Dogs are famous for giving their owners slobbery licks, if there is one thing they are known for. Licking is a form of communication. Therefore, when your dog licks you, he may be doing so to express his affection, draw your attention to something, such as his need for water, let you know that he recognizes you as the leader, or he may just be trying to make friends. The proper reaction to your dog licking you is a reward like a pat, belly rub, or treat, which is also the reaction he anticipates. You might anticipate that your dog will enjoy being licked by you, but what if you decide to lick him back? What if, instead of enjoying it, he reacts with aggression? So why do dogs enjoy licking but not receiving licks in return? This is covered in more detail below.
Within a pack of dogs, submissive dogs lick the dominant members for protection or to be allowed to eat. Dogs are either submissive or dominant. The same dynamics apply in the home, where your dog expects some sort of reward for being submissive when he licks you. A dominant dog cannot display submission by licking an underdog. Therefore, licking your dog is comparable to a dominant pack member licking a submissive dog. You, therefore, create confusion when you behave in this manner. Confusion increases levels of anger and fear, which inevitably leads to aggression. It’s also likely that by licking him, you are relinquishing your dominant position in the eyes of your dog. If he had never been aggressive toward you before, he will now perceive you as a submissive and react aggressively.
Your dog may become irate if you don’t give him the treat he’s been licking you for. Let’s briefly examine how people respond to anticipation in order to better understand this behavior. Consider a situation in which you perform certain tasks at work and these tasks significantly increase the profits of your business. Everyone congratulates you, including your superiors, and there is even discussion of a sizable bonus and a promotion. You are so excited that when your boss calls you into his office, you can hardly contain yourself. However, when you arrive at his office, he gives you a pat on the back, tells you he is proud of you, and says the company appreciates you even though you didn’t get a promotion or bonus. At this point, you can only feel one thing. Rage. Your dog experiences a similar emotion when he anticipates receiving a reward but doesn’t get one. He obeys your commands when you ask him to sit or when you lead instead of pulling and tugging because he knows that at the end of the day, you will reward him. Therefore, if after all that he only receives a lick as compensation, he is thinking, “How dare you!”
You should never lick your dog. Licking means something entirely different to a dog than it does to a human because dog behavior has evolved over hundreds, if not thousands, of years. You are speaking to your dog in his language, not yours, when you lick him. It’s crucial to acknowledge that humans and dogs do not speak the same language. As a dog owner, you must constantly decipher what your dog is attempting to communicate. You must also, according to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Jeff Nichol, comprehend the dynamics of power in a pack of dogs.
If your household has multiple dogs, it is dangerous to lick a dominant dog in the presence of the other pack members. You are demonstrating to the other dogs that you are in no position of power in addition to letting the dominant dog know that he now has the upper hand. When your dominant dog thinks you are superior to him, he won’t make mistakes around other dogs. He won’t answer to you, so once you tip the scales of power by licking him, he will be brutal with the other pack members. Similar to how the dominant dog must “allow” anything lavished on a submissive dog otherwise he will feel threatened by its presence in the pack. These power dynamics are hard to change because they are ingrained in dogs.
While it may be enjoyable and comforting to lick your pet, doing so can put humans at risk for life-threatening infections. Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium present in more than 50% of dogs and 75% of cats, is contagious and can be contracted by people who kiss their dogs, according to research published in a 2012 issue of the medical journal “Clinical Infectious Diseases.” The cases examined in the study appeared to suggest that transmission of the bacterium is most likely to happen if the subject animal is ill. Dr. Leni K. Kaplan, a lecturer at the Veterinary College of Cornell University, also issues warnings about other microorganisms like salmonella, E coli, Campylobacter, and Clostridium, which can spread from dogs to people and result in life-threatening stomach and intestine infections You can show your dog love in other ways besides kissing or licking him, like cuddling, giving him a belly or back rub, patting him, or giving him treats.
Dogs understand the dominance order and they live by it. Your dog views you as the pack leader when there are no other dogs present, so do not alter the story to make him believe otherwise. In addition, you will face serious discipline issues if he suddenly thinks that no one can correct him.
Similar to human nervous habits, seemingly nonstop canine licking behaviors can indicate relaxation. Your dog may be licking you to release any stress or annoyance he may be feeling.
If your dog appears to get up to lick you every time you settle into an easy chair, it may be his untidy but endearing greeting behavior. His licking can be more than just a polite greeting; it can also be a way for him to connect with you and strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
An indication that your dog needs or wants something from you is constant licking. Your pet might be alerting you to the need for your evening stroll through the park. Additionally, he might be attempting to persuade you to go to the kitchen and gather his preferred fresh treats.
Unbelievably, a dog may lick a human to express dominance, which is the complete opposite of subordination. This dominant licking behavior is prevalent especially in males. It could imply, “I’m the boss, and you’re under me.” Im fully in control. Context can be helpful in highlighting the critical distinctions between dominant and submissive licking behaviors. If your dog respects you, his licking is likely an act of submission. Consider the idea of dominance if your dog frequently disobeys your commands, walks in front of you, and displays persistent behavior. Never dismiss dominance because it can result in aggressive behaviors. Take extra care when dogs lick children in potentially aggressive ways. Do not allow dominant dogs to be near children. Talk to your veterinarian about dominance removal as this is often a task for trained pet behaviorists.
Your dogs licking can be cozy and cute, sure. But if he does it repeatedly, you might start to wonder what it all means. He might be giving you a dog kiss, but he might also be communicating something about himself and his feelings for you.
Why Dogs Lick People
The likelihood is good that your dog is licking you out of love for you. Its why many people call them “kisses. “Dogs lick people and occasionally other canines to express their love. Licking is a natural action for dogs. They picked it up from their mothers’ attention and grooming when they were puppies. If they can get to your face, dogs might lick it. If not, they may simply choose any available skin patch, such as the hands, arms, legs, or feet. Some dogs tend to lick less than others. If a dog does not lick, it does not imply that it is less affectionate. It might not prefer licking or simply have learned things differently as a puppy.
Although the exact cause of dogs’ licking is unknown, the majority of experts concur that there are probably a number of causes. Unless it bothers you, licking is not regarded as a serious behavioral issue. Your attitude toward your dog’s licking may change if you understand why they do it.
Attention-Seeking: Licking that begins as an act of affection is frequently reinforced by the response of the other person, such as laughter, a smile, petting, etc. Maybe your dog is bored or lonely. There you are and it wants your attention. Even negative attention can encourage licking. Any kind of attention, even unfavorable attention, will satisfy a dog’s need for attention. You are not ignoring it if you are pushing it away, telling it “no,” or even punishing it. This can encourage licking.
Instinct: Wolves (and occasionally wild dogs) regurgitate meat from the hunt when they return to their pups after a meal. The pups will lick the meat from the mother’s mouth because they are too young to hunt on their own. Some people hold the opinion that this licking behavior has been inherited in the DNA, causing dogs to do it occasionally out of instinct.
You Taste Good: When the dog begins to lick you, it may discover that you have an intriguing, slightly salty human taste. Dogs love anything that has an interesting taste. Additionally, your dog can explore his world by licking. Youre part of that world after all.
Dogs may occasionally experience obsessive-compulsive behavior, which is frequently triggered by persistent stress and anxiety. Constant licking, which typically involves licking oneself, objects, and surfaces in addition to people, may be a serious issue. Talk to your veterinarian about your concerns about your dog. Your doctor might suggest that you seek assistance from an animal behaviorist. Additionally, medication to lessen anxiety may be prescribed by your vet or a veterinary behaviorist. Even though you might believe that medication should only be used as a last resort, it’s crucial to realize that animals cannot learn when they are extremely anxious. The use of medication in conjunction with therapy is possible. While your dog undergoes training and behavior modification, medication may even be used temporarily.
How do I show my dog I am the Alpha?
How Do I Show My Dog I’m the Alpha?
FAQ
Do dogs lick the Alpha?
Licking as a Sign of Respect and Appreciation Dogs have grown accustomed to licking the alpha of the pack or other dominant pack members to demonstrate their respect for them, and this behavior is still seen in dogs today.
What does it mean when dogs are licking you?
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. It serves as a means of self-expression, bonding, and grooming for them. Your dog may lick you to express their love for you, to get your attention, to help them relax when they’re stressed, to demonstrate empathy, or simply because they like the way you taste!
Is licking a sign of aggression in dogs?
Even if your dog is not hungry or when food is not nearby, licking its nose and lips could be an indication that it is angry.
How do dogs show dominance over humans?
When a dog ignores its owner’s commands and responds by growling, jumping, barking, nipping, or engaging in other inappropriate behavior, it is displaying dominant behavior. In addition, they frequently exhibit high levels of aggression toward food and toys, a behavior known as guarding.