We know dogs to be very affectionate animals. No wonder dogs are dubbed as man's best friends because of the affectionate nature they show to humans. Dog are seen where ever the master goes and because they won't be separated from their masters they are also known as Velcro animals. Dogs are indeed well loved because humans would commonly hug and kiss dogs. Dogs also form close bond with the family thus the pet would bestow their own brand of kiss...licking the face of the master.
Is your pet a face licker too? Some owners would not mind being licked by the dog. Dogs are known to drink from the toilet bowl and has the habit of eating feces thus owners that are licked by the pet on the face will naturally be disgusted. Whether the owner is disgusted or not by the pet's habit it would still be necessary to understand why the dog likes licking faces.
The dog that is licking and washing your face with its saliva is simply showing you its affection. Licking is a natural behavior learned by dogs from their mother. The moment the puppies are born, the mother dog would start using its tongue to clean the afterbirth and also to stimulate circulation and help the puppies to breathe. The mother dog's habit of licking the puppies strengthens the bond between the dam and the puppies. Dogs are considered as family members and the pet consider the owners as its family. Licking the face is therefore done by the pet as a sign of affection and appreciation for the care given by the human family.
Dog behaviorists explain the habit of licking the face as a sign of the dog' submission or deference. Dogs live in a hierarchical order. Even in the wild, the dominant dog is respected and treated as the head of the pack. As a sign of submission dogs lower in rank would lick the face of the alpha male. Dogs lick the face of the human family as in the eyes of the dog they are the pack leaders.
A lot of dog owners consider the pet as their babies thus the saliva that covers the face when the dog licks is ignored. However, the licking can be an unsanitary habit given the dog's habit of raiding the trash and eating feces. Licking faces would be even more dangerous if the pet has turned its attention on children. Kids and dogs form a close bond and the kid will be seen hugging the dog and the dog will be seen licking the kid's face. However, this habit of the dog has to be stopped as the young ones can be exposed to the bacteria coming from the dog's mouth..
Is your pet a face licker too? Some owners would not mind being licked by the dog. Dogs are known to drink from the toilet bowl and has the habit of eating feces thus owners that are licked by the pet on the face will naturally be disgusted. Whether the owner is disgusted or not by the pet's habit it would still be necessary to understand why the dog likes licking faces.
The dog that is licking and washing your face with its saliva is simply showing you its affection. Licking is a natural behavior learned by dogs from their mother. The moment the puppies are born, the mother dog would start using its tongue to clean the afterbirth and also to stimulate circulation and help the puppies to breathe. The mother dog's habit of licking the puppies strengthens the bond between the dam and the puppies. Dogs are considered as family members and the pet consider the owners as its family. Licking the face is therefore done by the pet as a sign of affection and appreciation for the care given by the human family.
Dog behaviorists explain the habit of licking the face as a sign of the dog' submission or deference. Dogs live in a hierarchical order. Even in the wild, the dominant dog is respected and treated as the head of the pack. As a sign of submission dogs lower in rank would lick the face of the alpha male. Dogs lick the face of the human family as in the eyes of the dog they are the pack leaders.
A lot of dog owners consider the pet as their babies thus the saliva that covers the face when the dog licks is ignored. However, the licking can be an unsanitary habit given the dog's habit of raiding the trash and eating feces. Licking faces would be even more dangerous if the pet has turned its attention on children. Kids and dogs form a close bond and the kid will be seen hugging the dog and the dog will be seen licking the kid's face. However, this habit of the dog has to be stopped as the young ones can be exposed to the bacteria coming from the dog's mouth..
About the Author:
Why do dogs lick your face and feet. Why do they lick their own feet, genitals and possible wounds? These and other dog behaviour questions are answered at Sarah's Dogs.
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