I think my dog is trying to 'talk' to me?

Ok, so my dog, Shorty, a mutt (Chi/Doxie) whom I had since like 6 weeks of age has a very strong personality. Sometimes, when she is trying to get my attention, she sort of growls/barks at me. I also feel like she does that when she is complaining. She doesn't bark bark or growl growl at me, she is actually the most sweetest loving girl (to me only), but I don't know any other way to explain it. Anyway, I just feel like she is trying to communicate with me, and I want to know if that is possible...??