My dog never licks

[minkyboodle]

My dog never licks people's faces like most dogs do. I always wonder why this is and if it is abnormal or what? I don't ever remember her licking at all. She will lick feet and sometimes my legs, and if she is really excited she will lick my hands just a tiny bit. But that is about it...

Anyone have any ideas?

[Shelteez2]

My dogs don't really lick either.

Emily will if I ask for a kiss (which I rarely do), but she'll only just give a quick lick.

Clipse almost never ever ever licks.

I don't mind as I don't really like dogs licking me, but that's just me.

[lovemybostons]

I know what you mean. One of my boston terriers would give people "kisses" 24/7 if you let her but the other one only gives "kisses" occassionally. My mom has 2 pugs and neither one of them ever lick. I think it just depends on the dog. Also, if you didn't get her from a pup her previous owners may have discouraged licking. I don't know those are just some guesses.

[clara4457]

To some dogs, licking the face (or muzzle) is an appeasment behavior. Maybe your dog feels so comfortable with you that it doesn't feel the need to appease you. Some dogs do it as a stress relief to lessen their anxiety. Some dogs do it just "because" they like it.

I wouldn't worry about it - neither of my dogs really do it all that much. Penny Lane will occasionally do it to the vet techs (stress relief) and Leo will give kisses if I ask her to. My RB dog Buster would lick my face all the time. It just kind of depends on the dog.

[Tina]

Well I think your lucky! Ginger is always trying to lick someone in the face! And I know that not everyone likes when she does it.

Oh, I don't mind it to much. I just don't really care for when she tries to lick me on the mouth. I just consider her a over friendly dog. LOL

[anna_66]

I wouldn't worry if she doesn't lick. Angus never does either

[minkyboodle]

At least it is nice to know there are other dogs out there who don't lick either. My dog really is the only one who has never tried to lick anyone's face.

i really like it since it makes people more comfortable with her.

I love my lil baby!!

Thanks everyone for your replies.

[tikeyas_mom]

my siberian husky and my great dane *both females* love to give kisses, but my male dog, oscar, *shih tzu* doesnt really like it, inless you have somthing sweet on your lips like lip gloss...

[WWFanz]

Kody doesn't really "give kisses" either. On occassion he'll lick my feet or hands, but that's about it. Griz is the total opposite. Whenever you put your face near him he'll lick you. As soon as you come in the door, he's at the door, ready to jump at you and then lick you to death.

[carrie]

This is not something to worry about - there are many reasons that your dog is not a licker - and believe me, it is much easier dealing with a none licker!

If you have a deep need for your dog to lick then it is a behaviour that can be taught. Treat it as any other training and think of the restaraints before you think of the end result! This is one behaviour - if you are a strong Alpha - that I agree food can be useful.

Baby food is the best thing to use in this instance as you can dot it in tiny amounts wherever. Be sure that you ask for a behaviour the dog knows first.

[G.P.girl]

i don't thin kit's that big a deal, my dog never used to lick even if i would tell her to (unless i had some kind of food on my hand)