Dog Owner Shows What Happens When Gentle Parenting Goes Too Far

Is there anything better than returning home to a dog who can't contain their excitement to see you? Alyssa West certainly doesn't think so, as she shared the adorable reaction she gets from her dog, Coby, whenever she returns home.

Whenever West walks through the door of her San Diego home, Coby is quick to greet her by jumping up and resting his head on her shoulder, as though giving her the sweetest hugs imaginable. As if embracing his owner repeatedly wasn't enough, Coby also loves to bear his teeth and offer his best smile too.

It's safe to say that West couldn't imagine anything that tops this, as she told Newsweek that Coby's welcome is "the absolute best greeting in the world." She explained that he's been like this for years, and regardless of how long she's been out of the house, "the reaction is always the same."

West continued: "He smiles his big smile and I call that his Mr. Cheese face. I get down to his level and he immediately jumps into my arms for a hug. It brings me the most joy when he reacts to me like that, and I am just as excited to see him too."

The Californian certainly has an unbreakable bond with her 4-year-old golden retriever, which she feels is, in part, down to her gentle parenting which provides him with love and support. On January 19, she shared the adorable video on her TikTok account (@mrcobywest), and social media users can't get enough of Coby's sweet response, with the video already being viewed more than 1.3 million times and gaining over 238,100 likes.

"I have always been super gentle with him. He's my baby so I just want him to know he's the light of my world and wouldn't do anything to harm or frighten him. I am his safe space, and he is mine," West said.

What Is Gentle Parenting?

There are a few different parenting styles, but the clue for gentle parenting is in the name: it's a softer approach. According to Cleveland Clinic, the goal is to raise confident and independent children by being empathetic, respectful, and understanding of their needs.

It's not about punishing or scolding children for bad behavior, instead gentle parenting is about staying calm and getting down to the child's level and listening to them. It's thought that this allows the child to process their actions and turn it around themselves, also teaching them to empathize from an early age.

While most people would assume gentle parenting refers to parents and their children, some dog owners, West included, have extended this to their four-legged children too. If Coby ever misbehaves (he is a golden, after all), West explained that she won't yell or tell him off, but she simply says phrases such as "so sad" to show him that his actions aren't ideal.

How Did Social Media React?

Alongside the video of Coby's warm welcome, West jokingly asked if she's been gentle parenting "too hard," but social media users certainly didn't think so. There have been so many positive responses to the viral clip as TikTok users can't get enough of Coby.

West said: "Social media has completely gone crazy over Coby's love. People just love him and our heartfelt interactions. We have gotten so much love from people all over the world."

The TikTok post has already amassed more than 1,100 comments in a matter of days, as plenty of people lauded the golden for his sweet antics. One comment reads: "I would cry if someone's dog greeted me like this. I want all the doggo hugs."

Another person responded: "I get all the doggo hugs when I get home to. Best feeling ever."

While one TikToker added: "Never too much gentle parenting when it comes to animals."

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