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  • tamhow
    • Gold Top Dog

    Licking

    tamhow

    Posted : 3/31/2006 9:20:56 PM

    Has there been any documentation on why a dog licks a person? Does it really mena they are showing affection?
  • Kate
    • Gold Top Dog
    Kate

    Posted : 4/1/2006 12:56:36 AM

    I've read somewhere that it was a display of submission. 
     
    I say Lana kisses me 'cuz she loves me! haha
  • Sandra TH
    • Gold Top Dog
    Sandra TH

    Posted : 4/1/2006 7:21:45 AM

    I've also read that it could be a display of submission or a request for food.  Personally, I think that it may start out for one of those two reasons, but since it elicits a positive response in us humans the dogs will somewhere along the line lick us to get that positive response.  Just my theory...
  • fuzzy_dogs_mom
    • Gold Top Dog
    fuzzy_dogs_mom

    Posted : 4/1/2006 1:34:34 PM

    I had one dog that wouldn't waste his time licking anything (he thought it was beneath him[:D]) except maybe your finger, and only if there was something really good on the end of it.  Max, on the other hand will lick anything that moves.  He licks us, anyone who stops to talk to him, anyone that comes to the door - he even licks his dog park buddies.  So who knows?? I like to think it's a sign of affection.  At least that's what I keep telling DH - "if he didn't love you, he wouldn't lick you."