Doggies that lick other dog's faces can be a nuisance. Find out what it really means!
Face and lip licking is most often offered by young puppies, but can carry on into adulthood. Face licking does have boundaries in the dog to dog world of interaction and socialization. So, what face licking is appropriate and what’s out of bounds?
Young puppies are offered a lot of behavior leniencies by their elders. Their wiggly, squirming, jumpy, face licking greetings are often allowed by older dogs. At times, if a pup’s face licking antics go overboard an elder will correct him with a snark, “Enough already, get out of my face!”
Incessant face lickers can get themselves into trouble and start trouble. Face licking relentlessly might be tolerated by some, but is considered rude and discouraged by others.
Face licking is more complicated than most of us may think. In some cases, I think dogs like Luna can use face licking like Eddie Haskell. They throw out appeasement gestures that are syrupy sweet on the surface but have an agenda. In her case, “Play with me! The way I like it! Now!”
In other dogs, the frantic face licking seems a reflection of anxiety. The dog is not overly self-assured and continues to offer the behavior as they have not developed a true confidence or natural ability to speak their own language more confidently and eloquently.
So, what seems within the range of normal and what’s out of bounds? Watch the reaction of the recipient. If the face licker is completely moving the recipient around a space — almost like herding the dog with his or her tongue, the behavior is likely over the top.
Well, it seems to be that puppies are allowed to participate in dog licking but older dogs are a lot less welcomed to it. Who knew that such a cute act can really mean that a doggy might be anxious?! Understanding your dog is important to keep him happy!
For more information on dog face licking, visit Dog Time.
