Thread: My dog has recenetly been whining at her stuffed dog..?

My mom was thinking she was just trying to act motherly but I think there is something wrong.
Everytime I squeek her doggy she starts whining. ANd when ever my mom puts the toy in a different spot in the house she starts whining again and starts to search for it.

I am so stumped and I would really like if somebody knew whats going on.

Thanks for you time
~Nate

It sounds like she'd like sole ownership of the doggy, and wants to keep her in certain spots...like my dog, who hides his bone in different places...

I think its part of their natural instincts to 'bury' their bones (or hide fav toy) for safe-keeping. They want to be sure it will be there when they get back. So, she just doesn't want anyone else to move it or she may get upset.

Is your dog spayed? Sometimes after a female dog goes into heat, if she has a false pregnancy, the pups body will tell her that she should have had puppies. The dog will sometimes adopt toys and carry them around like puppies or even try to get them to nurse. It sounds like this is what is going on with your dog, but without more information i couldnt be sure. If this is the case, it will pass. Ive included some more infomation on "nesting" which it sounds like your dog is doing.

Nesting. The female behavior will start displaying that of a mother who is trying to “nest.” She will spend time building her nest and form attachments to inanimate objects like toys, shoes, remote controller, and throws. She will then carry her invisible puppies around the house and taking them to her bed. Her territorial and maternal instincts will show as she protects her invisible litter, which can be upsetting for owners especially family members aren’t close to her.

Was your dog in heat in the last 2-3 months? If so, she is most likely having a false pregnancy.....she has a hormonal surge that's confusing her...she thinks she has puppies and is worried. She may even have a little milk. Most dogs who have false pregnancies treat their toys like pups and worry when they don't have them right there with them. So give her her toy back, and give her a few more.
Your mom is right...she is being motherly. This will pass in a couple of weeks.

If she's really upset you can talk to the vet about getting a little medicine to help calm her a bit.