Dogs are known for being affectionate, loyal pets that form strong bonds with their human families. Many dogs enjoy giving their owners “kisses” by licking their hands, faces, or other exposed skin. But why do some dogs seem so much kissier than others? Here we’ll explore some of the possible reasons behind dogs’ kissing behaviors.
Breed tendencies
Certain dog breeds are more prone to kissing behaviors than others. Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, boxer dogs, and other affection-oriented breeds are often very “kissy” dogs. Their breeding has selected for friendly, people-pleasing temperaments over many generations. These dogs have been bred specifically to bond closely with humans, so it’s no surprise they enjoy showering us with sloppy kisses.
In contrast, more aloof, independent breeds like Afghan hounds or Basenjis are less likely to cover their owners in doggie kisses. Their breeding history makes them more reserved around people. But even among the same breed, some individual dogs are simply more kiss-happy than others due to their unique personality.
Excitement
Many dogs kiss their owners out of sheer excitement and joy. If your dog goes wild with kisses when you get home from work or after a long absence, they are probably just expressing their happiness at seeing you. These “greeting kisses” are a sign that your dog missed you!
Dogs may also cover you in kisses during playtime or when you’re lavishing them with praise and affection. Their kisses are their way of sharing their enthusiasm and affection for you. Think of these kisses as similar to a human smile – they show your dog is in a joyful mood.
Attention seeking
For some dogs, kissing is an attention-seeking behavior. They learn that smothering you in sloppy kisses will earn them your undivided attention, even if it’s just to gently push them away or wipe your face. Dogs crave attention from their beloved owners, so kissing can become a way for them to ingratiate themselves to you.
Pay attention to when your dog showers you in kisses. If they tend to do it more when you’re busy, distracted, or trying to ignore them, attention-seeking could be a motivation behind the wet kisses.
Taste exploration
Curious dogs may also lick faces and skin out of interest in how their owners taste. A dog’s sense of taste is much less discriminating than human taste, so they experience the world through taste and scent much more than we do. Licking allows them to explore the tastes and smells of people they encounter.
Puppies are especially prone to excessive face licking as they learn about the world. But even adult dogs can be motivated by taste when they lick faces. Your scent and taste are like sensory nametags giving your dog information about you.
Stress relief
For some dogs, licking behavior can be a self-soothing mechanism, similar to when humans bite their nails or twirl their hair. Licking releases endorphins that help relieve stress and anxiety. Dogs may lick your hand or face when they’re feeling unsure or in need of comfort.
Pay attention to body language when your dog is kissing you. Calm, relaxed lips and tongue indicate they are enjoying giving kisses. But rapid, obsessive licking can be a sign your dog is stressed or insecure. If their kissing seems compulsive, try to identify what is causing them anxiety.
Protection
Parent dogs instinctively lick their newborn puppies as a form of caregiving. Puppies depend on their mother’s tongue for everything from nursing to waste elimination in early life. Some dogs retain this protective, nurturing instinct into adulthood and try to take care of their human families by obsessively licking.
If your dog tries to lick your face when you’re sleeping or sitting still, they may be trying to care for you like a parent dog cares for puppies. It’s a sign of their nurturing protectiveness. Gently discourage this excessive kissing if it bothers you.
Medical causes
In rare cases, excessive licking of objects or people can stem from an underlying medical or behavioral problem in dogs. Obsessive licking that seems outside the range of normal dog behavior could be a sign of issues like:
- Dental pain or oral inflammation
- Nausea or gastrointestinal upset
- Neurological compulsive disorders
- Anxiety disorders like separation anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder
If your dog’s kissing seems excessive, constant, or distressing to them, consult your veterinarian. Medication or behavior therapy can help resolve compulsive disorders.
How to discourage excessive doggie kisses
Most owners don’t mind the occasional dog kiss, but some dogs can take the habit too far. If you want to reduce unwanted kisses from an overly affectionate dog, here are some tips:
- Gently block your dog’s attempts to lick your face
- Reward them with praise and petting when they stop trying to kiss you
- Say a firm “No kiss” and turn your head when they try to lick you
- Ignore them when they demand kisses for attention
- Wipe your face and hands after they kiss you to remove the tempting scent
- Keep treats handy to distract them into another behavior instead of kissing
With time and consistency, dogs can learn that calm, gentle kisses are fine but pushy, excessive kissing doesn’t earn rewards. But for most owners, their dog’s sloppy kisses are a small price to pay for their unconditional love and companionship!
Conclusion
Why do some dogs seem so obsessed with smothering their owners in kisses? There are many possible motivations, from excitement to stress relief to attention seeking. While excessive doggie kisses can be discouraged, they are also a sign of your dog’s affection for you. For those dog owners happy to receive doggie kisses, they are a daily reminder of the powerful bond between humans and canines.