Dog Licking? 5 Reasons Why Your Dog Licks You

Why Does My Dog Lick Me When I Pet Her?

The most common reasons your dog licks you when you pet her include affection, seeking attention, because you taste good to them, submission, and anxiety. By understanding the context and observing other body language cues, you can determine the underlying cause. If the licking is excessive or bothersome, you can explore solutions such as redirection, ignoring the behavior, or consulting with a veterinarian or certified dog trainer.

Understanding the Canine Lick: Decoding the Behavior

Let’s dive deep into the potential reasons behind your dog’s licking habits.

1. Affection and Bonding

This is often the first assumption, and sometimes it’s the correct one. Licking can be a sign of affection and a way for your dog to bond with you. Think of it as their way of giving you a doggy kiss!

• How to Recognize It: The licking is gentle, often accompanied by other signs of affection like tail wags, soft eyes, and relaxed body language.
• Why They Do It: It’s a behavior rooted in puppyhood. Mother dogs lick their pups to clean and comfort them. Your dog may see you as part of their pack and express their love and connection through licking.

2. Seeking Attention

Sometimes, the licking isn’t about affection, but rather about attention. Your dog might have learned that licking gets a reaction from you, even if it’s just a sigh or a giggle. Any reaction, good or bad, is attention.

• How to Recognize It: The licking might be more persistent, and your dog might look at you intently while doing it. It often happens when you’re not actively engaging with them.
• Why They Do It: It’s a learned behavior. If you’ve inadvertently reinforced the licking by giving your dog attention when they do it, they’re likely to continue.

3. The Taste Factor

Believe it or not, you might actually taste good to your dog! Maybe you just finished cooking, applied some lotion, or even just have a slight salty taste from sweat.

• How to Recognize It: The licking is focused on specific areas, like your hands or face. It might also be more intense after you’ve been exercising or using certain products.
• Why They Do It: Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell and taste. They might be attracted to the subtle flavors on your skin.

4. Submission and Appeasement

Licking can also be a sign of submission or appeasement. Your dog might be trying to show you that they recognize you as the leader and are not a threat.

• How to Recognize It: The licking might be accompanied by other submissive behaviors, like lowered head, tucked tail, and avoiding eye contact.
• Why They Do It: It’s a way for them to de-escalate a perceived tension. They’re essentially saying, ‘I’m not a threat. Please don’t be angry.’

5. Anxiety and Stress

In some cases, excessive licking can be a sign of anxiety or stress. If your dog is feeling anxious, they might lick you (or themselves) as a way to self-soothe.

• How to Recognize It: The licking is often repetitive and compulsive. It might be accompanied by other signs of anxiety, like panting, pacing, and trembling.
• Why They Do It: Licking releases endorphins, which can have a calming effect. It’s a coping mechanism for dealing with stress.

6. Medical Reasons

While less common, sometimes licking can be related to a medical issue. For example, a dog might lick a specific spot on your body if they sense a change in skin or smell that indicates a health problem (although this is rare).

• How to Recognize It: The licking is focused on one specific area, and it’s new or unusual behavior.
• Why They Do It: They can detect certain diseases, but this is largely anecdotal and not a primary reason for licking.

Solutions and Strategies: Managing the Licking

Okay, so now you know why your dog might be licking you. But what can you do about it if you find it annoying or excessive?

1. Redirection

This is my go-to strategy. When your dog starts licking, redirect their attention to something else.

• How to Do It: Offer them a toy, a chew, or engage them in a training exercise.
• Why It Works: It provides them with a positive alternative behavior and breaks the licking habit.

2. Ignoring the Behavior

If you suspect your dog is licking for attention, ignoring the behavior can be effective.

• How to Do It: Turn away, avoid eye contact, and don’t react in any way.
• Why It Works: It removes the reinforcement (attention) that’s driving the licking. Be consistent – even one instance of giving in can undo your progress.

3. Training and Positive Reinforcement

Teach your dog a ’leave it’ command. This can be invaluable for stopping unwanted behaviors.

• How to Do It: Start by holding a treat in your hand and saying ’leave it.’ If your dog tries to get the treat, close your hand. When they stop trying, give them the treat from your other hand. Gradually increase the difficulty by placing the treat on the floor.
• Why It Works: It gives you a clear way to communicate what you want your dog to do.

4. Provide Plenty of Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A bored or anxious dog is more likely to engage in excessive licking.

• How to Do It: Make sure your dog gets plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation through walks, playtime, training, and puzzle toys.
• Why It Works: It reduces boredom and anxiety, which can lead to a decrease in licking.

5. Consult with a Professional

If the licking is excessive, compulsive, or accompanied by other concerning behaviors, consult with a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer.

• Why It’s Important: They can help rule out medical or behavioral issues and develop a tailored treatment plan.

My Experience & Quick Fix

The licking was driving me crazy, especially when I was trying to work. After observing Luna carefully, I realized she was mainly licking me when I was sitting still and working on my laptop – classic attention-seeking behavior. My quick fix was a combination of redirection and scheduled attention.

• Redirection: I started keeping a chew toy readily available. As soon as she started licking, I’d offer her the toy instead.
• Scheduled Attention: I started taking short breaks every hour to give her focused attention, like a quick play session or some cuddles. This seemed to satisfy her need for connection and reduced the licking during my work time.

It took about a week of consistent effort, but the licking significantly decreased. Now, it only happens occasionally, and I can usually stop it with a simple ’leave it’ command.

Potential Costs

Conclusion: A Lick of Understanding

Decoding your dog’s licking behavior takes observation, patience, and a bit of detective work. By understanding the potential reasons behind the licking and implementing the strategies I’ve shared, you can manage the behavior and strengthen your bond with your furry friend. Remember, communication is key, even if it comes with a little slobber!

I hope this guide has been helpful. Remember, every dog is different, so what works for one might not work for another. Be persistent, be patient, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of understanding your canine companion. Good luck!