Why does my dog lick my arm?
This is a question that we often get from sitters and owners who work with Rover. Help the community out by answering them in our forum!
2 Answers
Your dog is probably just showing affection and grooming you.
Licking is appeasement behavior in dogs.
You may notice that when dogs meet, some may put their ears down and lick the mouth or chin of other dogs? This is a signal that says things like, "I am a puppy, don't hurt me" "You are the boss" "I worship you"
It's like groveling.
Dogs often do it if they feel we are mad.
It's not like human smooching.
If you have a dog who licks a LOT, all the time, then it may be your dog is lacking confidence. Laughing and shooing the dog away is the best way to deal with it. You want your dog to feel more comfortable with you, like she or he does not have to constantly worship you. That is a more healthy relationship. You can work on building your dog's confidence, and re-direct with chew toys or playing a game or going for walks...after the dog backs off, sits, or ceases the licking...you have to be careful that you don't reward licking.
Comments
That's disgusting. They're not grovelling. They're showing you're in charge. That's not the same thing. And you don't laugh at them for anything. They're showing love and affection. If they like it, let them do it. There's no harm in it, and they also like the salt on your skin.
Your arm may have a salty flavor from sweat which appeals to your dog. Your dog may be grooming you - an act of love