23
Sep
What Does It Mean When Dogs Lick Your Arm. So now you know why dogs lick humans. Humans may unintentionally train their dogs to lick by rewarding the behavior with affection according to Dodman. On the other hand if you discourage the dog from licking then the dog begins to understand that you do not like it and stops the licking behavior soon after. There may also be an element of begging as your dog knows good treats are found in your hands.
Dogs might lick your face if they can get to it. Our hands may bear traces of food or oils that your dog will love to lick up. Its possible for the dog to engage in obsessive-compulsive-like licking according to Lisa Radosta DVM DACVB. By then they might understand who likes their licking habit and who doesnt. You may notice that when dogs meet some may put their ears down and lick the mouth or chin of other dogs. Your dog tells you that he trusts you as he licks your hands and looks lovingly at you.
Our hands may bear traces of food or oils that your dog will love to lick up.
As the hands are what we use to pat and stroke dogs its also probable that licks here are to show gratitude and affection to you. American Veterinarian states that senior dogs who develop behaviors like excessive licking may do so because of musculoskeletal problems although they usually lick their own joints or feet if this is the case. However that doesnt mean they may stop doing that to other people. Even when you come after working all day your dog will be there to greet you with a loving lick. If your dog gets a reaction from you for biting your arms and is ignored when hes got a toy hes going to go for your arms instead. On the other hand if you discourage the dog from licking then the dog begins to understand that you do not like it and stops the licking behavior soon after.