The sight of a dog eagerly licking the faces or hands of their owners is a familiar and endearing behaviour that many dog owners experience daily.
But what prompts dogs to engage in this behaviour, and what does it signify? The act of licking people is a complex behaviour that serves various purposes for dogs, ranging from social communication and bonding to exploration and grooming.
On this page, we delve into the fascinating world of canine behaviour, exploring the reasons why dogs lick people and the underlying motivations behind this common behaviour.
Reasons Why Dogs Lick People
- Affection and Bonding:
- Dogs may lick people as a way to show affection and strengthen their bond with their owners or other family members.
- Licking releases feel-good hormones such as oxytocin in both dogs and humans, reinforcing positive feelings of connection and companionship.
- Social Communication:
- Licking can be a form of social communication for dogs, signalling submissiveness, respect, or a desire for attention.
- Puppies often lick their mothers’ faces to solicit food or attention, and this behaviour may persist into adulthood as a means of seeking interaction with humans.
- Exploration and Investigation:
- Dogs use their sense of taste and smell to explore and investigate their environment, and licking is a natural behaviour that allows them to gather information.
- Licking people may be a way for dogs to learn more about their owners or to detect traces of food, sweat, or other odours on their skin.
- Grooming Instinct:
- Licking is an innate grooming behaviour in dogs, and they may lick people as a form of self-soothing or to maintain cleanliness.
- Dogs may lick their owners’ skin, hair, or clothing as part of their grooming routine, particularly if they perceive something as dirty or in need of attention.
- Attention-Seeking:
- Dogs may lick people as a way to seek attention, affection, or a desired response, such as being petted or given treats.
- If licking is positively reinforced by the owner’s reaction, such as laughter or petting, dogs may continue this behaviour as a means of obtaining attention.
What Does Science Tell Us?
Scientifically, there are several reasons why dogs may enjoy licking people, rooted in their natural behaviours and social dynamics. One reason is linked to their pack instinct and social bonding. Dogs, being pack animals, display various behaviours to maintain social bonds and communicate within their social groups.
Licking is one such behaviour that can be seen as a sign of affection, submission, or respect towards higher-ranking members, including humans. Additionally, licking releases endorphins in both dogs and humans, promoting feelings of pleasure and reinforcing positive social interactions.
Some research suggests that the mutual gaze between dogs and humans during licking episodes triggers the release of oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and social attachment.
Furthermore, licking can serve as a form of grooming behaviour, as dogs instinctively groom themselves and each other as part of their hygiene routine. When dogs lick humans, they may be exhibiting this grooming behaviour as a sign of care or affection.
However, it’s essential to consider individual differences and contexts when interpreting why dogs lick people, as the motivations behind this behaviour can vary depending on factors such as the dog’s personality, upbringing, and the specific social context in which the licking occurs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the act of licking people is a multifaceted behaviour exhibited by dogs that serves various purposes, including social communication, bonding, exploration, grooming, and attention-seeking. While dogs may lick people for different reasons, the behaviour is often rooted in their natural instincts and social dynamics with humans.
Understanding why dogs lick people can provide valuable insights into their emotions, needs, and communication patterns, strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners.
By recognising and interpreting the cues behind this behaviour, dog owners can deepen their understanding of their canine companions and foster harmonious relationships based on mutual trust, affection, and companionship.
