Why Does My Dog Lick Me? Learn To Speak Dog!

Dogs have three ways of communicating what they want. They bark, paw or mouth. We expect them to be bi-lingual. For a better relationship, return the favor.

In view of the fact you probably don't speak Dog, the best way to learn what your puppy or dog is trying to tell you is to learn Dog.

Mainly new, inexperienced dog owners do not realize Dog is a simple language to learn. Once you learn it, you understand your pet is communicating volumes of information by their doggie sign and body languages.

Licking is a common complaint many dog trainers receive. Frustrated owners, usually of new puppies or demanding, and amazingly spoiled dogs, often call to say they are being "licked to death", and they don't know what to do about it.

Learn Dog To Know What Is Your Dog Telling or Asking Of You?

There are a number of reasons why your canine companion licks you. Most are means of communication...we just have to know Dog, so we know what they are trying to tell us.

Licking is natural and inherent. From the day they are born, puppies are licked by their mother as a way to groom/clean, comfort and mark them. When they get a little older, they learn licking could inspire mom to feed them a few regurgitated morsels. Mom's licking communicates a number of messages to her offspring; which they continue to practice on themselves, another animals and on us.

This could be a good thing, or an annoying habit; which can become a serious behavioral issue.

Basically, licking makes a statement about your pet's mood, grooming habits, level of submission, signs of affection and the one we have the hardest time with, the need for genitourinary stimulation.

Since your puppy or dog doesn't understand why you don't speak Dog fluently, they will usually be persistent and keep licking until they get a reaction from you. Dogs learn by association. When your dog associates too much or the wrong kind of licking means you will leave them, they usually learn not to become obsessive about it...or not do it in front of you. The message they must learn is, one or two licks...and we're good!

When we reward the unwanted behavior by giving attention each time they demand it, we create a behavioral issue. By knowing when, where, and how often to respond or ignore, we curtail their demand before it becomes a relentless problem that requires behavior modification. The best way to do that is to simply walk away and ignore them.

Licking the face of another dog is the universal doggie message, "I'm helpless, I submit to you." or, "Hey I'm friendly and I'm so happy to see you." This is an ancient behavior, that has been normal from the time they were wolves.

When the wolf or wild dog pack returned from the hunt with supper, the subordinate members of the pack were happy to meet and greet the hunters, but they always had to wait their turn to eat. They displayed their happiness and submission by cowering and licking the mouths of the more dominant pack members. They were also hopeful the object of their admiration, would release a scrap or two.

Have you ever noticed your puppy or dog display their anxiety by nervously licking their chops? It is a display of submission and it's self-consoling.

It should be noted, a dog that obsessively licks itself could also be indicating a medical problem. That needs to be addressed immediately before it develops into a neurotic, self-consoling behavior.

Licking, as a means of grooming, is perfectly natural...it's like taking a shower every morning. The problem is, when they want to give you one too! Here again, one or two licks and we're good, should be the message you sent back.

Dogs instinctively lick open wounds, as a way of keeping it clean. For centuries, armies had packs of dogs tag along with them, for protection, as a food sources and as "medics." Their crucial task was to lick open wounds, to keep them clean, and disease free. It was, and still is in some cultures, believed their saliva helps to kill certain bacteria. That theory is debatable, and the jury is still out on it.

The genitourinary stimulation thing as a rule is, "if it feels good, why stop?" It's your responsibility to curtail that behavior when it is inappropriate, and before it becomes an obsessive behavioral problem.

By Learning Dog

You will better understand what your puppy or dog may be trying to communicate. Such as:

"You have returned from the hunt safely...what did you bring me?"

"Are you as happy to see me, as I am to see you!"

"I need some consoling and reassuring."

" I'm sad because you're upset."

"I submit."

"You're hurt; here let me fix it."

"I'm depressed, or lonely and I need your attention."

Or, "I have put my scent on you. You are mine, all mine!" Let's face it, licking sure beats the alternative scent marking method!

Bottom line: Observe your pet's sign and body language. Learn Dog; so you can better understand what your puppy or dog is trying to tell you. That way you can control the behavior before it becomes a serious behavioral problem.

Your dog will be so impressed, that you are as bi-lingual as you expect them to be!