Living with a doodle requires fluency in a very specific language! If you share your home, couch, or personal space bubble with a doodle, you already know: these dogs don’t just live with you — they communicate with you. Loudly. Dramatically. With full-body enthusiasm and a vocabulary that would put a toddler to shame.
But for the uninitiated (or for doodle parents who still can’t tell the difference between a “play with me” boop and a “I dropped my toy under the couch again” boop), I present to you: The Official Doodle Dictionary. A field guide for decoding your fluffy linguist.
BORK (noun/verb)
Definition: A bark, but with flair.
Usage: “BORK BORK BORK!”
Translation:
“There is a leaf outside and I am personally offended.”
“Someone walked past the house and didn’t stop to admire me.”
“I heard a noise that might have been a squirrel. Or a ghost. Or a snack.”
Note: Rescue doodles often use the “soft bork” when they’re still deciding if the world is safe. It’s basically the doodle version of knocking politely.
BOOP (verb)
Definition: A gentle nose tap delivered with intention.
Translation:
“Excuse me, human, I require attention.”
“You stopped petting me and that was a mistake.”
“I brought you this toy. Please admire it. Then throw it. Then admire me.”
Special Rescue Edition: The “trust boop” — the first time a foster doodle gently taps your hand with their nose. Congratulations, you’ve been chosen.
ZOOMIES (plural noun)
Definition: Sudden, uncontrollable bursts of joy that defy physics.
Translation:
“My soul is too big for my body and must be released.”
"I have achieved enlightenment.”
“The carpet is lava and I must run for my life.”
Warning: Zoomies may occur after baths, during thunderstorms, or when you say the word “treat” too enthusiastically.
FLOOF FLOP (noun)
Definition: The dramatic full‑body collapse of a doodle who has decided they are done for the day.
Translation:
“I walked from the kitchen to the living room and now I must rest.”
"Carry me. I am but a fragile noodle.”
Fun fact: Rescue doodles often perform their first floof flop when they finally feel safe. It’s the canine equivalent of unbuttoning your jeans after Thanksgiving dinner.
SNACK STARE (noun)
Definition: The unblinking gaze of a doodle who has detected food within a 12‑mile radius.
Translation:
“I see you have a sandwich.”
“I, too, enjoy sandwiches.”
“We could share that sandwich. I believe in us.”
Note: No doodle has ever blinked during a snack stare. Science cannot explain this.
WUBBA WOBBLE (noun)
Definition: The proud, wiggly strut performed while carrying a favorite toy.
Translation:
“Look at my treasure.”
“I am magnificent.”
“Please clap.”
Rescue version: When a newly adopted doodle does this with their first-ever toy… go ahead and cry. We all do.
THE LEAN (noun)
Definition: A doodle’s full-body press against your leg, often accompanied by a sigh.
Translation:
“You are my person.”
“I feel safe.”
“Don’t move. Ever.”
Side effect: Temporary loss of circulation in your leg. Worth it!
Final Thoughts: Why the Doodle Dictionary Matters
Doodles don’t speak English, but they speak emotion fluently. Every boop, bork, flop, and zoomie is a tiny love note — a reminder that joy doesn’t need words. For rescue doodles, these “words” are even more powerful. They’re proof of healing, trust, and the goofy, unconditional love that makes every Doodle worth celebrating!
Written By: Denise, DDR Volunteer