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For most dog owners, coming home from a long day and getting a million wet kisses from our furry friend is the best part of our day. We don't really question it and just know that it's their way of saying they love us. Well, it's time to delve deep into the truth about why exactly dogs lick us!
For one, it really means multiple things depending on the situation, where they're licking you and when. Dogs lick each other as a way to communicate and welcome new pack members while increasing the bond with each other. In a dog pack situation, the submissive dog lowers their body and licks the dominant pack member while the dominant pack member does not return the action.
So let's go over a few possibilities:
1. You taste good. They love that salty taste that comes from sweating so if you just came back from a run or the beach, you can find your dog licking off the saltiness from your arms, legs and face.
2. They are showing submission as discussed above as you are their pack member and they are showing respect.
3. They know you like it based off your reaction! Whether you give them a treat or just get really excited, it's seen as positive reinforcement and they'll just keep on doing it!
4. It can easily be an OCD based behavior caused from long term stress and anxiety ,and if this is the case, then you need to put a stop to it and work on your pup's anxiety that they are reflecting onto you. If this is the case, your vet might refer you to an animal behaviorist.
5. They really could just love you!! Dogs do show affection by licking people and other dogs as they learned this from being groomed as a puppy.
The reason that your dog is licking you is really up to the factors surrounding it. But don't worry, most of the time, it's most likely that it's all because they love you!
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