Dogs might lick your face if they can get to it. If not, they might just go for any available patch of skin, such as hands, arms, legs, and feet. Some dogs tend to lick less than others. This does not necessarily mean that a dog is less affectionate if it does not lick. It might have just learned things differently as a puppy or just not prefer licking. While we don't know for certain why dogs lick, most experts agree that there is probably a combination of reasons.
Licking is not considered a serious behavior problem unless it bothers you. Knowing the reason for your dog's licking might even change the way you feel about it. Attention-Seeking: Licking behavior that starts as affection often gets reinforced by a person's reaction: laughing, smiling, petting, etc.
Maybe your dog is bored or lonely. There you are and it wants your attention. Even negative attention can encourage licking. When a dog is seeking attention, it will feel rewarded by any kind of attention, even the negative type. Pushing it away, saying "no," or even punishing it still means you're not ignoring it.
This can encourage licking. Instinct: When wolves and sometimes dogs in the wild return to their pups after a meal, they regurgitate meat from the hunt.
The pups, too young to hunt on their own, will lick the meat from around the mother's mouth. It is believed by some that this licking behavior has been passed down in the DNA, causing dogs to instinctively do it sometimes.
You Taste Good: Once that dog gets to licking you, it might realize you have an intriguing human taste that is a bit salty. Dogs love anything that has an interesting taste. Plus, licking is a way for your dog to explore his world. You're part of that world after all. Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior: Although it's rare, dogs can suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder , often brought on by prolonged stress and anxiety.
Licking that occurs constantly and usually involves the licking of objects, surfaces, and self in addition to humans may be a real problem. Talk to your veterinarian about your concerns about your dog. Your vet might refer you to an animal behaviorist for help.
Your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist may also prescribe medication to help relieve anxiety. Similarly, some breeds tend to kiss less than others. Now she gives us small, gingerly placed kisses when we request them.
She seems to enjoy this as part of our cuddly bedtime routine. John Gilpatrick is a freelance writer who thinks bunnies make the best pets. Published: January 25, By: Chewy Editorial Published: January 25, By: Chewy Editorial Updated: May 24, By: Chewy Editorial Published: January 1, By: Chewy Editorial Published: February 19, By: Chewy Editorial Updated: January 20, View all in be inspired.
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