Why Do Dogs Lick People?

Most people casually refer to licks as kisses, and they're not far off. The primary motivation behind it seems to be a visible sign of affection and trust. Just like humans show love through hugs and kisses, dogs use licking as a way to express their feelings.

Even wolves lick each other as a form of mutual grooming, signaling acceptance and bonding. Since dogs form close bonds with humans, many experts believe they're simply transferring this natural behavior to their two-legged family members. So, when your dog licks you, they're essentially showing you some love and reinforcing the bond you share.

Part of the reason dogs lick people may be rooted in instinctive behaviors. Wolf cubs lick their mothers' mouths to signal that they're hungry or thirsty, and this behavior may remain to a small degree in modern dogs. Mother wolves and dogs also lick their puppies to keep them clean and to stimulate urination and defecation when they're very young.

This nurturing behavior may have evolved into an instinctive sign of protection and love in adult dogs. Therefore, when your dog licks you, it might be an ingrained behavior from their ancestral roots, demonstrating care and attention.

Some dogs are naturally more reserved or anxious around humans, especially if they've had negative experiences in the past. These dogs may use licking as an appeasement measure, showing that they're not a threat and trying to foster a peaceful environment.

Similar to how some humans might smile or nod to show they're friendly, dogs use licking to communicate their non-threatening intentions. This behavior is also common among dogs interacting with each other, where puppies often lick unfamiliar adult dogs to show respect and submission, ensuring harmony within the pack.

It's hard to ignore a dog slobbering all over you, and many dogs learn that lesson very quickly. Some will intentionally use it to get attention from their owners whenever they want. If your dog only seems to lick you when you're not paying attention or when your dog wants something from you, he may be using licking as an attention-seeking behavior.

Even if you scold him, you might still be accidentally rewarding him by giving him the attention he desires. Therefore, recognizing this pattern can help you manage and redirect your dog's behavior towards more appropriate ways of seeking attention.

Licking is a soothing behavior for many dogs, so some dogs will begin to do it compulsively if they live with a high level of fear or anxiety overall. This type of licking is usually somewhat obvious, as it isn't just a couple of friendly or playful licks.

Instead, anxious licking tends to be a steady, repeated behavior that the dog does for long periods. If your dog engages in this kind of licking, you may want to talk to your vet and trainer to find ways to relieve his anxiety. Providing a calm and stable environment can help reduce the stress that leads to compulsive licking.

As strange as it may sound, your dog may simply like the way you taste. Dogs are often attracted to salty flavors, so slightly sweaty human skin may be pretty flavorful. They also have scent receptors inside their mouths, so licking you may allow your dog to smell you better.

Dogs tend to enjoy immersing themselves in scents they enjoy, so take it as a compliment. If you use scented lotions or soaps, your dog may also be licking to try to taste those. However, be careful about allowing that, as some may contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs.

Although licking can be unpleasant for some people, it is usually safe to allow your dog to lick you. However, dogs do carry bacteria in their mouths, so it's best to keep them away from any irritated skin, wounds, or other sensitive areas.

People with compromised immune systems may want to discuss it with their doctors before letting dogs lick them. Some people are also allergic to dog saliva, so a dog licking them can cause hives, itchiness, or, in extreme cases, anaphylaxis. If you enjoy letting your pet dog lick you, though, it's generally fine to indulge in the occasional dog kisses.

The question of whether dogs should be allowed to lick people is hotly debated among dog trainers. Some don't believe it should ever be allowed since some people don't enjoy it, but most dog trainers don't think it is always bad.

However, if your dog licks you excessively or is rude and aggressive about licking, like jumping on you to get to your face, that may be bad behavior that needs to be addressed. Training your dog to understand boundaries can help manage excessive licking and ensure that it remains a positive interaction.

If you want your dog to stop licking people, there are a few strategies you can take. The easiest is simply to ignore your dog since most dogs lick people to get attention. If that doesn't work, try teaching a command that makes it impossible for your dog to lick you.

That can be something as simple as telling your dog to lay down by your feet. Additionally, redirecting your dog's focus to a toy or another activity can help break the habit. Positive reinforcement for non-licking behavior can also encourage your dog to stop the excessive licking.

Some dogs just aren't big fans of licking people, and that's okay. It doesn't mean that your dog doesn't love you or isn't affectionate. Your dog probably has just learned other ways to show that affection. Some breeds are known to be more standoffish and tend not to lick as much, and other dogs may have not experienced much licking as puppies and so don't consider it a major sign of affection the way most dogs do.

Understanding your dog's unique ways of showing love can strengthen your bond in different, meaningful ways.

Dogs have an astonishing ability to detect changes in human health, and sometimes, this diagnostic check comes in the form of licks. By gently tasting the skin, dogs can pick up on subtle shifts in our scent caused by various health conditions or changes in emotional states.

This not only showcases their remarkable sensitivity but also their deep-seated desire to ensure the well-being of their human pack members. So, when your dog

licks you, it might be their way of checking in on your health and offering comfort.

For dogs, the world is an olfactory and gustatory wonderland, and their tongues are the tools for exploration. Licking allows dogs to interact with their environment, gathering information about the textures, tastes, and smells that surround them.

This behavior is a dog's way of making sense of the world, with each lick acting as a sensory exploration that helps them understand their place in it. Whether they're exploring a new scent or investigating a familiar one, licking is a natural part of how dogs experience their surroundings.