Dogs lick people for many reasons. It’s an instinctive behavior. Usually, it’s not frequent enough to cause concern. But in certain cases, it may be a sign of a medical or behavioral problem.
Reasons Your Dog Licks You
These are the most common reasons dogs lick people:
They’re showing you affection. When dogs lick, they get a rush of good feelings. When dogs are puppies, their mother grooms them by licking, and it provides them comfort. Puppies also lick each other and their mom. They can retain this comfort as they get older by licking you. It can also be a submissive action, showing you respect.
They’re exploring. Dogs use their tongue to understand the world through scent and taste. Licking people and objects is their way of touching things like we do.
They want your attention. Licking can be your dog’s way of telling you they want to play or get loved. Petting your dog and smiling when they lick you reinforces their behavior. Puppies often lick to get other dog’s attention too. In young dogs, licking is usually a sign of a lot of excitement.
You taste good to them. Maybe you’re wearing a lotion that tastes good to your dog. Or you’ve just finished a workout and your skin is sweaty.
They’re stressed or anxious. Your dog may lick you for comfort when they’re uneasy. Pay attention to your environment and your dog’s body language when they’re licking you. Some dogs may even develop obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and lick you, themselves, or other objects compulsively.
When Is Dog Licking a Problem?
Dog licking becomes a problem when it results from a medical or behavioral issue. If you think they’re repeatedly licking because they are stressed or anxious, you should call your veterinarian. They’ll likely want to do a full medical workup to rule out any medical conditions. If you notice any other symptoms that could indicate a medical problem, it's important to make an appointment with your vet.
If your dog is constantly licking you and doesn’t show any signs of distress or illness, this may not necessarily be a problem for them, but for you. If it irritates and frustrates you, it might be time to consult a trainer. In some cases, it could be a sign of attention-seeking or boredom. This can usually be helped by giving your dog more exercise and providing toys to keep them entertained while you’re busy.
Tips to Train Your Dog to Stop Licking You
When your dog starts licking excessively, you should check with your veterinarian about underlying medical problems. Once those have been ruled out, your veterinarian will see if they need to address a behavioral issue.
Here are some ways to stop your dog from licking you:
Ignore them when they lick. Your dog may use licking as a way to get your attention. When they lick you, stand up and leave the room. This will show them that licking you doesn’t give them what they want.
Reward good behavior. Give your dog praise and attention when they are well-behaved. A good time to reward your dog is when they’re lying calmly beside you. Positive reinforcement is the best method of training. Using deterrents can worsen the underlying cause of your dog's licking.
Redirect their attention with a puzzle or trick training. When your dog starts to lick, distract them with an activity that isn’t related to licking. You can let them sniff out treats in an interactive puzzle. You can also train them to do tricks like “rollover” or “sit pretty.” Training distractions will take their mind off why they want to lick. Over time, they’ll understand you don’t want them to lick.
Be consistent with boundaries. Your dog can get confused if you let them lick you sometimes and not other times. Set boundaries for you and your dog. It can be hard to not let them lick you if you think they’re being loving. Remember that you can train them in other ways to show affection, such as hugs or speaking on cue.
If you can’t curb your dog's urge to lick, you can consult with your veterinarian or an animal behavioral specialist.
Takeaways
Dogs lick people for many reasons. It's an instinctive behavior they learn at birth from their mothers. They lick to be affectionate, explore their environment, and get attention. Sometimes, your dog may lick you because they're stressed or anxious. In rare cases, it could be a sign of a medical problem. If you suspect the latter, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Otherwise, there are some training techniques that can help stop your dog from licking if it bothers you.
