Dogs are lickers. Dogs are inquisitive creatures as well. Aside from the nose, the tongue is used by these animals to get acquainted and to explore their environment. Dogs are much loved pets. However, while some owners would gladly welcome being licked by the pet, others would find the licking habit of the dog distasteful. Dogs after all drink from toilet bowls and eat feces. It is possible to “untrain” the dog but wouldn’t you want to know why your dog likes to lick to lick your face?

The compulsive liking habit of the dog was learned from its mother. Mother dogs lick the anal area to encourage defecation and urination. The mother dog licks the puppies clean as well. Of course the mother dog licks the puppies as a sign of affection and approval. Puppies have learned that by licking they will be allowed to nurse. As the puppies get older, licking the mother’s mouth means feeding of regurgitated food.

Dogs are very affectionate animals. They form a strong bond with their master. When a dog licks you it is showing its affection.

An attention starved dog would bark and destroy things by chewing. Be thankful if the pet that is seeking attention and approval would merely jump at you and slather your face with sloppy kisses.

Dogs are highly attuned to the feelings of its master. These intelligent animals would know if the master is happy or sad. Have you ever considered the possibility that the dog may be licking you to offer its one ounce worth of comfort when you are troubled and sad?

In the wild, dogs lower in rank lick the alpha male as a sign of submission. We love our but there are instances when we are exasperated by their actions. An owner will certainly be annoyed if the dog has decided to help its master with gardening. The licking is the dog’s way of saying I’m sorry. It is also acknowledging the master position as the leader of the pack.

Not all dog owners would appreciate the slobbery tongue of the dog. So how would you stop the dog from licking off the cream on your face or the lotion on your arms? One very easy way is applying hot sauce in the skin most licked by the dog. Stop the licking habit by yelping as if in pain every time the dog licks you. The dog will eventually stop the licking habit if it sees that the licking displeases you.