[Cbrearley]

So, Isis is a 7 month old healthy and bullheaded of a Doberman as you could ask for. She's very bright intellectually, hence why i think she's as stubborn as she is. However, the problem is that there is my Aunt-who even though is able-bodied, is 81 years old. The "zoomies" as it's been called is nothing new with the dog breed. However, trying to get the dog to chill so not to cause any damage to the property or people has been daunting. Any advice? Our worry is that Isis will run rampant during one of her bouts of insanity, and incidentally knock my Aunt down. Unfortunately, i work night shift. Isis is alone with my Aunt and her dog while i am away. Other than that if i am home, i can pretty much quell the energy levels before they get too elevated. Thanks!

 

[dogperson]

Hi and welcome! Structure should help a lot. Dogs become conditioned to when and WHERE zoomies are allowed and when it's time to relax. Does she have a predictable routine? I advise physical exercise outside of the house and then, at home, brain games (there are excellent posts on this forum with lots of suggestions) and nap time (perhaps in her crate). When you have to leave, make sure she had all of these needs met and give your aunt a few calming activities to giver her (frozen kongs, chews, etc.) and the option of having her in her crate as well.

 

[GP Person]

I'm kind of in your aunt's position in that I'm older (77 now), and for the last years every time I see my doctor he says, "If you want a good old age, don't fall." Great. Not so easy when you have 85-90 pound Rottweilers who have very little awareness or consideration for anyone's personal space. It's the biggest reason two years ago I switched to a smaller breed, although I still have one Rottie.

Anyway, one thing I did which your aunt might consider is walk with a cane, although I don't need one. It's strictly to make my body space wider and more unpleasant for the dog to knock into (metal cane) and it does provide a third point of stability when rocked.

 

[Cbrearley]

I'm kind of in your aunt's position in that I'm older (77 now), and for the last years every time I see my doctor he says, "If you want a good old age, don't fall." Great. Not so easy when you have 85-90 pound Rottweilers who have very little awareness or consideration for anyone's personal space. It's the biggest reason two years ago I switched to a smaller breed, although I still have one Rottie.

Anyway, one thing I did which your aunt might consider is walk with a cane, although I don't need one. It's strictly to make my body space wider and more unpleasant for the dog to knock into (metal cane) and it does provide a third point of stability when rocked.

That's great advice! the zoomies usually happen at night, and by that time my Aunt is in her chair watching TV. So, as for now she's been using the fly swatter LOL.

 

[Cbrearley]

Hi and welcome! Structure should help a lot. Dogs become conditioned to when and WHERE zoomies are allowed and when it's time to relax. Does she have a predictable routine? I advise physical exercise outside of the house and then, at home, brain games (there are excellent posts on this forum with lots of suggestions) and nap time (perhaps in her crate). When you have to leave, make sure she had all of these needs met and give your aunt a few calming activities to giver her (frozen kongs, chews, etc.) and the option of having her in her crate as well.

Isis does have a routine. Unfortunately, due to winter and the Doberman's lack of winter protection, getting the proper exercise has been difficult. I probably should have waited until the weather improved, but the FOMO has gotten the best of me. I'll list her routine below if interested.

9-11AM: First feed. Half raw/half kibble fed through a Kong dispenser.
11-2p: Nap time/Play time. Isis will put herself down for a nap most times.
3p: 2nd feeding

Last feeding occurs around 8-10pm. It's usually after this time is when the zoomy behavior happens. The feeding times slightly vary as my work schedule isn't set in stone. I didn't list the times i should or do take her outside due to the weather. If weather wasn't an issue, then i try to get her outside after every feeding and upon waking. Two or three times a week will be time spent at the Metro Park trails. So, in conclusion she probably needs more of an outlet to release some energy. Hopefully once the weather improves, i can get Isis on a stricter schedule.

 

[MMcCown]

At 7 months, she only needs to eat twice each day.
For the evening feed, try a kibble scatter. Make it a brain game so she has to slow down and search for her food.
Zoomies can happen even when the dog is exercised. Teaching her structure and impulse control is key, for more than just keeping your aunt safe. It may be a management issue. Pup is in her crate until auntie is settled. Pup comes out for dinner (kibble scatter) and then, has a trip outside and then, comes in for time on a place cot.

 

[KristenC]

I think you're on to something with getting more exercise for her, which I understand is hard during winter. I have 2 Dobermans who, if the weather doesn't allow, turn the house into a race track. I have mobility issues and also worry about falling or getting knocked down. My husband and I do our best to keep our younger Doberman mentally wiped out which makes a big difference. That is something you could do before you leave, and perhaps leave her with a treat puzzle or something that'll keep her occumpied for a bit.
Our girl's zoomies typically happen when she's overtired, similar to a young kid who doesn't want to miss any of the action. I tend to keep something I know she loves on me at all times (treats and her favorite ball) so if she starts getting nutty, I can call her to me (lure her in essentially). Sometimes that little distraction can get the mind to slow down a bit and, hopefully, the body slows down, too. Perhaps that's something your aunt could try.
I then have her "settle", which is something we just condition our dogs to over time. Any time they are resting nicely on their own, we let them know "good settle" in a calm tone. Over time, we can call out "settle" and they pretty much slow things down, find a spot, and chill.
Crates, exercise pens, or areas where the pup has to settle down are also great to physically prevent your aunt from getting harmed.

 

[sissl]

What is she doing between 3 and 8 pm? These are good hours for activity (but if this is your sleep time maybe she will become an evening napper with a lot of an activity before 3?). 10pm is a good time for bedtime vs zoomies. Or switch that last feed out for two earlier ones. Your Aunt probably wants to be in bed? Well, my mom’s a night owl in her 70s, so some like midnight.

What hours are your shift? Can she be in her kennel the whole time? Eventually feel that her routine is built around this with play and feeding and a in between her sleep? Would her sleep time align close enough to night shift? It sounds ideal, but I don’t know. My pup naps quite enough while I’m at work during the day and one or two different people can let her out just quick to pee. So with that much kennel she needs all her activity between kennel day (my work) and bedtime (my bedtime). Maybe her nap time/kennel can be your sleep time? Down time is possible too once a routine is established. My pup likes this after playing but I also slow down her play and switch activities so she does not have the chance to get leaping and overstimulated.

I think it’s good you’re considering your aunt. And your young dog. How they can both live the life they want, but it will mean creating some kind of structure for the dog that can work for both of them. My 9 month old gets a little bonkers if the structure of her day changes too much or for too many days. So you might have to start out with what seems most important first.

 

[Alida]

We use the "lasso" of containment. Our girl doesn't wear a collar in the house. when she becomes a bit to exuberant, we have a short slip lead that I place and she immediately calms down. honestly ..this to shall pass..I promise.

 

[MikeP]

Isis does have a routine. Unfortunately, due to winter and the Doberman's lack of winter protection, getting the proper exercise has been difficult. I probably should have waited until the weather improved, but the FOMO has gotten the best of me. I'll list her routine below if interested.

9-11AM: First feed. Half raw/half kibble fed through a Kong dispenser.
11-2p: Nap time/Play time. Isis will put herself down for a nap most times.
3p: 2nd feeding

Last feeding occurs around 8-10pm. It's usually after this time is when the zoomy behavior happens. The feeding times slightly vary as my work schedule isn't set in stone. I didn't list the times i should or do take her outside due to the weather. If weather wasn't an issue, then i try to get her outside after every feeding and upon waking. Two or three times a week will be time spent at the Metro Park trails. So, in conclusion she probably needs more of an outlet to release some energy. Hopefully once the weather improves, i can get Isis on a stricter schedule.

Cbrearly ......... IMHO the behaviour is hinged on multi identifiable factors. All of them you have zeroed in on regarding daily routines and accompanying times. You might be able to unravel the whys and whens of occurrence however most likely much won't change as the behaviour is mostly puppy based. The explosive behaviour FRAP that you have outlined sounds like it occurs before and after feeding and perhaps the inopportune times you can't get Isis outdoors and therefore restriction to answer Nature's calls. Sounds like being caught between a rock and a hard place?? So how to improve.??

#1 First thing is ensure the safety (as GP suggested) for your elderly aunt and provide her with a cane ( wide 12 in. sq. +- bottom base) even if your aunt does not require one for mobility. Better to be proactive. Plus the imposing shiny chrome object will hopefully incite Isis to keep adequate distance. Have your aunt position it strategically alongside/ in front where she sits. When she requires to get up then it is kept alongside for defensive stability when needed. Preparation in advance if the FRAP behaviour explodes into action provides beneficial safety dividends under the current circumstances.

#2 If Isis expresses the behaviour prior to feeding then he innately is saying he wants to be fed. 'Twig-into' the nuances of behaviour as their messages are clear. If the behaviour is expressed after feeding then chances are he needs to be let out to answer Nature’s call. When Nature's call has been met then brace knees for collision with incoming black and rust UFO. 🤓

#3 If crated for extended periods of time then no more needs be said. Pent up Doberup energy will often be off the charts. Needless to write it needs be stimulatively countered with activity.

#4 Begin the day with a few minutes of basic OB. Simple uninspiring to you perhaps but highly stimulating to your pup. A game of tug goes a long way in stress release therefore incorporate the physicality of tug as basis for reward contingent on compliance for correct behaviour for the few minutes of engagement in basic obedience. A ball on rope is a great prop to incite, lure and reward OB behaviour. Apply the same philosophy and principles on your outdoor park excursions. Most likely Isis isn't yet off-leash reliant therefore to provide ample running freedom then utilize an inexpensive 30 foot tracking line— or two coupled together for greater freedom yet restraint control accessible.

BTW I have a 'few miles' on this 'rusting' frame of mine and needless to write, a tumble and hard surface landing can be a very serious and permanently disabling issue at your aunt's age unless she shares similar genetics. Play safe.🧐

In the common bond of Dobermans......Mike

 

[sissl]

Isis does have a routine. Unfortunately, due to winter and the Doberman's lack of winter protection, getting the proper exercise has been difficult. I probably should have waited until the weather improved, but the FOMO has gotten the best of me. I'll list her routine below if interested.

We made it through zero degree weeks making up new indoor games, but yes it’s hard. Might be more challenging next year when she’s just over 1.5 years in the coldest months. Do you have any space you can play with her extra indoors? My living room is crowded and too much shared with my other dog. But I have a pretty large porch, winterized (plastic on windows). I bring a space heater out. Or I set a space heater in the garage for a while. But we’ve played across the living room/kitchen (connected), and my older dog just stands like a big lump in the way, “supervising”.

It is draining to make up for not walking so the cold days get sickening, as they always do. I like walking too - 15 degrees feels refreshing to me, but I don’t go far at all with the little dog unless it’s up to about 20 - waiting for 20 takes too long in northern Wisconsin, so not totally sure if I have the right cut off.

 

[ECIN]

CB --- As somebody replied and I quote : Zoomies can happen even when the dog is exercised.

How true a statement !

Here are a few triggers for my 2 , Going out to potty and then made the mistake of saying in a higher voice -- GGGGGGGGOOOOOOOO DDDD Boy ! or girl , and when they come in ??? Head for high country !

Going out in a light rain , snow to potty - After they come in , shake - then ? Again head for high country !

After being crated for a long period on time = head for high county !

After a bath -- This is the Biggy here ! Katie bar the door ! - they are coming threw.
I have worked on this problem to no avail. after their bath - I blow dry them and then bring them out to my office - even after an hour and they were napping ,when I open the door to the main house , there they go

The problem for me is the blind Zoomie - From out of nowhere - they take off like a Saturn 5 .

I will say , lots of times , they will give me the Zoomie sign - getting ready to blast off , they may start to shake there rearends , lay there ears back for better aerodynamics . play bow then shoot off right or left and down the hall and back 3 or 4 times

The other day , Mr.B came out of one of the bedrooms as I was walking down the hall , again , big mistake here - I said in a sterner voice , HEY , WHAT ARE YOU DOING BACK HERE ! I lit the fuse and when he went by me he dang near blew my hat off , LOL

I will go against the grain here and stay as much as you try , there you can never get the Zoomies out of one , Watch and learn if there are curtain triggers and be ready for them = high country

I will say that since I can walk pretty well again , taking them to the sniffery for an hour and let them work there nose's , that has cut down the Zoomies 10 fold .

I understand your concerns here , After knee surgery , for some unknown reason , Zoomies hit a all time high here , lol I think it had to do with me being in the hospital for 3 days and Mr. B was just glad to see me - dads home , dads home !

I'm not rusting yet , Maybe it is from all the under coating from my younger days lol But sure don't want them to test out the new knee

So in closing , to help protect your Aunt , Learn the does that may be a trigger a Zoomie , have her stay close to something when it happens or just get out of the way and pray

BTW - I was at my surgeons office the other day and asked the X-Ray tech if she had been busy lately ( Making small talk with a real looker lol ) She said , I don't know why , but they had a big run on people getting hurt from their pets , And she covered the bases , hips , knees , wrists , arms and then added , KEN ! Keep an eye on your 2 and be careful - I don't think she has ever been around a Dober let along 2 of them ,

Good luck !

 

[sissl]

I will go against the grain here and stay as much as you try , there you can never get the Zoomies out of one , Watch and learn if there are curtain triggers and be ready for them = high country

My older dog had temperature change zoomies when younger. Very cold to the spring temps; like the days it hit 40s. Same with fall. The days it dropped down into the 40s. Whoa he loves the 40s. When I got home from work he fast had to go outside. No I’m between. He did give an extra anxious full body wiggle trying to contain himself. Puppy had this with temp change too but she went from crate to directly outside. After a long time in her crate she always goes outside. The combo out pent up energy and temps are common to both. Out of their system with one go at it. So you’re right about all around for some dogs. Triggers. Or do they individually need something if giving signs. If year round, part of a year, or same times etc.

 

[melbrod]

they had a big run on people getting hurt from their pets , And she covered the bases , hips , knees , wrists , arms and then added , KEN ! Keep an eye on your 2 and be careful

Not so sure about that. One of mine gave me a black eye.