WHY DO DOGS LICK YOUR FACE
- Oct 12, 2025
- 2 min read
Dog licking, specifically face licking, is a common behaviour exhibited by our beloved four-legged friends.
But why do dogs engage in this behaviour, and more importantly, how can we discourage it when it becomes a nuisance?
Face Licking
Dogs have a variety of reasons for face licking.
It's a form of communication and can signify anything from submission to affection.
Puppies in the wild often lick their mother's face to stimulate regurgitation for feeding.
This behaviour may continue into adulthood as a sign of respect and submission to a perceived higher-ranking member of the pack.
Dogs also engage in face licking to show affection, much like humans might show affection with a hug or kiss.
Dogs Like To Use Their Tongues to Taste and Gather Information.
Humans have hands and eyes to investigate their surroundings, while dogs primarily rely on their noses and tongues to explore their environment.
Licking can be a way for a dog to taste something or to gather information about someone.
Prevention
However, if your Dog's face licking is excessive and becoming a problem, there are effective ways to curtail this behaviour.
First and foremost, it's important not to reinforce the behaviour.
If your Dog licks your face, do not give them praise or attention.
Instead, please stand up and walk away from your Dog, ignoring it until it is calm.
After that, try to get your Dog's attention on something else.
If your Dog starts licking your face, offer them a toy, a treat, or engage them in a game to distract them.
For instance, you can give them a chew toy or a puzzle feeder to keep them engaged.
Over time, they will learn that they get rewards for not licking faces.
Obsessive Dog Behaviour
If your Dog's licking becomes obsessive, it may be a sign of other emotional issues.
In such cases, it's essential to seek professional help from a Dog Trainer or Behaviourist.
If your Dog licks a lot, it might mean they have some emotional problems. It's essential to take care of these issues for your Dog's well-being.
And remember, you are not alone in this!
However, it's essential to handle this situation with patience and understanding.
Your Dog isn't trying to annoy you; they're simply doing what comes naturally to them.
Show them love, patience, and guide them towards better behaviour.
Stimulation
It's essential to ensure that your Dog gets enough exercise and activities to keep its mind engaged.
You can include regular walks with interactive play sessions and training exercises.
These activities not only provide physical exercise but also mental stimulation.
If a Dog doesn't have enough to do, it might start licking itself as a way to get attention or to feel better when it's stressed.
Your Dog needs plenty of exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation to keep it content and well-behaved.
Final Thoughts
Dog licking, particularly face licking, is a natural canine behaviour deeply rooted in their instincts and communication methods.
While it can be a sign of affection, submission, or curiosity, excessive licking can also lead to skin irritation, spread bacteria, or indicate anxiety or stress, which may require intervention.
With understanding, patience, and appropriate redirection, you can manage this behaviour effectively.
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