Have you ever had a dog lick your face while you were petting him or maybe you are like me and when you try to pet your dog, you can’t because he is constantly licking your hand…
As cute as it is at first, it can become aggravating when you just want to chill and pet your dog but you can’t from him smothering you with ‘kisses’.
Today we are talking all about dog licking… I will share with you why dogs lick in general and I will answer your question- Why does my dog lick me when I pet him.
I’ll also dive into the science behind licking, what it means when your dog licks you, and tips to deal with excessive licking so that you can pet your dog without getting a bath.
So, let’s get right into it…
Why Do Dogs Lick?
Licking is a natural behavior for dogs. They lick for a variety of reasons and understanding these reasons can help you read their behavior and better understand their needs and wants.
Puppies learn at a young age to lick their mother’s face as a way to communicate and show affection. This behavior often carries over into adulthood. Licking is also a way for dogs to explore their environment and gather information about the world around them.
Here are some reasons why dogs lick:
Communication: Dogs use licking as a way to communicate with their parents or other dogs. For example, they may lick to signal that they love or want more attention, to ask their owner to stop petting them, or to express their discomfort or anxiety.
Grooming: Licking is a natural grooming behavior for dogs. They may lick their paws, fur, or other parts of their body to clean themselves and remove dirt or debris.
Emotions: Licking can be a way for dogs to express their emotions. For example, they may lick to show affection or to express happiness and excitement.
Self-Soothing: Licking can also be a self-soothing behavior for dogs. They may lick as a way to calm themselves down, feel more relaxed, because they are bored or to cope with anxiety or stress.
Health: In some cases, excessive licking can be a sign of a medical issue, such as allergies or infections. It’s important to monitor our dogs’ licking behavior and seek veterinary care if we notice any concerning patterns.
Understanding the reasons behind dog licking behavior can help us interpret our pets’ actions more accurately and ensure that they’re happy and healthy.
The Science Behind Dog Licking
Dogs have a complex array of behaviors, and licking is no exception.
But what’s the science behind this seemingly simple gesture?
Research suggests that licking is a form of communication for dogs, and it can convey a range of messages, from affection and bonding to submission and self-soothing.
Some studies have suggested that dogs may lick as a way to gather information about their environment. By licking, they can taste and smell different surfaces, helping them to learn more about the world around them and this includes humans. Just as humans use their hands, dogs use their mouths.
But Why do Dogs Lick Humans Specifically?
There are a few different reasons why dogs might lick their human parents or other humans.
Dogs lick as a way to show affection and reinforce social bonds. When dogs lick humans, they release endorphins, in particularly oxytocin, “the love hormone” associated with social bonding and trust.
When a dog licks your face, they are essentially grooming you in the same way that they would groom another dog in their pack.
Dogs also may lick to show they see you as their leader. This is a form of submission.
Another theory is that dogs lick as a way to alleviate stress or anxiety. Licking can have a calming effect on dogs, and it’s possible that your dog is licking you as a way to soothe themselves when they are feeling stressed or anxious.
Another reason is that they just may love the taste of salt on your skin.
It’s important to note, however, that excessive licking can be a sign of stress or anxiety in dogs. If your dog is licking excessively, it’s important to address this behavior and work with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to determine the underlying cause and develop a plan to manage it.
But in general, when your dog licks you, it’s likely a sign of their love and affection for you.
What it Means When Your Dog Licks You When You Pet Him
When your dog licks you when you pet him, it’s more than just a simple kiss. It’s a way of communicating with you. But mostly, they are expressing their affection and gratitude towards you.
Dogs are social animals, and licking is one of the ways they show their bond with their human companion. Some dogs (mine in particularly) may lick more than others, but it’s generally a positive behavior that shouldn’t be discouraged unless it becomes excessive.
The meaning behind your dog’s licking behavior can depend on the context. For instance, if your dog licks you after you’ve been away from home for a while or when you’re feeling down, it’s likely their way of greeting you or showing empathy.
Now, if your dog licks you while you’re petting them, it is usually a sign that they enjoy the physical contact and appreciate your attention. When this happens, you will also notice your dog’s tail wagging with excitement and he may try to lay all over you or he won’t sit still from excitement.
As mentioned earlier, dogs may also lick as a way of exploring their environment and that includes people. Licking can provide dogs with sensory information about their surroundings, such as the scent or taste of a new object or person. This is why dogs often lick unfamiliar people or objects they encounter.
When your dog licks you, it’s a positive sign that they are happy and content.
Tips to Deal with Excessive Licking When you Pet Your Dog
If you find your dog’s licking behavior to be bothersome, then it is very important to not reinforce the behavior you want to stop.
Here are some tips you can try to help stop the behavior:.
Redirect their attention: Try to redirect your dog’s attention by providing him with a toy or treat when he starts to lick you. This will help to distract him from the licking behavior.
Ignore the behavior: If your dog’s licking behavior is attention-seeking behavior, ignoring it can help reduce the behavior over time. To do this simply stop petting your dog when he starts licking you and tell him no. You can also cross you arms and turn your body away from your dog.
Use positive reinforcement training: Reward your dog with praise, treats, or toys when they refrain from licking you during petting sessions. Don’t show excitement in your voice when praising your dog for behaving appropriately. Instead, continue petting your dog and mark it with a yes. This lets your dog know they are behaving appropriately.
It is important to teach your dog the proper way to be petted because while you may enjoy the excitement and ‘kisses’ your guests may not. You can do this by teaching your dog an alternate behavior.
How to Teach Your Dog to Properly be Petted
Teach your dog an alternate behavior to do instead of licking, such as the ‘pet’ command.
This is a command I taught my dog and it works great! It is very easy to teach your dog and allows you and your guests to be able to enjoy petting your dog.
To teach this command have your dog sit in front of you. Reach in and pet his chest, not his head, his chest.
When your dog allows you to pet his chest without licking you, mark it with a yes. If he doesn’t pull away and say no. Once he understands the basics, you can begin using the command word pet before you reach in.
Eventually, when you give your dog the ‘pet’ command, he will sit down and wait to be petted.
Consistent training and positive reinforcement can help to reinforce this alternate behavior.
Conclusion
Dogs’ licking behavior has a scientific explanation. It’s their way of telling us they love us and communicating with us. By knowing what it means, you can better understand your dog’s behavior and strengthen your bond with them.
If the licking becomes aggravating or too much, it’s important to nip the behavior in the butt. It’s also important to teach your dog how to be petted properly so that you and your guests can enjoy petting your dog.
So, the next time your dog licks you, remember that it’s their way of expressing their love and affection, and while it may be bothersome enjoy the warmth of that moment every now and again.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. If you found this post helpful, let me know below or give it a share.
Lisa Marie
I had no clue about why they did this. I was completely wrong. My parents always said it was because it was the salt in sweat! So, thank you for this insightful article and teaching me about my little fur-babies. This is the coolest thing I have learned yet. Great writing, keep up the great work!
Hello Mamabear,
Your parents weren’t completely wrong, some dogs may lick because they like the taste of salt on your skin, but it’s not the only reason as you’ve learned above.
I am glad I was able to teach you something new. 🙂 It’s always interesting learning more about our fur babies so that we can take better care of them and understand their needs.
Thank you,
Lisa Marie