but he can lick my skin raw. I try not to fuss at him. I tell him no, sternly, but he will start back in a few minutes I give him lots of love and attention so its not that. i think he just loves me so much he cant stop. Or is he just being a mouthy pup?
2007-11-13 07:13:31 · 7 answers · asked by sugar c 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It may be a natural submissive behavior, particularly if your dog is licking your face or around your mouth. If a dog licks around another dog's mouth it makes it vulnerable to a bite, so it's a way of showing that the submissive dog isn't a threat. Another reason that dogs lick around the face area is that puppies often lick their mother's muzzles as a sign that they're hungry. My dog is big on this behavior around dinner time :)
Dogs also lick as a sign of affection and as a way of bonding with other members of their litter or pack, which also translates to their relationships with humans.
Also, sometimes we may have a scent on our hands that's interesting to them. A dog's keen sense of smell can pick up all kinds of smells that may be interesting to them- as in your last meal, interesting smelling hand lotion, etc.
Finally, licking can also be a way to express feelings of anxiety or stress. It can get to a level of compulsion, so if the behavior continues at a high level or you're really concerned about it you should ask your vet.
Hope that helps.
2007-11-13 07:38:48 · answer #1 · answered by mvcvfg 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did not say what kind of "pup" he is, but the constant licking is a probable indication of boredom. I would suggest you do more to engage the little guy. Take him for a long walk every day. Play with him, don't just sit with him and love him. Let him chase a ball or a Frisbee or something he enjoys doing.
I have a dachshund who showed the same behavior. Walks and chase playing has made a wonderful improvement, and I do believe he is happier. He still licks, but usually just a few seconds before he runs and gets a toy, or curls up in my lap.
2007-11-13 15:28:31 · answer #2 · answered by advnturer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you're salty and he likes that. Cover up the areas he like to lick. Distract him with a toy and let him lick that instead. Is there something on his tongue he is trying to get rid of? Doggie OCD?
2007-11-13 15:24:08 · answer #3 · answered by GisL4all 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 7 m/o as well and he does the same thing!! He will lick our arm as if it tasted sugar (maybe it does to him). I just take a toy and distract him, doesn't take much to get his attention on something else.
2007-11-13 15:24:59 · answer #4 · answered by Jane Marple 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try rubbing something on your shin that dogs would find nasty like lemon. I'm sure he'll stop after several nasty licks. Try this for a week.
2007-11-13 15:27:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is just showing you how much he loves you. If it bothers you, just push him off and walk away, or put him away from you.
My dog would lick me all day long if I let him.
2007-11-13 15:17:54 · answer #6 · answered by LuvMyBT's 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had a dog like that! HE JUST WOULD NOT STOP!!
And yes it was annoying! Pretty much it's his personality and there is NOTHING you can TRULy do
2007-11-13 15:21:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋