Why does my dog lick my face?

One minute you’re getting a waggy-tailed welcome home, the next your dog’s giving your face a thorough wash. But why do dogs love licking us so much?

Is it a sign of affection? A way of getting your attention? Or simply part of being a dog? Let’s take a closer look at one of our dogs’ most familiar behaviours.

It’s a natural instinct

Licking is one of the ways dogs communicate with one another. Puppies lick their mother, while adult dogs may lick each other as a sign of submission, reassurance or social bonding. Although our dogs live very different lives today, many of these natural behaviours are still part of how they interact with the world around them.

They’re asking for your attention

Whether it’s walkies, a treat or a fuss, a lick to the face can be your dog’s not-so-subtle way of getting your attention. If it works once, there’s a good chance they’ll try it again.

It’s a sign of affection

Dogs learn from an early age that licking is part of bonding. When puppies are born, their mother licks them to help clean them and stimulate breathing and circulation. As they grow, littermates often lick one another as part of their early social interactions.

So, if your dog is licking your face, it could simply be their way of saying, “I ruff you.”

They like your reaction

If your dog licks your face and you laugh, smile, cuddle them or give them a scratch behind the ears, they’re getting exactly what they were hoping for – your attention. Before long, they learn that face licking is a great way to get a positive response.

They like the taste

As strange as it sounds, our skin can be surprisingly interesting to dogs. It carries familiar scents, traces of food and, after exercise, the salty taste of sweat, all of which can encourage a curious lick.

How can I stop my dog licking my face?

If you’d rather keep the face licks to a minimum, here are a few things you can try:

• Don’t reward the behaviour – If your dog doesn’t get the reaction they’re looking for, they’re less likely to keep trying.
• Offer something else to focus on – A favourite toy or a long-lasting chew can be a great distraction.
• Freshen up after exercise – If you’ve just been for a run or workout, washing away sweat may make your face a little less tempting.

Consistency is key, so everyone in the household should respond in the same way.

Is it a problem if my dog licks me?

Licking is a completely natural behaviour for dogs and, in most cases, isn’t anything to worry about. However, if your dog’s licking becomes excessive or is difficult to manage, it’s worth speaking to your vet or a registered canine behaviourist. They can help you understand what’s driving the behaviour and recommend the most appropriate next steps.