Dealing with a Nocturnal Dog: Tips for Sleepless Nights
Have you ever noticed your dog's behavior when it doesn't sleep and instead goes on a wild spree of play? This kind of behavior is known in ethology as FRAP, which stands for Frenetic Random Activity Period, and in Chinese, it's translated as the "Random Crazy Activity Period."
But why is it called FRAP? Dogs often exhibit intense and random activities in a short span of time, such as running back and forth in the room, jumping from the sofa, or even howling. This FRAP is a behavior dogs engage in to burn off excess energy, and it's perfectly normal.
Especially for dogs that don't have the chance to release their energy during the day, the night becomes the only time they can burn off their excess vitality.
Some of you might wonder, why doesn't FRAP happen during the day? Well, it does, but it's often more pronounced at night when the quiet atmosphere amplifies many of their behaviors. So, the perception that your dog goes crazy at night is not entirely accurate. Dogs can also have FRAP during the day, but it's harder to notice because you're busy with your own daily activities.
Now, here's a question: Should I just put on earplugs at night and let my dog go wild? Well, you can, but the only thing you need to worry about is your neighbors. Also, be mindful to remove any items from the room that your dog might swallow or chew on, as it might be left alone for extended periods.
Finally, how can we improve FRAP? It can be quite烦人 after all!
Improving FRAP is actually quite simple. The key is to establish a regular routine of taking your dog for walks.
We all know that dogs are creatures of habit. Once you get them into a routine of certain activities at specific times, they start to look forward to those moments.
Typically, whether it's an adult dog or a puppy, they should have three times a day: playtime, training time, and free time. Make sure each session is dedicated to its respective activity, and help them develop these habits.
Once they get used to these routines, you'll see a remarkable transformation in your dog: they'll play wildly during playtime, focus intently during training, and be relaxed during free time.
Don't be surprised; these good behaviors are a testament to your efforts. It's all the daily dedication that has shaped your dog into who they are today. And let's face it, training a dog can be incredibly rewarding, bringing a sense of accomplishment to every dog owner.
