Why Do Dogs Lick You?

If you live with a dog, chances are you’ve been licked—on the hand, the face, the feet, or whatever body part happened to be within tongue range. Sometimes it’s cute. Other times, you’re wondering if your dog’s trying to give you a full-on bath.

So what’s the deal?
Why do dogs lick us, and is it something we should be worried about?

Let’s break it down—with a little help from my own two enthusiastic lickers, Reggie and Dolly.

1. It’s How They Communicate

Dogs use licking the same way they’d interact with other dogs in a pack. It’s part of how they say “I like you” or “you’re in charge.” Licking can mean affection, respect, or even a little submission.

When Dolly licks my hand after I’ve told her to sit, I know she’s not just being sweet—she’s also saying, “Okay, I get it, you’re the boss here.”
It’s a natural, instinctive behaviour passed down from their wild ancestors.

2. You Taste Good. Seriously.

Yep. As unflattering as it sounds, you’re delicious.

Our skin carries the salty taste of sweat, the smell of our natural oils, and sometimes—let’s be honest—a few crumbs from that sandwich we ate too quickly.

Dogs are scent-driven creatures, and your scent is basically their favourite smell in the world. Combine that with a hint of salt, and it’s no surprise they want to give you a lick.

3. It’s a Learned Behaviour (AKA: You Reward It)

Here’s the big one—and most of us don’t even realise we’re doing it.

Every time your dog licks you and you respond—whether it’s by laughing, petting them, talking to them, or even just paying attention—you’re reinforcing the behavior.
Even pushing them away or saying "no" can be interpreted as attention, which still counts as a reward in dog logic.

So if you’re wondering why the licking seems to be ramping up lately… it might be because your dog thinks you love it.

4. It Soothes Them

Licking can be self-soothing for dogs. It helps them manage stress, boredom, or anxiety. Kind of like how some people bite their nails or twirl their hair, dogs might lick to calm themselves down.

If your dog licks not just you, but the sofa, the floor, their paws, or pretty much everything, it could be their way of coping with something.

5. It Can Become a Compulsive Habit

While licking isn’t usually a problem, it can become one if it’s excessive or obsessive.

If your dog is licking you (or themselves) constantly, to the point where it’s interfering with their day—or yours—it might be a sign of:

• Anxiety

• Lack of stimulation

• A skin condition

• Digestive discomfort

• Behavioural compulsions

In these cases, it’s worth chatting with your vet or a behaviourist to get to the root of it.

What Can You Do If It’s Too Much?

Let’s be honest—while a few kisses from your dog are usually harmless and sweet, not everyone loves getting licked. And if it’s happening all the time, it can get annoying, unhygienic, or even uncomfortable.

Here’s how to gently dial it back:

Ignore the Lick

Seriously. Don’t react—no talking, laughing, or even eye contact.
Pull your hand away, turn your back, or calmly walk off.

Reward the Calm

Once your dog has stopped licking and is calm (tongue in, feet on the floor), give them a treat, praise, or affection.
That way, they learn that not licking is what gets your attention.

Be Consistent

If you ignore it one time but giggle and pet them the next, you’re just confusing them. Make sure everyone in the house is on the same page too.

Provide Alternatives

Give them a chew toy, puzzle feeder, or snuffle mat to redirect that licking energy.
Sometimes they’re just bored or need a different outlet.

At the end of the day, licking is totally natural for dogs—and most of the time, it’s just their quirky, slobbery way of showing love. But if it’s starting to feel a bit much (or a bit gross), you’re not being mean by setting some boundaries.

Reggie still sneaks in the occasional sneaky tongue to the face, but now he knows he’ll get more attention without going full lizard-mode.

So next time your pup starts licking, just remember: they’re not being weird. They’re being a dog.

But you also get to decide how much of that love you’re prepared to accept.

For any further help and advice please contact us on 01484 246420 and why not join our social media channels and online community on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube.

With Wags and Woofs,

Laura, Dolly & Reggie