The little Greeter

Bonnie loved to see people

Bonnie adored everyone she met. From the moment she moved in with Susan and Charles, she embraced her role as the official CharlesWorks Greeter. Bonnie greeted everyone who came to the CharlesWorks office or visited Charles and Susan with her warm and friendly demeanor.

Bonnie took her job as the resident and business watchdog and greeter very seriously. She would always let Charles and Susan know when someone was at her home.

One of Bonnie’s many favorite spots was the top of the couch’s back that let her sit right in a window looking out toward the driveway and the street. She could often be found there in the morning just before people showed up for work. She’d also jump up there and peek out the window if a car came into the driveway.

As each of the CharlesWorks staff came to work they would normally be greeted by Bonnie. She had a routine where she’d greet them when they came to work. When clients came to their appointments with CharlesWorks staff she’d greet them as well.

But if it was a Dog…

Bonnie did not bark if someone walked by the house. However, our friendly little greeter turned into a watch dog were to someone go by the house with their dog! There would be some noise made in that case. We assumed she thought she owned the street as well!

Bonnie really loved everyone.

Doggie Greeter Tips

Having a little greeter like Bonnie welcome guests at the door is one of the joys of pet ownership. However, ensuring these greetings are safe and comfortable for both your pup and visitors requires a bit of planning. Here are some tips to keep your doggie greeter at their best:

1. 1. Create a Designated Viewing Spot
      If your dog enjoys monitoring the outside world from a sofa, chair, or windowsill, place a small towel or flexible rug on their preferred perch. This not only keeps furniture clean but also provides your pup with a cozy, secure spot to relax as they watch for visitors.
   2. Observe Initial Contact
      When guests arrive, always supervise the first interaction. Some dogs may get overly excited or nervous, which could lead to accidental jumps or other unwanted behaviors. Politely guide visitors on how to approach your dog, especially if your pup needs time to warm up to new faces.
   3. Set Boundaries for Greetings
      Train your dog to sit calmly when someone enters. Reward good behavior with treats or praise. If your pup tends to jump or bark, redirect their energy with a favorite toy or a command they know well, like “sit” or “stay.”
   4. Keep Safety in Mind
      If there are young children or guests unfamiliar with dogs, ensure everyone understands how to interact gently. This protects both your pet and the visitor.
   5. Use Positive Reinforcement
      Praise your dog for calm and polite greetings, and gently correct excitable behavior. Consistency will help your pup become a perfect little host over time.

With a bit of training and observation, your dog can charm guests while staying safe and stress-free. Bonnie, the little greeter, is proof that a well-prepared pup makes every visit special!