If you’re a dog owner, like me, you’ve probably experienced the persistent, sometimes excessive licking from your furry friend. While occasional licking can be sweet and affectionate, it can become overwhelming or concerning if your dog constantly wants to lick you. You might find yourself wondering, “Why does my dog love to lick me all the time, and how can I prevent this?
Let’s discuss a few thoughts.
Why Do Dogs Lick?
Licking is a natural behaviour for dogs and serves several purposes.
Dogs often lick their owners to show affection as this is their way of saying, “I love you” or “I’m happy you’re here.” Just as humans might hug or kiss each other, dogs use licking to strengthen their bond with you. If your dog tends to lick your face or hands after you’ve been gone for a while, this is likely a sign of affection and excitement as they try to do this to their pack.
Sometimes, dogs lick because they’ve learned it gets them attention! If you consistently react by petting or talking to your dog when they lick you, they may continue this behaviour to get your attention! Even a negative response, like pushing them away or telling them to stop, can reinforce the behaviour because the dog gets your attention either way. Something to think about!
In the wild, dogs and wolves lick each other as part of their grooming rituals and in my home with three Australian Kelpies, this happens daily between them.
Licking helps keep their pack members clean and strengthens social bonds. Your dog may even lick you as an extension of this grooming behaviour, especially if they see you as part of their “pack.”
Dogs experience the world through their mouths, much like human infants. Licking allows dogs to explore their surroundings, including tasting and smelling objects. If you’ve recently been sweating, eaten something tasty, or applied lotion, your dog may lick you to explore those scents.
Excessive licking can sometimes be a sign of anxiety or stress. If your dog licks you obsessively when you’re around, it could be a form of self-soothing or a way to calm themselves down. Changes in routine, separation anxiety, or unfamiliar environments may cause your dog to seek comfort through licking.
In rare cases, as I understand it, constant licking may be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as allergies, digestive problems, or even compulsive behaviour disorders. If the licking seems uncontrollable or is paired with other unusual behaviours, it’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian to rule out medical conditions.
One of the most effective ways to reduce licking is to ignore it. If your dog licks to get your attention, avoid giving them any response, whether positive or negative. Over time, your dog will learn that licking doesn’t result in the desired reaction and may reduce the behaviour.
When your dog starts licking, try redirecting their attention to something else. You can offer them a toy, a chew, or engage them in a game of fetch to divert their energy into a more acceptable activity. Over time, your dog will associate these alternatives with positive outcomes and may choose them over licking.
A dog that is bored or under-stimulated is more likely to develop repetitive behaviours, such as excessive licking. Ensuring your dog gets plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation can help curb this behaviour. Regular walks, puzzle toys, and training sessions can help keep your dog entertained and reduce their need for attention-seeking behaviours.
Setting boundaries with your dog is essential to managing excessive licking. If your dog starts licking you, calmly remove yourself from the situation or gently push them away while saying “no” or using a command like “off.” Consistency is key here, as dogs learn through repetition.
When your dog stops licking, reward them with treats or praise. This positive reinforcement helps them understand that not licking can also result in attention or rewards. Over time, they will associate the absence of licking with good things.
If you suspect your dog’s licking is due to anxiety or stress, work on creating a calm and secure environment for them.
This may include techniques such as crate training, calming aids, or increased mental stimulation.
If your dog’s licking seems excessive or uncontrollable, it’s worth talking to your veterinarian to rule out medical issues or behavioural disorders. A vet can assess whether there’s a deeper cause and recommend treatment options, such as medications or behaviour modification techniques, to help manage the licking.
Remember, licking is a natural behaviour for dogs, but when it becomes excessive, it can signal an underlying issue or simply be a learned habit.
With the right approach, you can teach your dog healthy behaviours while maintaining a strong, loving bond.
Until next time.
