Yes that will do it mate.... dogs are truly pack animals... YOU are part of their pack (they don't see you not having enough legs, proper fur or a desire to lick you butt), if you are not there as you have been in the past they will have an emotional reaction. I know mine both get a bit funny when on of us has been away for a time... getting home it is like I have been revived from the dead they are soo happy !!