Why do dogs lick humans?
Dogs have a long history of forming strong bonds with humans, and one way they express their emotions is through licking. This seemingly simple behavior can have various underlying reasons, including instinctive behavior, communication, affection, respect, grooming, seeking attention, exploring their environment, responding to stress, displaying happiness, recognizing hierarchy, and even learned behavior.
The instinctive behavior of dogs
Licking is a natural behavior for dogs that dates back to their wild ancestors. Puppies instinctively lick their mother’s face to stimulate her to regurgitate food for them. This behavior is imprinted in their genes and continues into adulthood as a way to seek nourishment and show submission.
Communication through licking
Licking is a form of non-verbal communication for dogs. When a dog licks a human, they may be trying to convey a message, such as seeking attention, expressing affection, or simply saying hello. Dogs are highly observant animals and often use their tongues to communicate their feelings and intentions to their human companions.
Showing affection and bonding
Licking is a common way for dogs to show their affection towards humans. By licking, they release endorphins that create feelings of pleasure and bonding. It is their way of expressing love and devotion, similar to how humans may hug or kiss each other. Dogs often target areas such as the face, hands, or feet, which they perceive as significant in their relationship with their owners.
Expressing submission and respect
Licking can also be a display of submission and respect. When a dog licks a person’s face or hands, it is a way of acknowledging that the person is in a higher position within the social hierarchy. By submitting in this manner, dogs demonstrate their willingness to be part of the group and follow the lead of their human companions.
Cleaning and grooming behavior
Dogs are naturally clean animals, and licking serves as a grooming behavior. When they lick themselves or others, they remove dirt, debris, and even parasites. Licking can also clean wounds and promote healing by stimulating blood flow to the area. Dogs may instinctively lick humans to keep them clean or to show care and help in grooming.
Seeking attention and interaction
Dogs are social creatures that crave attention and interaction from their owners. Licking can be a way for them to seek attention or initiate play. By licking their owners, dogs receive physical contact, verbal praise, and often engage in further interaction, fulfilling their need for companionship and mental stimulation.
Tasting and exploring their environment
Dogs experience the world through their senses, and their tongues play a vital role in this exploration. Licking allows them to taste and gather information about their surroundings. Dogs may lick humans to investigate unfamiliar scents, residue, or even taste the remnants of food or beverages. It is a way for them to gather information and understand their environment better.
Natural response to stress and anxiety
Dogs may lick humans as a coping mechanism to deal with stress or anxiety. The act of licking releases calming endorphins that can help them relax. When faced with a stressful situation, dogs may turn to their human companions for comfort and reassurance, using licking as a self-soothing behavior.
Displaying excitement and happiness
Dogs often lick their owners when they are excited or happy. This can occur when their owners return home after being away, during playtime, or when they anticipate something positive, such as a walk or a treat. Licking is a way for dogs to express their joy and enthusiasm, as they cannot verbally communicate their emotions.
Recognizing and acknowledging hierarchy
Within a household, dogs instinctively recognize hierarchy and social order. Licking can be a way for them to acknowledge their place in the family unit. By licking their owners, dogs may be showing respect and accepting their position as a subordinate member of the pack. It reinforces the bond between the dog and their human family by reaffirming roles and establishing trust.
Licking as a learned behavior
In some cases, licking can be a learned behavior. Dogs are highly adaptable and observant creatures, and they may have learned that licking results in a positive response from their owners. If a dog has been rewarded or encouraged for licking in the past, they may continue the behavior as a means to seek attention or obtain desired outcomes.
In conclusion, dogs lick humans for a variety of reasons, including instinctive behavior, communication, affection, respect, grooming, seeking attention, exploring their environment, responding to stress, displaying happiness, recognizing hierarchy, and even learned behavior. Understanding the motivations behind this behavior can help strengthen the bond between humans and their canine companions.
