A greeting that grew up
The lean you describe is a very different greeting from the jumping she used to offer. Jumping is a puppy strategy: get close to faces, fast, with maximum energy. Leaning her whole weight against a visitor's legs does the opposite job more slowly. She places her shoulder or hip into the person, stays grounded and waits for contact to come to her. For many medium and large dogs this press is both affectionate and steadying, a way of saying hello that also braces them for a good stroke. That she has swapped one for the other often means maturity and experience have taught her that calm closeness works better than bouncing.
Reading the sigh that comes with the lean
The sigh matters. Dogs sigh as tension leaves the body, and a long exhale while pressed against a warm leg usually signals contentment rather than worry, especially when it arrives with soft eyes, a loose tail and a body that feels heavy because the muscles have let go. You may notice she chooses particular visitors to lean on, often the ones who crouch slightly, stroke her chest or shoulder and stay still, rather than guests who pat her head or step away. She is selecting the people whose response completes the ritual. If the sigh came with stiffness, whale eye or a tucked tail the meaning would be different, but a melting lean with a sigh is almost always a dog settling happily into contact.
Helping visitors enjoy the lean safely
A full-weight lean is charming from a small dog and surprisingly powerful from a large one, so coach your guests. Ask visitors to brace their legs, stay still for the first few seconds and stroke her shoulder or chest rather than reaching over her head. Children and anyone unsteady should be seated before she greets them, so her weight lands against a chair-supported leg rather than knocking a small person sideways. If she leans so hard that guests cannot move, give her a clear alternative: call her to a mat beside the visitor, reward four paws there, then invite the guest to come to her for stroking. That keeps the affection and removes the rugby scrum. Ask guests who visit often to use the same first greeting each time, a quiet hello and a hand offered low, because predictability is part of what lets her stay in this calmer style.
When a new lean is worth a mention
Leaning itself is normal, but a sudden change in how she seeks support deserves attention. If she has started leaning because she seems wobbly, reluctant to climb steps, slower to rise after rest or sore when her hips and back are touched, the press may be literal support rather than a greeting, and a vet check is the right next step. The same applies if leaning appears only on one side or with panting and restlessness. Note when it started and whether it is greeting-only or all day. KinsLe keeps those observations in one place through Care Teams, where family members can record a greeting change or a stiff morning as it happens, so you can show the pattern clearly at an appointment.