Doodle wants to play, then is scared to death?

[Alex Gregory]

My 5 month old goldendoodle Millie is such a character. She sees another dog and wants to go over and say hello. And when I say she wants to say hello, shes on her hind legs standing up, jumping up and down, squealing, whining, barking, pulling on her leash kind of hello. So I'll take her over to the other dog, and then she'll either roll onto her back or run away if it's a bigger dog, and if it's someone her size or smaller, she'll sniff their butt and want to go away. But if I take her away, she wants to GO BACK! Make up your mind Millie! Anyone else have a similar problem like this and what's going on?! Thanks

[Adina P]

I don't think she's scared to death, but perhaps a wee bit overwhelmed and politely submissive.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Tara acts pretty much the same way as you are describing when she meets other dogs. She is 2 years old now and it hasn't changed much. She is just a shy girl and has some very defined boundaries with other dogs. We just try to be respectful of this and not put her into situations that overwhelm her or where we can't control the dogs who approach her. In other words, no dog parks or areas where her running could trigger a prey drive in other dogs. Millie is still very young and is learning about the world and how to interact with her own species. The behaviors you describe are definitely submissive behaviors and normal for dogs with a submissive temperament.  She could gain confidence as she matures. She sure is a cutie!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Myla does the same thing all bark and no bite? She just has to get over there and then run away behind our legs! No worries she's just being a doodle!

[Martha & Cooper]

I don't think you have much to worry about.  Just keep giving her opportunities to socialize.  Sometimes, they just know best. Has she been to puppy classes? 

Cooper is just like this, especially with bigger dogs or dogs that like to jump on him (humpers, lol).   He is very social and at Daycare they say "He is running for Mayor or President" at any given time.    The thing about the Daycare I take him to though is that they have chosen which dogs are in with each other and their personalities click.