A dog trainer has opened up about why our four-legged friends lick people, and the reasons behind the behaviour are a lot more complex than they first appear. Lucas Otero is a professional who works with training dogs, and through his Instagram channel, he has elaborated on the meaning behind our dog’s licking.
The trainer said dog licking is a multifaceted language that communicates emotions, needs, and social cues. Many people think their family pet is displaying affection or appreciation when it licks them, but the reasoning is often a lot deeper. Lucas said: « Licking can have different meanings depending on the context. The problem is that in most cases it is seen only as a sign of affection, when the dog is trying to communicate something else. » The dog trainer said it was important for owners to analyse the context of what is behind their pet licking in order to correctly interpret what the dog is communicating.
Licking is an affilative signal that can reinforce the bond with another individual in a dog’s social group. This behaviour can be observed early on in a dog’s life as a puppy and serves a clear function. It consolidates belonging and strengthening trust within the pack.
In a domestic household, this same gesture translates into a form of integration with the human family, providing a reminder that the dog identifies as an essential part of the group.
The action can also used to appease another individual who is behaving in a threatening or uncomfortable manner.
Ethologists explain that, by licking, the dog seeks to reduce tension and avoid conflict, sending a clear message of submission or conciliation. It is a reminder that, in animal communication, simple gestures convey profound meanings that ensure harmony within the group.
In many cases, licking is not a response to affiliation or appeasement, but rather facilitates a basic need to attract attention. Dogs resort to this gesture as an effective way to demand interaction, play, food or simply companionship.
Puppies use it with their mother to stimulate regurgitation by licking her mouth. This behaviour, inherited from their wolf ancestors, ensures the survival of the young in the early stages of life, when they are totally dependent on maternal care.
Although it no longer serves the same practical function in the home, the gesture stays as part of the dog’s communicative repertoire.
Licking is also a stress-relieving behaviour, meaning that licking relaxes a pooch. If your dog compulsively licks you, one of its limbs, or another object, it may be experiencing high levels of stress and needs to relax.
It is essential that dog owners closely monitor what their pet is licking, other behaviors being displayed, and the frequency of these behaviors. By doing this, humans can monitor their dog and ensure it is comfortable in its home environment.
