Licking. All dogs do it. If they’re not licking themselves, then they’re probably licking you! But why do they do it? Are you just too irresistibly delicious? Or is there more to it than that?
One of the most common beliefs is that dogs simply like the taste, and this isn’t necessarily untrue. Our skin produces a salty taste when we sweat, which many dogs find enticing. Salt and other minerals on our skin can make us particularly ‘tasty’ to our canine companions, however this may not be the only reason they lick us.
In this blog we’ll explore five popular theories behind this curious canine behaviour and why some dogs may do it more than others.
1. Demonstrate Affection
Another of the most common explanations for why dogs lick their humans is to show affection. When dogs lick, it's often a sign of social bonding. As we all know dogs are descendant from wolves and in the wild, they would lick members of their pack to build strong social connections. Many experts believe that this behaviour has carried over into how domestic dogs today see their human ‘pack’ as well.
With that in mind, licking you may be your dog’s way of saying, “I love you” or “Thank you for buying all of those delicious Happy Bones.” Sorry, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to drop that one in! Back to the blog…
You may notice that this type of licking is often slow and deliberate, with your dog sometimes focusing on areas like your hands, face or neck - places where they get a stronger scent of you.
2. Learned Puppy Behaviour
Continuing on the evolution theme, dogs licking their owners may also be a learned behaviour from their early life. For dogs, licking is a behaviour they learn straight out of the womb. Mother dogs lick their puppies to clean them and stimulate their bodily functions after birth. Puppies then reciprocate this behaviour as a way of bonding or even communicating signals of hunger or comfort.
This instinctual behaviour could therefore stem from that same sense of nurture and bonding they experienced as puppies. Essentially, you have now become their source of comfort, and licking you is their way of reaffirming that connection.
3. Attention Seeking
Dogs are incredibly observant, and they quickly pick up on behaviours that get our attention. That’s the nice way of saying that they’re sneaky little so-and-so’s, who know exactly what they’re doing.
We can all agree that licking, especially when directed at your hands or face, is hard to ignore. Your dog therefore quickly learns that licking is an effective way to get a reaction from you. The canine brain is wired in a way that any reaction, whether that be a laugh, a giggle, or even a request to stop, can reinforce the behaviour.
Essentially what we’re saying is that if your doggo realises that licking makes you engage with them, they might start to use it as a way of getting attention. You can learn more about How Your Dog’s Brain Works in another of our blogs.
If you notice that your dog licks you more when they want to play, go outside, or when they need something, this could be their way of communicating or giving you a nudge. This behaviour is often then reinforced if we respond positively to it, or if we do what they wanted us to do.
4. Self-Soothing
Many of us will bite our nails, start fidgeting or playing with our hair when we’re anxious as a subconscious method of self-soothing. Some experts believe that dogs do this by licking, with the repetitive, self-soothing behaviour being a way for them to channel their anxiety.
If a dog is feeling stressed or anxious, they may lick themselves (or others) as a way to calm down. Like chewing, the act of licking causes your dog’s brain to release endorphins, feel-good chemicals which help them de-stress.
If you notice that your dog is more prone to licking during certain situations, like when there are loud noises or unfamiliar visitors for example, this may be a sign that they’re using the behaviour to cope with their anxiety.
You might even become a comforting tool for your doggo if they’re feeling particularly stressed and need extra reassurance. Essentially you’re a bit like a human comfort blanket for them.
5. Investigative Behaviour
Alongside their sense of sight and smell, your four-legged friend uses their mouth and tongue to explore the world, in much the same way as we humans use our hands. If your dog licks you, it might simply be out of curiosity, as they gather information through their sense of taste and smell. As we know, dogs have an exceptional sense of smell, and licking is a way to further investigate the scents on your skin or your clothing.
Unlike the slow deliberate licking we described earlier, this type of licking is often quick and targeted. Your dog might sniff, lick, and then move on, suggesting that they’re gathering information more than anything else.
You may notice this more if you have recently been around other animals or have a new scent on you. Axel tends to do it whenever someone wears a new item of clothing. This type of investigative licking is common.
How Do I Stop My Dog Licking Me So Much?
Licking is generally a harmless natural behaviour, however there are some instances where you may want to manage it, especially if it becomes excessive or inconvenient.
Excessive licking can sometimes be managed with behaviour modification or enrichment activities, like puzzle toys, increased exercise or training that help redirect your dog’s energy in a positive way. Here are some tips:
- Redirect the Behaviour - if the licking is becoming too much, gently redirect your dog to another activity. Encourage them to chew on a toy or play a game with you instead.
- Offer Enrichment - ensure your dog is getting enough mental and physical stimulation. A bored dog may resort to licking as a form of self-entertainment.
- Reinforce Alternatives - train your dog to respond to other cues for affection, like a sitting or paw shaking. Remember that their brains are wired around positive reinforcement.
- Set Boundaries - politely but firmly discourage the behaviour by calmly moving away or gently saying “no” to help them understand. As with all ‘training’, consistency is key here.
When Does Licking Become Obsessive or Compulsive?
We’ve outlined how licking is a completely normal canine behaviour, however it’s important to be able to identify if it becomes excessive or compulsive. If your dog is licking you (or themselves) obsessively, it could be a sign of an underlying issue.
It may simply be a sign of anxiety or boredom, however excessive or compulsive licking could be an indicator of a more serious underlying health condition, or a response to pain or discomfort. If you notice this uncharacteristic behaviour from your dog, we recommend consulting a vet for further advice.
Conclusion
We’ve shared a range of different theories on why your doggo might choose to lick you, ranging from them demonstrating affection to pure and simple attention seeking. Is it a way of gathering information from the world around them? Is it a sign of self-soothing? Or is it a learned behaviour from birth, something that they simply do out of instinct or habit?
Or after all of that, it could be that your skin is just super-tasty and they can’t resist a lick. Perhaps 1,500 words later, there’s no more to it than that.
For more helpful advice and guidance, check out our Blog Hub or contact us directly by emailing hello@axelselixir.com and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.