Why dogs get the ‘Zoomies’ and how school holidays can disrupt their behaviour

The Easter holidays are on their way, with households louder, busier and also less predictable. While families may welcome the break in routine, Alyssa Ralph, canine behaviour and nutrition expert at Years, warns that dogs often experience this shift very differently, with subtle behaviour changes frequently misunderstood.

From tail wagging to so-called “guilty looks”, many of the behaviours dog owners think they understand are routinely misread, and those misunderstandings could be quietly affect stress levels, feeding habits and long-term wellbeing. “Dogs communicate constantly through body language and behaviour, but humans often interpret those signals through their own emotions, rather than those of the dog,” says Alyssa. “What looks cute, naughty or attention-seeking is often a dog trying to regulate stress, diffuse a difficult situation, or respond to changes in their environment. Half term can bring later mornings, different walk times, more visitors, increased noise, and children wanting constant interaction, all of which represent routine disruption from a dog’s perspective. And that doesn’t just affect training or behaviour – they can influence appetite, digestion and feeding routines, too. Here are some behaviours owners most commonly misinterpret.

Tail wagging always means happiness

A wagging tail doesn’t automatically signal joy. The height, speed and stiffness of the wag matter. A fast, rigid wag held high can indicate alertness or anxiety rather than excitement — something owners frequently overlook.

Clinginess means neediness or bad habits

Dogs that lean on owners, follow closely, or seek frequent contact are often responding to uncertainty, routine change, or insecurity. This behaviour is linked to emotional regulation, not dominance or spoiling. During school holidays, increased household activity can heighten this response.

The head tilt is just a ‘cute reaction’

That familiar head tilt is a dog actively trying to process sound and facial cues. “Dogs tilt their heads to better understand us and triangulate where sounds are coming from. It’s a sign of engagement, communication, and information-gathering, not confusion.”

Zoomies are random hyperactivity

Sudden bursts of energy — often after baths, walks or periods of restraint — are a recognised stress-release behaviour. They help dogs reset after emotional or sensory overload. During school holidays, overstimulation from constant play or noise can increase the likelihood of these episodes.

A ‘guilty look’ means they know they’ve done wrong

As far as we know, dogs don’t experience guilt in the human sense. What owners interpret as shame is usually appeasement behaviour — a response to tone of voice, posture or perceived tension rather than an understanding of wrongdoing. The look is usually an attempt to diffuse any of that tension.

Why behaviour misunderstandings can affect diet and health

“A dog that’s stressed or overstimulated may eat too quickly, avoid food altogether, or show inconsistent hunger cues,” says Alyssa. “When behaviour is misunderstood, owners often adjust food unnecessarily, rather than addressing the underlying cause. School holidays mean children may offer extra treats, altered mealtimes or more distraction around feeding areas, all of which can disrupt a dog’s normal eating rhythm. Here’s what you can do to help.”

• Look at behaviour patterns over time, not isolated incidents

• Consider recent changes in routine or environment before labelling behaviour as ‘bad’

• Maintain consistent feeding times where possible

• Treat appetite changes as communication signals, not stubbornness

• Seek advice from qualified vets or behaviourists rather than relying on assumptions

“Dogs are incredibly expressive,” adds Alyssa. “When owners learn to read the signs properly, it reduces stress, strengthens trust, and supports better long-term health.”