Have you ever wondered why your fur kid is so eager to give you wet, slobbery kisses? Dog licking is a common behavior that can be both endearing and puzzling. In this article, we’ll explore seven fascinating reasons behind why dogs love to lick their human, shedding light on the various motivations behind this quirky behavior.
Demonstrating affection and love
One of the primary reasons dogs lick their owners is to express affection. Licking is their way of showering you with love and strengthening the bond between you. It is learned behavior from the grooming and affection given by their mother as puppies. When your dog gives you wet kisses, it’s their unique way of saying, “I love you and I care about you.”
Offering comfort and stress relief
Licking can provide dogs with a sense of comfort and relief from stress or anxiety. It releases endorphins, which have a calming effect on their emotions. During times of distress, your dog may turn to licking as a self-soothing mechanism. It can help them relax and feel secure, especially when they are in familiar and comforting surroundings.
Did you know? While licking releases feel-good hormones in dogs, petting dogs causes oxytocin (happy hormone) to be released in us, making us feel bonded to our fur kid. There’s a reason why therapy dogs exist! It has been scientifically proven that petting a dog relieves stress in humans.
Displaying submission and respect
In the canine world, licking can be a submissive behavior. In the wild, dogs lick the faces of their leader to display submission. When your dog licks you, they are showing respect and acknowledging your authority and position as their leader. This act of submission strengthens the bond between you and reinforces their trust in your guidance.
Strengthens bonding
Grooming is more than just a display of affection from your dog. It is a means of bonding with you on a deeper level. This behavior is not unique to dogs; it can be observed across the animal kingdom. Various animals engage in communal grooming as a form of social grooming, primarily observed in primates but is seen in horses, cows, lions, and many others.
Known as social grooming, this behavior serves to fortify social structures, enhance familial connections, and foster companionship between two animals.So when your dog grooms you, it is their way for them to strengthen and reinforce the bond and connection between the both of you.
Read more: Why Do Dogs Lick Each Other’s Ears?
Seeking attention and interaction
Dogs are social creatures and crave attention and interaction with their human companions. Licking is a form of communication through which they express their desire for engagement. When your dog licks you, it’s their way of getting your attention, to play with them or bring them for a walk. Embrace these moments as an opportunity to bond and spend quality time with your fur kid.
Exploring tastes and scents
Dogs have an incredible sense of taste and smell. When they lick you, they are exploring the unique flavors and scents on your skin, especially the salty sweat on our skin. Your sweat, lotions, or even the remnants of food can pique their curiosity and they lick to gather information about their environment and you. So, the next time your dog gives you a lick, know that they are indulging their senses and satisfying their inquisitive nature.
Read more: What Does My Dog Lick My Feet?
Habitual behavior and imitation
Once dogs discover that licking elicits positive reactions from their owners, it can become a habitual behavior. They may continue to lick simply because they have learned that it brings them attention and rewards. Dogs are also observant creatures, and they may imitate behaviors they see from their pack members or even humans. So, if they witness others licking, they may adopt the behavior as well.
Is It Normal For Dogs To Lick Me ?
Yes, it is normal for dogs to lick their owners. Licking is a natural behavior for dogs and serves various purposes. It is their way of showing affection, bonding, and even grooming. Dogs use licking to communicate their emotions, seek attention, and bond with their loved ones.
When your fur kid showers you with licks, it is generally a sign of love and acceptance. However, it’s important to set boundaries and manage excessive licking if it becomes bothersome.
3 Signs Of Excessive Licking: When Does It Become A Concern
1. Constant licking of specific body parts
If you notice your dog incessantly licking a particular area, such as their paws, legs, tail or private part it could be a sign of excessive licking. Pay attention if the licking becomes obsessive, causing redness, swelling, or skin irritations, as this may signal an underlying issue requiring attention.
Excessive licking of specific body parts can indicate discomfort, allergies, pain, or even the presence of skin infections that need veterinary evaluation.
2. Interference with daily activities
Excessive licking can hinder a dog’s ability to perform daily tasks. If you observe your dog spending an excessive amount of time licking instead of engaging in normal activities like eating, playing, or resting, it could be a sign of problematic behavior that needs intervention.
This constant preoccupation with licking may indicate underlying stress, anxiety, boredom, or compulsive behavior that requires further investigation.
3. Compulsive behavior and emotional distress
Compulsive licking, characterized by repetitive and difficult-to-interrupt behavior, may indicate emotional distress in dogs. Signs of restlessness, pacing, or excessive grooming in addition to the licking should not be overlooked. These behaviors may point to underlying anxiety, fear, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Professional help from a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist can help determine the underlying cause and develop a tailored treatment plan to address the dog’s emotional well-being.
5 Tips To Get Your Dog To Stop Licking You
1. Redirect their attention
When your dog starts licking you excessively, redirect their attention to a more appropriate behavior. Offer them a chew toy or engage them in a fun game to distract them from licking. By redirecting their focus, you can break the habit of excessive licking.
2. Provide mental and physical stimulation
One reason dogs may lick excessively is due to boredom or pent-up energy. Make sure your dog receives adequate physical and mental exercise to keep them stimulated and fulfilled. Engage in interactive play sessions, provide puzzle toys, and take them for regular walks or runs to help channel their energy in a productive way.
3. Establish consistent boundaries
Teach your dog boundaries and reinforce them consistently. If excessive licking becomes bothersome, gently but firmly say “no” and redirect their attention. Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward them when they refrain from licking and exhibit desirable behavior. Consistency is key in training your dog to understand and respect your boundaries.
4. Utilize taste deterrents
Consider using taste deterrents to discourage your dog from licking. These products have a bitter taste that dogs find unpleasant. Apply a small amount to areas they frequently lick or to your skin directly. The bitter taste will deter them from continuing the behavior, and over time, they will associate licking with an unpleasant experience.
Read more: How To Stop My Dog From Eating Poop?
5. Teach the “Leave It” command
Train your dog to understand and obey the “Leave It” command. This command can be used to redirect their focus away from licking. Start by offering a treat in a closed fist and say “Leave It.” When your dog refrains from licking or sniffing your hand, reward them with a different treat. Gradually increase the difficulty level by using items they usually lick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDYzRgf3sOI&ab_channel=McCannDogTraining