Licking in a non-dominate dog?

Question

My dog Whiskey licks all the time, and licking is a sign of dominance, but she is very submissive and doesn't show an inch of trying to be alpha, what could this mean?

Answer 1

Licking you? That's submission. However, if she's licking her lips repeatedly it can be a sign of anxiety. She's uncomfortable with the situation and is uncertain of how to respond...she could bite. Yawning is another subtle and innocent looking sign. I've noticed it many times when grooming...right before a nip or bite, especially in Schnauzers.

Here's more detailed info:
http://www.doggonesafe.com/dog%20communication.htm

Answer 2

It's not dominance.. A submissive dog will lick the mouth and lips of an alpha dog.. Show is respect.. It's a form of submission.

Answer 3

Licking is a sign of submission, not dominance! The submissive dog will crouch down and lick at the mouth of the alpha dog.

Answer 4

Actually, the "lickers" are the submissive dogs. In wolf packs, the submissive wolves usually hold their tails and heads low, and when challenged or "in trouble" roll onto their backs and lick the dominant wolf. It shows complete submission. That's why if you yell at your dog, they usually shrink down on the ground and try to lick your feet or hands or whatever body part they can...sometimes they even "dribble" a little (pee in tiny amounts) which is another way of showing total submission.

Answer 5

Licking is definitly not dominant behavior! Licking is actually very submissive. Maybe you are confused with biting? When your dog licks you, he is showing you that he loves you, and that he knows you are the boss. Dogs lick the mouths and chin of their 'alpha' to show their submission to them. When a dog bites however, he is trying to use strength and power to gain control. Licking is not harmful in any way, in fact dogs usually find it to be pleasant. (This is why they do it to you when they want you to be pleased with them.)

You're lucky. You sound like you have a very obedient and loving dog. : )

Answer 6

I am not giving you an answer. It is a great question. All the answers seem to indicate I am the top dog to my three pups. They all lick me all the time. Every time my Rattie jumps in my lap he goes right for my face to lick me. Anytime I reach down to pet the Beagle he starts licking my hand. The worst is the Pit. In the morning in bed as soon as I make any noise she comes over and stare licking my face and won't stop until I get up, she makes it hard to sleep in.
Thanks for the question!

Answer 7

if its the only dog then it is dominant, but just because something says licking is a sign of dominance doesnt mean that she isnt doing because she loves you. i taught my dogs to "give kisses" and they only lick people if you ask for kisses. i have never heard of licking being a sign of dominance, maybe if its to another dog its dominance because they leave their scent. if she ever tries to be higher than you then that is a sign of dominance. (say your on the couch and the dog tries to stand over you )

Answer 8

We have 3 dogs and 2 cats. Vara is not necessarily the submissive one. She just acts as the mother. She grooms all the other pets in the house. The cats even come up to her and beg for a good ear and face washing! : )

Answer 9

I've never heard of it being dominant. I would really think it is more submissive.
That's the way it goes in my dogs anyway.
I have one Collie who is a total SUCK UP.
She wants to be our one & only doggie & she is constantly trying to lick my husband & I in the face.
The others would never attempt such a thing.

Answer 10

Alot of dog just tend to give "kisses" alot more than others. I have one dog that if you let him he will sit there and lick you forever.