Understanding Over-Arousal and Zoomies in Spaniels

• Zoomies (FRAPS) are normal, but over-arousal means your dog can’t settle 

• Your own energy plays an important role 

• Scatter feeding and chewing activities help dogs self-regulate 

• Adequate mental and physical exercise prevents excessive zoomies 

It often starts out of nowhere. One moment your spaniel is relaxing, the next, they’re transformed into a whirlwind of energy, racing around the room at breakneck speed. While 'zoomies' are a natural part of being a dog, they can sometimes lead to over-arousal, where they might find it difficult to settle back down. Understanding the difference between healthy energy release and overwhelm is key to helping your dog manage their big emotions. 

Zoomies (FRAPS) are normal, but over-arousal means your dog can’t settle 

‘Zoomies’, technically known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), are sudden explosions of energy that are completely normal for dogs of all ages. For spaniels, this might happen after a bath, first thing in the morning or following a long rest. It is their body’s natural way of releasing pent-up energy.  

Most zoomies last between one to five minutes and are self-limiting, meaning your dog will naturally slow down and stop on their own. During zoomies, they may race in circles, do play bows, bounce off furniture or run figure eights.  

Over-arousal is when your spaniel becomes so stimulated – by play, excitement, frustration or stress – that they can’t calm down, can’t respond to familiar cues and may show behaviours like: 

• Inability to settle even after the trigger is removed 

• Hard, fixed staring or hypervigilance 

• Mouthing, nipping or jumping at people  

• Ignoring food or treats they’d normally take 

• Excessive barking, whining or high-pitched vocalisation 

• Destructive behaviour like grabbing objects or tearing things 

Over-aroused dogs are overwhelmed by their own internal chemistry and can’t control their impulses in that moment. Their stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) are elevated, and they need help to regulate. 

Safety during zoomies: clear obstacles if possible and never grab or restrain your dog mid-zoom as this can cause injury or increase arousal.  

A note on nipping: If your spaniel is mouthing or nipping during over-arousal, this is usually playful or frustrated behaviour, not aggression. However, if nipping is hard, breaks the skin, is directed at people’s faces or happens frequently, seek advice from a qualified behaviourist.  

Your own energy plays an important role 

When your spaniel is spiralling into over-arousal, your natural reflex might be to move quickly, speak loudly or physically intervene to stop them. However, this can sometimes add fuel to their excitement. The most effective thing you can do is become a calming presence for your dog. Don’t physically restrain them unless there’s an immediate danger. 

Speak in a low, soothing voice or whisper, move your body slowly and deliberately and avoid eye contact or sudden gestures. By remaining calm, you send a clear signal to your dog that the high-intensity energy is over and it’s time to wind down. Sometimes, simply standing still or sitting quietly on the sofa is enough to help your dog begin to mirror your own quiet energy. Dogs are attuned to our body language and emotional state – your calm is contagious. 

Scatter feeding and chewing activities help dogs self-regulate 

One of the quickest and most effective ways to lower a dog's arousal level is to engage their nose. Sniffing naturally lowers a dog’s heart rate and shifts their focus from "high alert" to "rest and digest" mode. Simply take a handful of their favourite treats and scatter them across the floor or grass. As your spaniel begins to search for each piece, you will notice their breathing slow down and their focus shift from frantic movement to purposeful sniffing.  

Chewing and licking are repetitive behaviours that release soothing hormones (endorphins and serotonin) in your dog’s brain. Providing a safe chew allows your spaniel to focus on a single, calming task, helping their nervous system to reset after a period of high excitement. If they’re already in full-blown zoomies, wait until they naturally start to slow down, then scatter treats to help them transition into calm.  

Adequate mental and physical exercise prevents excessive zoomies 

While zoomies are natural, you can help manage their frequency and intensity by ensuring your spaniel has enough physical exercise and mental stimulation. A bored spaniel is much more likely to have explosive energy bursts, over-arousal episodes and restless behaviour.  

Managing over-arousal is all about understanding your spaniel’s needs and being a calm, supportive partner to them. By recognising the signs early and providing appropriate outlets, you can help your spaniel build emotional regulation skills.