I know its not very hygenic. Why do they do it? Is it loving? He does nibble us aswell, but only gently. He licks my face, feet etc. before I can stop him!
2006-12-05 04:26:21 · 30 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I wouldnt stop my dog licking me (though I do wash my face after) because to me it is a sign of affection and Love. I've had my German Shepherd 4 months - he's between 5 -7 years, got him from a rescue home, he was neglected and abandoned. To me he is showing how grateful he is. Loves my husband and me to bits and no body else!
2006-12-06 07:50:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is affection toward you. I assume you hold and love on your pup and it is returning the affection in the doggie way.
They learn some of this from the momma who licks and cleans and nurtures them. It is a good sign and behaviour. I am always a bit concerned about pups that can't display this type behaviour. It tells me they were probably seperated from mom too young and the owners of mom did not nurture the litter either.
Don't worry about hygene! If puppy/doggie kisses could make you sick then I'd be dead by now. Been licked and kissed by probably close to a 1000 over the 14 years in rescue. This up close relationship makes pups easier to train, gentler and protective in a good way. If too much in your face you can gently turn its mouth away from your face/mouth while rubbing around on its muzzle in a affectionate way. This also helps with nibbling.
And yes, dogs are getting "salt " off our skin in the process of licking. It is doing to you what the momma dog did to him. This process helps develope a gentle grown dog.
2006-12-05 12:42:55 · answer #2 · answered by pets4lifelady 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A lot of puppies are taught by their breeders/and or mothers to lick to show affection. Most people accept that "puppy kisses" are just an outporing of love.
However, this trait actually has origins in the wild dog packs. For example, wolf pups will lick the mouth of a superior dog to show the dog that the puppy accepts his dominance. Licking another dog's lips is also used to stimulate older dogs to regurgitate their food.
Thus, licking faces is an instinctual thing for puppies to do to both show that they are submissive and that they realize you are the one to feed them.
2006-12-05 12:38:36 · answer #3 · answered by Shannon 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dogs like the natural saltiness in our sweat. And, it's also a way of showing affection. But, I think it's more the taste than anything. Also, there's a common misconception that a dog's mouth is sanitary...it is not! Let us think of all they do with their mouth and tongues...like lick themselves, eat cat poo, even eat their own frozen poo, eat bugs, worms, drink out of the toilet bowl, lick our feet as well as others, etc. That is by no means, sanitary. And, the dog's saliva does not sterilize any of this stuff.
2006-12-05 12:33:24 · answer #4 · answered by deelberger 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have heard it's because they lick things they like and also because they love you.
I never tried to stop my dog licking me, although some people do think it's not hygenic.
2006-12-06 06:08:28 · answer #5 · answered by fortune 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog is showing you love and trying to seek love in return.
Don't lick him back though!!! lol
Just give him lots of fuss
The joys of having a puppy that's just trying to be part of the family
2006-12-05 12:44:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i agree with shannon on this one. My dogs also used to do this which i found horrible because of where else they also lick, I didnt want to stop them because its there instinct to do it to the pack leader but found it hard to tolerate. Instead ive trained them to lick my nose instead of my mouth, Okay its still not the most hygienic thing in the world but its better as the germs are not going onto my mouth now and i can clean it off easier (just make sure you have some baby wipes close at hand). hope ive helped :)
2006-12-05 23:09:16 · answer #7 · answered by boon 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Licking is a form of affection for dogs. I dont really like my dog to lick my face either. I dont allow him to lick my face, only my hand.
2006-12-05 13:00:30 · answer #8 · answered by Amanda M 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
dogs lick the chin of the leader in the pack, but they will also lick our skin because we're salty and taste good. so its probably a little love and a little tasting you :)
but really, so long as you wash your hands regularly, its not going to hurt you to have your pup licking you. i've had dogs all my life that i've always allowed to lick me, and the worst thats ever happened is we pass colds back and forth.
2006-12-05 12:32:01 · answer #9 · answered by mickey g 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is another explanation, perhaps the dog thinks that she is the boss, and that you are lower than her in pack-status. Dogs, male and female will lick their puppies to clean them in the same way that human parents, will ensure that their children are clean, they are responsibly caring for them and looking after them. Perhaps your dog thinks that she is looking after you. and is taking on the responsibility of looking after her new `pet` !
2006-12-05 12:43:27 · answer #10 · answered by Social Science Lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋