you at all—they’re simply investigating a smell or taste.
- Your Dog May Want Your Attention
If licking consistently results in you talking, petting, laughing, or looking at your dog, your dog may learn that licking gets a reaction.Turn On SafeSearch
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Over time, the behavior can become a reliable way of saying:
“Pay attention to me!”
- Licking Can Be a Calming Behavior
Dogs sometimes lick when they are uncertain, excited, or trying to communicate that they aren’t looking for conflict.
Pay attention to the rest of the body language. Lip licking, yawning, turning the head away, lowered posture, or avoiding eye contact can sometimes accompany stress or discomfort.
- Your Dog May Simply Have Learned the Habit
Sometimes there isn’t a complicated explanation. If licking has been rewarded with attention over time, it can simply become part of your dog’s routine.
Every dog is
