Why Do Dogs Lick People?

Do canines actually kiss, in their own way?

After catching a face full of slobber, have you ever thought to yourself – “did I have something on my face, or are these actual dog kisses?” Many are quick to jump to the latter conclusion after being told and hearing from the mainstream that licks from a dog are, in fact, rover’s version of a kiss.

While the answer may not be 100% certain, there are a number of factors that have been observed, and some facts that can help bring us to a conclusion. Below we’ve included some interesting facts, and history, behind one of mankind’s most popular assumptions for dogs – the lick, also known as dog kisses.

 

Understanding Canine Behavior Through Time

Today, it’s easy to see that licks occur for a variety of reasons. However, dog kisses are believed to date back to at least 10,000 years ago. While most dog kisses occur among dogs and humans today, they’re believed to have started and been used exclusively between dogs as a social form of communication. 

Anyone who has also seen dog birth can attest to the fact that dogs also tend to lick their puppies to clean and stimulate their young. Another action that’s noted in particular is how newborn puppies tend to lick their mothers when it’s feeding time.

Chow Time

This behavior tends to remain with pups and generally continues with a canine’s dog parents or caretakers into adulthood. While we wouldn’t recommend jumping to the conclusion that your furry friend is hungry just because they decide to give you some “kisses.”

You’ll likely notice this behavior most as your dog’s way of asking to taste some of what you’re eating during your meal, or as you’re preparing food. Ultimately, licks in these scenarios would often be to get your attention, and to let you know “here I am!”

In a similar way, the dogs licking behavior can also be a result of an interesting smell that they notice on your person. Dogs tend to like salty things, which can be commonly found on human skin. Other scents, such as scented lotions, or other topicals, can also be a trigger.

 

Social Tendencies

Other social methods of dog “kisses” are within a pack setting. As dogs are pack animals, they not only groom themselves but also tend to groom other members of their pack. 

For canines, licking can also be used to show submissive behavior toward a more dominant member of the dog pack. In your home, this can also be the case, as the family in a home setting would essentially become part of what your pooch would consider its pack.

Each member of the pack holds a level of dominance, which is generally understood, and respected by your pooch. This can definitely hold true in the home. However, is likely not the main reason for the dog kisses you, or others, receive.

 

Teachers Pet

Dog kisses can also be a learned behavior, encouraged throughout a young pup’s life. As a dog parent, you may notice your pet just loves to give you kisses. In some cases, it may even be more common with some in the family, than with others. 

If encouragement or praise was given to your furry friend each time the tongue lashings took place, it’s more likely this behavior would continue into adulthood. It’s also possible to occur more often with those who gave them praise and encouragement, than with those who did not.

However, If you’re reading this thinking “my dog doesn’t kiss me much,” fret not! This doesn’t mean your pooch dislikes you and can actually be a result of various factors. For example, if this behavior is not encouraged, this can result in your fur baby taking less action, based on your response.

It’s also been found that some breeds are more prone to licking behavior than others. Typically, breeds classified as arctic breeds are much less likely to give kisses, as it’s not usually in their nature to do so. However, as mentioned above, this behavior can be learned.

 

Signals

A behavior I can personally attest to when it comes to licking would be how your dog is feeling. Sometimes, a dog can lick as a sign of nervousness, or that they’ve had enough of certain behaviors. This can generally be accompanied by frequent yawning and can be your pup’s way of kindly asking you to stop.

This is one behavior I witness from my dog when he’s had enough cuddling from some family members, has had enough attention, or unfortunately when feeling sick, and is about to puke.

With all these factors in mind, you’re now better equipped to answer the question of “why do dogs lick people?” and understanding the signals your pal is trying to communicate. While the signal can oftentimes be a result of their happiness to see you again. Depending on the situation at hand, it can also be to get your attention, a result of an interest in what you’re eating, you just smell extra good/interesting that day, or something they love doing because you’ve always shown them how much you enjoy it. 

Regardless of these facts, a dog’s genuine love and affection for its human can never be ruled out or confused, and it can’t be denied that dogs do tend to lick with excitement which could, in theory, be the closest thing to an actual dog kiss. No matter how you dice it, a dog’s “kiss” is always in some way used to let you know just how awesome they think you really are.