31
Jul
What Does It Mean When Dogs Lick Your Hands. It could be compared to the very same feeling and sense of security a child has when their parents hug or kiss them. They will also groom others such as when a mother dog licks her puppies. If your dog did not always lick your hands it would help to consider what else happened when it first started doing it. In some cases however this welcome licking can also arise out of a blend of welcome feelings and the aforementioned feelings of subordination.
While compulsive disorder is relatively uncommon licking is a universal social signal among dogs. Dogs lick your hands to show affection and get your attention. Dogs will often groom themselves by licking. Weaker dogs lick the stronger ones and show their loyalty in that way. Habitual licking is probably a combination of evolutionary derived behavior and learned reinforced behavior. According to one theory dogs that live in packs lick each other as a sign of friendship but also to show submissiveness.
However the answer to why dogs lick is not as simple as people may think rather there are multiple meanings that can be attributed to one of the most instinctive gestures of mans best friend.
It could be compared to the very same feeling and sense of security a child has when their parents hug or kiss them. By licking you your pooch is letting you know how appreciated you are. There are different reasons why dogs lick your hands. Weaker dogs lick the stronger ones and show their loyalty in that way. Constant licking may indicate a compulsive disorder. In some cases however this welcome licking can also arise out of a blend of welcome feelings and the aforementioned feelings of subordination.