Licking

[kyosa]

I have a question concerning licking (by the DOG, that is!). Our Schnauzer/Terrier mix, about four years old, wants to lick my hands, arms, and face a LOT. I've had people tell my that it's some sort of dominance thing on his part, and I've had others say it's his way of acknowledging that I'm the alpha in his view. However, absolutely nobody has theorized that he's licking because of me being 'sweet'. He sometimes exhibits this behavior towards Wonder Woman, but on a much lesser scale. He does seem to be quite a bit more 'attached' to me if that's a factor? It's not a big deal, but if anyone has some insight into this behavior, I'd like to know what it's about. Thanks.

Darryl

[starfire]

I am not sure, I haven't thought of this before. I have a few dog books I will look through them tomorrow and let you know if there is meaning behind it.

I know my dog loves to lick me but I never let her lick my face. I know people does, the people at her vet place does but I don't .
I let her lick my hands, arms and legs but not much. I really think it is showing sign of affection.

[Kathy]

I never thought about it since every dog I've ever had licked me whenever they got close enough.

I looked online and found this

Licking can be a sign of submission or it can be a sign of dominance. It also probably occurs in some dogs because they like the taste of sweat on the skin or some other product applied by the owner.

In the case of submissive licking it may help a great deal to give the dog an acceptable alternative behavior -- like sit and stay or fetching an object -- that will substitute for the behavior. Spending a few minutes a day at a regular time with the pet can help a lot. In these dogs, giving a treat is OK if that helps to reinforce the new behavior. Trying to reduce the stress levels in multiple pet households or in busy households can help a lot, too.

In the case of dominance aggression (more likely if your dog growls at you if you try to stop the licking) it is much more important to work on gaining control of your dog -- teach the same commands but insist on them being carried out and do things like making your dog sit prior to giving him his food so that the dominance of family members is reinforced. This is a situation where utilizing the services of a behaviorist would be good idea, too.

In some dogs this is considered to be an obsessive/compulsive behavior and may respond to medications for these disorders, such as Anafranil (Rx) or Prozac (Rx). Your vet would be able to help determine if these medications are appropriate.

Mike Richards DVM

www.vetinfo.com/dlick.html#Licking%20behavior

[starfire]

Thanks Kathy! I looked in all my books and couldn't find anything.

Someone once told me since my skin is dry the dog likes the taste of the salty skin. I thought this was weird!

[Kathy]

Lucky seems to have a 'taste' for Avon Skin So Soft. As soon as I come out of the bathroom after a shower-that little guy is trying to lick my feet and ankles. That tickles so bad....

[momo]

My boy cat gets crazy about licking sometimes. He is so happy and purring when he does it. I hate to stop him because he seems to love it so much. DH says it means he considers me to be part of his tribe and it is a compliment. He doesn't lick DH near as much as he does me.

[Deleted]

My mum's dog is a licker. YUCK. I hate being covered in dog spits. *shudder* From the description Kathy posted, it's an act of submission so I guess that's better than agressiveness.

Other than that, she's really cute.

/VM