Dog Community

Does my dog like me?

Posted : 12/7/2006 8:21:39 PM

I have an 8 month old loveable Italian Greyhound. We have a great relationship but one thing bothers me. He "kisses" everyone (licks their faces) but not me! I know this sounds crazy but I am jealous! I love him and would like the same affection. Does this mean he doesn't like me, or is there some other reason? This is my first dog, so I am not up on dog behavior. Thanks to all for any information you can offer!
Brian in Boston

Xerxes

Posted : 12/7/2006 9:51:46 PM

Well, for the most part the face licking is a puppy behavior designed to prevent the bite response from an older strange dog, that is if we are to believe that dogs are inherently wolves. The licking also stimulates the adults to regurgitate food for the pup. So what your Iggy is saying to those people is "please don't bite me, I'm a puppy, feed me instead."

Your pup already knows and trusts that you won't be biting him so he doesn't have that same need or drive.

Also taste and scent are tied to each other. Scent being the sense that stimulates memory moreso than any other. So it could be that your pup is trying to "remember" the people he meets.

I know that's probably a bit more dry of an explanation than you probably wanted, but it's a logical one.

jones

Posted : 12/8/2006 12:32:03 AM

Licking the face is an appeasement gesture - a display of submission to new people and dogs that your pup finds a little intimidating. It's nothing like human 'kisses' - your puppy is just comfortable with you, that's all.

Brian Smail

Posted : 12/8/2006 10:34:47 AM

Thanks Xerxes and Jones. This is my first dog and I am just curious about some of the behaviors. He is such a great little pal, now I know what I have been missing all these years!
(His name is Zacc)