after a bath. This hyper behavior is their way of showing they’re happy the bath is done.
This usually happens because giving a dog a bath involves holding them still for a while and using water that might not feel great to them.
This can make any dog stressed and worried. So, when the bath is finally over, they feel relieved and let out their excitement.
Mindy, my Pug, used to get the zoomies every time we tried to dry her off with a towel after her bath.
What Do the Zoomies Look Like?
If you haven’t witnessed “The Zoomies” before, you might wonder how to tell if your Pug is experiencing them.
Don’t worry, you’ll definitely notice when it happens.
During a bout of hyperactivity, your dog will have a short burst of energy and start running around in a wild and playful manner.
Here are some signs to look for if your Pug is having the zoomies:
- They suddenly start sprinting from a standstill.
- Their eyes light up with excitement.
- They run in a low, crouched manner as if they’re ready to pounce on something.
- They make tight turns and quick spins to change direction rapidly.
Are Zoomies Harmful?
The simple answer is usually no, it’s completely normal for all dogs to have the zoomies every now and then.
As a pet owner, you don’t need to worry too much because this hyper episode usually lasts a short time and goes away on its own.
However, if you live in a small place, your dog might accidentally knock things over and create a mess while they’re in their hyper state.
They could slip on a rug or your hardwood floors and bump into your coffee table or other furniture, which might cause them some harm.
If you’re a Pug owner, there are a few things you can do to help manage this kind of behavior and keep your dog safe.
Some pet owners notice that their Pugs get more hyper at night or early in the morning.
How Can Frenetic Random Activity Periods Be Avoided?
Regular Exercise
If you make sure to take your dog out frequently and provide plenty of exercise, along with engaging in daily playtime, you can help reduce your pug’s energy levels.
A full day of play and physical activity can leave your dog feeling tired by the end of the day.
While this approach is great, not everyone has the time to constantly play with their pug.
In such cases, it’s helpful to know what games they enjoy.
If you’re in that situation, it’s a good idea to establish a playtime area or routine that your pug can follow to keep itself entertained for a set amount of time each day.
If you have a fenced backyard, you could install a pet door and let your dog play outside. Just be sure to ensure the yard is safe.
This gives both you and your pug a break while allowing your furry friend to exercise and expend energy.
Another option is to take your pug to a dog park for a day of fun and activity.
Aiming for about 30 minutes of exercise each day is a good goal. This could be achieved through two 15-minute walks or two 15-minute games of fetch.
Exercise is not only beneficial for your pug’s physical health but also for their mental well-being.
Establishing a Daily Schedule
If you work together with your pug to establish a daily routine, it can be really helpful in reducing stress and anxiety.
The best approach is to stick to a steady and simple schedule throughout the day, from morning to night.
This schedule should cover everything, starting from waking up and having breakfast, all the way to winding down and having dinner.
Routines tend to give dogs a feeling of security and ease because they know what to expect throughout the day.
Certain pug owners can even figure out when their pugs usually get the zoomies. Some pugs might experience it in the morning, while others might get it at night.
Once you identify that time, you can provide your pug with a distraction to help them settle down.
Dealing with Separation Anxiety
You can often discover different methods and advice online to reduce separation anxiety in pugs.
A common approach is to provide your pug with something engaging before you leave home, so it doesn’t feel lonely.
Clever toys and interactive playthings can be great solutions for this situation.
Conclusion
Pugs might come across as hyper, but they’re mostly cheerful and full of energy.
In my experience, once you pass the puppy phase, and with some training and a set schedule, your Pug will turn into a joyful, calm dog.
They’ll rest on your lap, enjoy playing with you, give you licks, and be an excellent companion!
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