Why do dogs like to lick us?

mialamb · Baby Chi

Why do dogs like to lick us?

gottaluvchis · Baby Chi

Akira does that when she needs to go potty. It's her way of telling us. Maybe Mia needs to got out too?

sattie · Senior Member

Licking is how they express theirselves. Boots and Binks lick and they just want to show their love and maybe go out too!!

chiDeb · Global Moderator

If mine stopped licking us, I'd be worried! That's how they show affection. Mine especially like to lick the end of your nose! Deb

luv2chis · South Chi Mom

I don't know exactly they they do it. My female licks more than my male. Shes a lick-a-holic. She especially likes to try and get it in your mouth. New poeple come over to my house and think she is cute and then they get a tongue in their mouth. Beni likes to lick noses and he can get his little tongue in nostrils. Bella is also good at getting her tongue way inside my ear. If it bothers give her a hint you don't want it right now. I have to tell Bella No sometimes and she will stop.

Jess · Chi-Zilla

I dont know exactly why they lick, but I have heard a few differnt theories. Such as licking is a natural instinct dating back to when dogs were undomesticated in order to get the elder wolves to regurgatate their food. Or that they lick people for the salt that we have on our skin. Dogs also often like things that we humans would consider yucky; for example eating cow ****! So I could easily beleieve they lick our mouths/noses/ears/whatever because they like unsanitary, funny smelling objects. Or I guess it could be a lot nicer and tht they are simply showing us affection. Not sure.

Ellie licks and licks all day; my nose, my lips (and teeth if I accidentally open my mouth a crack), and I am a little ashamed to admit to most people that I like it, not you lot as you understand, but nearly everyone else I know thinks it's dirty!

Most of my emeediate family are resolutely big dog people!

Good question Mialamb! If only our pups could tell us huh?!
Love, Jess x

All4ChiLuv · Super Chi

Oy..... licking is SOOOO out of control here! LOL!

Especially Jax, he licks constantly!

HoudinisMom · Baby Chi

luv2chis wrote:

New poeple come over to my house and think she is cute and then they get a tongue in their mouth.

LOL - that cracked me up!

Houdini is a licker too, and is also able to do the nostril thing. It's funny. When I get home from work, I have to let him get in his licking time, or he gets sad. I know that sounds crazy, but if I don't do it, he will make sad little noises, and look at me like I broke his heart. (I know, I know, I'm a sucker!!)

Radar_Love · Mega Chi

I have also wondered why in the world they love to lick us. I feel like it has to do with the way they show there affection towards us. But, I could be wrong about it. Which I have also thought that it could be the saltiness in our swear. I really dunno why, but I had a couple of guesses. LoL. Radar is definately licky! Everytime he gets the chance to lick your face, head or hands, he will. He tends to LOVE licking David's head (well, before he had his accident). I think that had to do with the sweat from work.

sattie · Senior Member

Binks does these "sticky licks" we like to call them. He will start to lick you, and then it is like his tounge freezes for about 5 seconds and he just sits there looking at you with his tounge stuck on you. He does it when he is being super affectionate... which he has been ever since we have gotten back from our trip. We are closer, thats for sure.

All4ChiLuv · Super Chi

Ha!

I can just picture Binks doing that! Sticky licks.... I love it!

-- Edited by All4ChiLuv at 06:10, 2006-09-19

-- Edited by All4ChiLuv at 06:11, 2006-09-19

Radar_Love · Mega Chi

LoL, Sattie that was too funny! Radar has yet to do a sticky lick. Although it is funny watching him lick David's head. It sounds like he is licking sandpaper...lol

sattie · Senior Member

That is funny Radar, Binks will like Chris' stubbly chin, it seems like it would be rough on their little tounges!

jessie · The Chi Crew

Here is my guess:

Dogs are, by nature, pack animals. Our dogs always clean each other's ears, eyes, noses, mouths, etc. This is showing that they take care of each other. So, when they lick us they are trying to clean us, which shows affection as well.

newf · Gooda Chis

http://www.seefido.com/html/why_do_dog_lick_people.htm

I looked it up on the net, and here is a link for some interesting information. Actually the webste itself is interesting.

chiDeb · Global Moderator

Well Newf that is a very interesting site... I really appreciate the link and will be going back to look at some other items over there that appeal to me.. Thanks for the tip. Deb

sattie · Senior Member

Thanks newf, that was an interesting read.

mialamb · Baby Chi

Thanks for all the replies! hehe!

Well I don't really mind she licking me, but then I really don't want a french kiss from Mia... esp when I'm eating or drinking... I feel bad for pushing her away or spraying bitter apple on my face... so now I cover my mouth with my hand when she licks me.. haha! then Mia will go to daddy and start licking him! hahahaha!!! So cute!

newf · Gooda Chis

You are welcome. I thought that site was very interesting, so I figured others here would too:)