I had a Shep/Lab who would greet me with a "Hello"...she only ever said it to me, but I think that's because I was always first home and always greeted her with a "hello" and she picked it up. If I did not say "hello" when I got in, she would say it...otherwise, she would not. I have had lots of cats and dogs who tried to talk and were able to form sounds that were human-word-like. I had a kitty that would run through the house looking for me, calling "muhmuh, muhmuh" (accent on the first "muh") until he found me, and other kitties who clearly answered with "no" and other sounds for "yes" answers. As a child we worked with several of our dogs, teaching them words...they got pretty good at it.
Next time she says she wants a hug, I'd give her two...and maybe a treat! (Did I do good, Tilly?
)
However, if it is bothering you what you say in her presence, you might want to start s-p-e-l-l-i-n-g the words out.
Wait...that might not work...I think mine can spell already.
