If you’ve ever been greeted by your dog with a flurry of enthusiastic licks, you’ve experienced one of the most common canine behaviours. Dog owners often interpret these licks as kisses, a sign of affection from their furry friend. But is there more to this behaviour? Let’s explore why dogs lick you and what it means in the language of canines.

 

The Roots of Licking

Licking is a behaviour that dogs learn from the moment they are born. Mother dogs lick their puppies to clean them and stimulate their bodily functions. This early grooming sets the stage for licking as a natural part of a dog’s life. As puppies grow, they lick their mothers’ mouths to stimulate regurgitation, allowing them to feed. Though domesticated dogs no longer need such behaviour for feeding, the instinct remains.

 

Communication and Affection

Expressing Love and Submission:

For many dogs, licking their owners is an expression of love and affection. By licking you, they are creating a social bond and showing their loyalty and trust. In the wild, subordinate members of the pack lick the more dominant members, and this behaviour has carried over to domestic dogs as a sign of submission and appeasement.

 

Seeking Attention:

Dogs quickly learn that licking a human often results in attention, whether it’s positive or negative. If licking brings them petting or verbal acknowledgement, they are likely to repeat the behaviour. For dogs that crave interaction, a lick can be their way of saying, “Hey, look at me!”

 

Taste and Sensory Exploration

You Taste Good:

It might be a bit unflattering, but part of the reason dogs lick humans is simply that they like the way we taste. Human skin tends to be salty from sweat, and dogs are intrigued by these flavours.

 

Exploring Their World:

Dogs explore the world with their noses and mouths. Licking is a way to learn more about their environment or the people in it. Your scent and the lotions or other substances on your skin can all be intriguing to your dog, prompting a lick.

 

Stress Relief and Pleasure

Calming Mechanism:

Licking releases endorphins in dogs, helping them to calm down and feel better. If your dog licks you frequently, it may be a sign that they find the act soothing.

 

Learned Habit:

If you respond to your dog’s licking with positive reinforcements like smiles, laughter, and petting, they will likely view licking as a favourable action that earns them rewards.

 

When Licking Becomes Excessive

While occasional licking is normal, excessive licking can indicate underlying issues such as anxiety, boredom, or even health problems. If your dog’s licking seems obsessive or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to consult a veterinarian or a pet behaviourist.

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Licking is a multifaceted behaviour in dogs, woven into their DNA from birth. It serves various functions from communication and sensory exploration to a simple display of affection. Understanding the nuances behind why your dog licks you can deepen the bond between you and your pup, helping you to appreciate these wet ‘kisses’ as more than just slobbery affection. Next time your dog gives you a lick, remember they’re communicating in one of the few ways they know how.