3 Ways To Greet Your Puppy

September 6, 2019

It’s exciting to come home to your new puppy. They’re so small and cute that all you might want to do is just pepper them with kisses. Your furry friend, however, may become overwhelmed by loud noises and exaggerated kisses. Remember that they’re still figuring out and exploring their new environment, and may become stressed by your actions.

As your puppy grows used to their home, here are 3 ways you can greet your puppy without stressing them out. You can even use these tips to train your puppy’s behavior.

1. Greet your puppy with a “Hello!”

This may sound obvious, but when you arrive home, greet your puppy with a friendly “hello!” Make sure not to overdo the gesture. Using a loud voice or a quick gesture can agitate your puppy, causing them to jump, whine or bark. Continually repeating this behavior will encourage your puppy to bark excessively as an adult.

Excessive barking or jumping can be a nuisance for you and any neighbors you have. It’s best to prevent the behavior early on, even if it seems endearing. Use a gentle voice when you say, “Hello!” and pat their head as you walk in. You can also talk to your puppy; just make sure your voice is soft and calm. 

2. Let your puppy come to you.

If your puppy is shy or fearful, they may not be too keen on being suddenly approached. Instead, let them grow accustomed to your presence. Once your puppy is relaxed and trusts you, they will approach you for a greeting. 

You should also avoid hovering over your puppy whenever they greet you. Many people are tall enough to be intimidating for pups, so crouch down to their level if you can. 

3. When your puppy is done, respect that.

Puppies tend to have a short attention span, at least for the first few months. They may sniff, wag their tail, and bark as you walk inside, only to continue exploring soon after. Don’t take it personally, and let your fur-baby roam around your home. 

Avoid forcing your puppy to continue interacting with you as this can agitate them. Respecting your puppy’s boundaries will allow you to build a strong bond with them. 

Most puppies enjoy seeing you every time you arrive home from work. They may express their greeting in a variety of ways too. If you notice your puppy bites at you as a greeting, make sure to discourage it as it can turn into a bad habit. By building trust with each other early on, your puppy will grow into a well-mannered pooch!

Ever wondered how puppies like to play? Check out our blog, 5 Different Ways Puppies Like To Play for info on puppy play behavior.