what does....

[matti]

what does it mean when your dog gives you a tongue bath?

[aly]

It means they looooooooooove you.

Either that or they think you're dirty!

[Sudilar]

Or you're salty!

[carrie]

Licking actually develops from the time your dog is a puppy. It is an instinctive action meant to provide the stimulus for the adult members of the pack to regurgitate partly digested food. As most of our dogs are pets and never quite make it to alpha status they continue this behaviour as a sign of submission and affection. Some humans seem to find this behaviour appealing and reinforce it by their response to it.

[KayAnn]

Carrie, you beat me to it!! i was going try and sound smart for you guys to explain what licking means on the face, but u beat me
oh well.. i guess im just slow.

[RachelJ]

Some humans seem to find this behaviour appealing and reinforce it by their response to it.[/QB]

Yes, and some of those humans are right here on Pet Talk and I'll be the first one to come forward.

[carrie]

Caught again!!!!!
As soon as I wrote that I thought, "Maybe you should leave that bit out?"
I know loads of you love "kisses" with your dogs, that's fine, really. I wasn't trying to say anything against it, honest. As I keep saying being subtle isn't my strong point (please, please let me find what it IS soon!!). The point I was trying to make is that many dogs will continue with the behaviour as a direct response to the owners attitude to it.
It is a form of appeasement (something I, personally don't like to see in my dogs) between wild canids and often misinterpreted by people - that's all.
If you are happy with it and your dog is otherwise secure then fair enough.

[RachelJ]

Originally posted by carrie:
<STRONG>Caught again!!!!!
I wasn't trying to say anything against it, honest. As I keep saying being subtle isn't my strong point (please, please let me find what it IS soon!!). .</STRONG>

Carrie, your strong points are obvious. You are a generous, generous person , taking time and energy to share your knowledge and expertise with the lot of us here at Pet Talk. You have a wonderful wit which brings a smile to my face on numerous occasions. You have a compassionate side that comes to the front when needed. You have a wonderful command of the English language that sets the standard for which the rest of us should strive. You are direct and honest, two characteristics I hold in the highest esteem. You are opinionated and so am I hence I never take offense at what you say, but always have to point out when our opinions differ

[carrie]

RachelJ, thank you so much! Whew, I'm flattered beyond words....except to say the cheque is in the post!!!