WHAT IS GINGER TRYING TO SAY????

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

My doodle, Ginger, 11 weeks, when I sit on the sofa, just barks at me.  She is trying to say something, but I am clueless.  She just keeps doing it, barking and barking!  When I try and pet her, she nips/bites me.  I know she wants something, but what I don't know. She does not have to go out, she is not hungry, doesn't want to be held, because she wiggles and nips to get away.  I play with her....

What is she trying to say and what should I do?  I don't want encourage this barking, although it can be funny, it is also noisy and loud.

Please help me!  I am loosing my patience. She is cute...but I am confused.

 

Thanks,

 

Pam

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

My guess is she's just trying to get attention, and maybe asking you to play with her.

Dogs use different kinds of barks for different situations. This link was posted in a discussion recently; it has an interactive section where you try to match different dog barks with their meanings. Maybe it will help you figure out what Ginger's saying.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/meaning-dog-barks.html

 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Attention.  Peri used to do that all the time.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Awww, a baby!  I agree that this is for attention.  Redirect her attention to a toy.  If you respond to her barking and give her something for it (i.e. your attention) then you are teaching her TO bark to get what she wants.  If she continues I would put her in her ex-pen or crate, then you reward quiet behavior by letting her out when she is making NO noise.  My breeder also told me not to let them out unless "all four are on the floor", meaning quiet AND no jumping up and down.  Trust me - it only takes a few times for them to get it.  Just stand there and ignore her till she gives you the required response - then immediately open the kennel or pen.

[Leigh & Allie]

I definitely think it will pass. It is a puppy behavior. She has a LOT of energy right now and she just wants to eat. play. pee. play. poop. play. nap. play. play oh and did I say play? This too will pass. My Allie is snuggled up to me right now on the sofa.;)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

That's exactly what my Doodles do with each other when they want the other one to stop "vegging out" and play.  It's usually Murphy trying to get Guinness to stop napping and get up and run around.  If Guinness just isn't "in the mood" he'll move away and ignore Murph....after a few minutes Murphy gets the message and stops.  I'm guessing that's just what's going on with Ginger....so maybe try just moving away and ignoring her.  It may work like it does with dogs.

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

I agree she wants to play or wants attention.  When Dexter wants Kirby to play with him, he'll grab a toy, run upstairs, lay down and bark.  If Kirby goes to chase him Dex turns into a quiet angel.

I agree with the others - try to redirect her to a bone or toy.   Or work on "quiet" and give her attention when she stops barking.
Good luck :)

[Kathy Spyker]

When my Lilly does that she wants me to throw a ball for her.