Once your dog has calmed down and has their emotions under control, now it's ok to greet! Note that if it takes 20 minutes for your dog to calm down, then you will be ignoring your dog for 20 minutes before you can consider engaging with them.
So yes when you first get home and your dog is SO excited to see you, it's best to simply ignore them until they have a chance to calm down, as difficult as that may be. The more you do it, the more it will become second nature to you and your dog. Also remember to not give in to pushy behavior!
Dogs have proved their loyalty towards their owners time and again. They have the sense of reuniting with known characters. This sparks happiness in their brain which makes them behave in an affectionate manner to meet their owners when they get back home after few hours.
At homecomings, ignore your dog until she settles down (this may take 10 to 15 minutes). Your dog should soon learn that the faster she settles, the sooner she will get your attention.
Just like you, the number one reason dogs like to cuddle is that they love you. "Because dogs have a pack mentality, they consider you as part of their close-knit group, meaning they want to show you their affection and love," says Dr. Zac Pilossoph, a veterinarian with Healthy Paws Pet Insurance.
Dogs don't shake hands like people do, they use their nose to say hello. So, hold your hand in a fist so they can approach and sniff if they choose. Don't thrust your hand at the dog. They can smell you just fine from a distance, and the sudden movement could startle them.
Use the “two finger” rule: Once the dog's collar is fastened, you should be able to easily slide two fingers under the collar. When you slide the width of your two fingers between the collar and neck, the collar should feel snug, but not tight.
For dogs without separation anxiety, petting dogs goodbye might actually keep them calmer while you're away. I searched and found two studies that could shed a bit more light on the effects of enthusiastic goodbyes. The first was conducted by a group of researchers from the University of Pisa in 2018.
"Hugging is a form of handling, and handling can lead to fear, anxiety, and stress in some dogs," says Dr. Vanessa Spano, DVM at Behavior Vets. "Similar to people—not every person wants to be hugged, let alone hugged all the time; dogs deserve consent."
There is nothing wrong with using the word “no” properly when training your dog. “No” should be said calmly and should mean, “That is not a behavior that I want.” “No” can also be a “no reward marker.” It can just mean that the dog will not get a reward for that behavior.
The “sniff test” is common advice that we have probably all done, but is no longer the advisable way to introduce yourself to a new dog. Extending your hand towards a dog you don't know could be seen as a potential threat, and trigger a defensive bite.
As social animals, dogs choose the person or people who give them plenty of love, attention, and positive experiences. Let your dog be a dog and enjoy hanging out with and being in that person's presence, whether it's you or someone else. But don't give up on being one of the favorites!
Allow the dog to approach you.
Let the dog decide whether or not they'd like to meet you. Don't invade their space and force yourself on them. Stand calmly (or crouch down) with your hands relaxed at your sides.
One of the most common ways dogs show their affection and gratitude is by licking their parents. They often lick their parent's faces, hands, or feet to show their love and appreciation. This behaviour is believed to be a sign of submission and trust.
Loving gazes
You can communicate back to them using the same language of eye contact. When a dog gives you long, lingering eye contact, it's a way of saying “I love you.” A recent study shows that oxytocin, the 'love chemical,' goes up in both dogs and humans when they share a kind gaze.
Some dogs whine during greetings. This kind of vocalization is usually motivated by excitement and may be directed at dogs or people. Some dogs whine in the presence of their owners in order to get attention, rewards or desired objects. Some dogs whine in response to stressful situations.
What do dogs think human kisses are? Dogs might not understand that a kiss means “I love you,” but they quickly catch on that a kiss is something favorable. “In general, we aren't upset with our dogs when we go to kiss them, so they learn that a kiss from a human is a good thing,” says Salant.
Sleeping with your dog can cause problems for both of you. As difficult as it might be if you love the closeness of sleeping together, the best option is to provide your dog with his own bed. With time and training, your pet will learn to cuddle up in a dog bed every night, and leave human beds to the humans.