Your dog likely licks you after you kiss him because it's a way for them to show affection, seek comfort, and communicate with you. According to research, licking is an instinctive canine behavior.
Understanding Dog Licking Behavior
Dogs use licking to communicate with people, their owners, and other animals. Here's a breakdown of why they might lick you after a kiss:
- Affection: Just like kisses are a sign of affection for humans, licks can be a sign of affection for dogs. They're reciprocating the gesture in their own way.
- Security and Comfort: Licking can be a way for dogs to seek comfort or express feelings of security. Your kiss might trigger these feelings in your dog, leading to a lick in response.
- Communication: Licking is a form of communication for dogs. They may be trying to tell you something, like they enjoy the attention or want something from you.
Is it Always Affection?
While licking is often a sign of affection, there can be other reasons behind it. Consider the context and your dog's body language:
- Taste: They might like the taste of your skin or any lip balm you are wearing.
- Attention-Seeking: They might have learned that licking gets them attention from you.
- Stress: Excessive licking can sometimes indicate stress or anxiety, although this is less likely immediately after a kiss.
What Should I Do?
If you enjoy your dog licking you, there's no need to discourage it. However, if you'd prefer they didn't, you can gently redirect their behavior by:
- Offering a toy: Give them a chew toy to focus on instead.
- Walking away: This teaches them that licking won't get them attention.
- Positive reinforcement: Reward them with praise and treats when they don't lick.
