Why do dogs like to lick people?

Dogs licking people is a manifestation of their love for their owners. Sometimes, dogs will use licking as a way to remind you that it's time to feed them or refill their water. When a dog lowers its head to lick you, it may also be trying to please you or express its admiration. At this point, the dog will lower its body, similar to lowering its posture, looking up at its owner with a respectful gaze. You can stroke the dog at this time to give it a sense of security and relax its mood.

Dogs love to be affectionate and usually express their attachment to humans by wagging their tails excessively or liking to lick people.

This behavior of liking to lick is a deeply ingrained memory that has been gradually formed over the past ten thousand years of human domestication and is now inherent in their genes. It is a legacy passed down from generation to generation among dogs, belonging to their external genetic rules.

1. Reasons why dogs lick people

Thirst: Sometimes, dogs will lick you to remind you that it's time to feed them or refill their water.
Owner's smell: If you have just eaten or touched food, your body will residue the smell of food. Dogs have very sensitive senses of smell, and they may lick you to see if there is still food.
Expressing love: When you just come home, the dog will rush over to lick your hands or feet because it is extremely happy and expressing its love for you.
Expressing reverence: When a dog lowers its head to lick you, it may be trying to please you or express its admiration.

2. How to avoid dogs licking you

Not everyone likes to be licked by dogs, so if you don't want your dog to lick you, you can train it.

When your dog licks your face and hands, turn your face and hands away to prevent it from continuing to lick, and scold it gently. But don't harshly punish it, because dogs licking you is a sign of submission, and overly strict punishment or blame will make the dog feel lost.

When the dog jumps into your arms and licks you crazily, first push the dog away to calm it down, and then stroke it.

If the dog insists on continuing to lick you, pull its collar to separate it. When the dog stops licking objects, you can pat its body, massage it, or praise it in a gentle tone. If necessary, throw a small toy to encourage it.