Why Does My Dog Lick Me In The Morning? A Guide to Understanding This Behavior
Do you often wake up to find your dog licking your face? If so, you’re not alone! This behavior is actually quite common. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind why dogs lick their owners in the morning. We will also provide some tips on how to discourage this behavior. So, why does my dog lick me in the morning? Let’s find out!
Instinct to lick
Dogs have an instinct to lick. When they are born, their mother licks them clean and stimulates their elimination. Puppies learn a lot from licking – it’s how they explore their world. Dogs also use licking as a way to show submission and respect to their pack leader – which is you!
But why does your dog continue to lick you even after they’ve grown up? It could be that your dog sees you as part of their pack and feels the need to show you affection and submission. Or, it could simply be that your dog enjoys the taste of your skin! Many dogs enjoy the salty taste of human skin, which might explain why some people say their dogs “kiss” them. [1]
Whatever the reason, if you don’t enjoy being licked by your dog, there are a few things you can do to deter this behavior. Try giving your dog a chew toy or bone to lick instead of your skin. You can also try saying “no” firmly and redirecting your dog’s attention to something else when they start to lick you. With a little patience and training, your dog will soon learn that licking is not always welcome!
Why do dogs lick?
Dogs lick because it feels good! It’s a natural way for them to express themselves and can be a sign of affection. Dogs also lick to show submission, as licking is often seen as a submissive behavior in the animal world. It might be your dog’s way of saying “good morning” and showing you affection if they lick you in the morning.
Of course, there are some downsides to dog licking as well. If your dog licks you too much, it can actually cause skin irritation or even open wounds. And if your dog licks something that’s dirty, they can transfer harmful bacteria to you which can make you sick. So it’s important to be aware of your dog’s licking habits and make sure they’re not putting you at risk. [2]
Licking can be a sign of stress in some dogs. If your dog is excessively licking himself or you, it might be an indication that he is feeling anxious or stressed. If you think this might be the case, talk to your veterinarian about ways to help reduce your dog’s stress levels.
Showing affection
Dogs licking is one way of showing affection. Your dog’s morning kisses are his way of expressing his love and affection for you. Dogs also lick because they like the taste of their owner’s skin. They may also be trying to tell their owner something by licking. For example, a dog may lick his owner’s hand to say I’m hungry or I need to go outside.
Showing empathy and concern
To get attention
Licking us is one of the most frequent reasons dogs seek our attention. Pets can be pretty intuitive, and they quickly learn that certain behaviors result in a response from us. If your dog knows that giving you a few licks gets you to pet them or talk to them, they’ll likely continue doing it!
We taste good
To a dog, we taste as we smell. And to them, we smell really good. In fact, to a dog, our scent is like a fine wine. They love the way we smell and they want to savor it as much as possible by licking us.
Why Does My Dog Lick Me In The Morning?
Have you ever been woken up by your dog licking your face? Or maybe you’ve noticed that your dog likes to give you a good licking right after you wake up in the morning. While it might be a little bit annoying, there’s actually a reason behind this behavior.
Below there are some potential reasons your dog might be licking you in the morning.
Alarm Clock
One potential reason your dog licks you in the morning is because they’ve learned that this is how you wake up. If you usually wake up to the sound of an alarm clock, your dog might start to associate that noise with getting up for the day. And since licking your face is one of their favorite things to do, they’ll probably try to do it as soon as they hear the alarm clock go off.
If this is the case, there’s not really anything you need to do about it. Just be prepared for a little bit of licking each morning when you wake up!
You Are Needed Or Wanted For Something
The most likely reason your dog is licking you in the morning is that they . It could be that they’re hungry and want breakfast, or they need to go outside to relieve themselves. If you can’t immediately figure out what your dog wants, take a moment to observe their body language and see if there are any clues as to what they might need.
Once you’ve determined what it is your dog needs or wants, go ahead and give them what they’re asking for. If you satisfy their initial request, it’s likely that the licking will stop altogether.
He Is Being Encouraged By Your Reaction
One of the reasons your dog may lick you in the morning is because he is encouraged by your reaction. If you react positively to their licking, such as by petting them or speaking to them in a happy voice, they will likely continue doing it because it gets them the attention they crave. Dogs enjoy interacting with humans. If you are positive towards them when they lick you, they will likely continue to do so.
Try to ignore his licking behavior and see if it stops.
Even When We’re Sweet, We’re Salty
When your dog licks you in the morning, they may be trying to get a taste of something sweet. Dogs love the taste of salt and sugar, just like we do. So if you’ve been eating anything salty or sweet, your dog may be trying to lick it off your skin.
Because of Love
Your dog may also be trying to tell you something. Dogs communicate through body language and they use licking as a way to show their affection. When your dog licks you in the morning, they may simply be trying to say “I love you”!
As we mentioned before, licking is a way for dogs to communicate their affection. If your dog licks you in the morning, it’s likely because they love you and want to show you how much they care.
Dogs are incredibly loyal creatures and they form strong bonds with their owners. When you wake up in the morning, your dog may see you as the leader of their pack. They may lick you as a sign of respect and submission. [3]
When is licking a problem?
Generally, licking is not a problem. Licking can be considered a problem when it becomes excessive or when it causes you physical discomfort.
There are some situations where licking may be considered problematic:
- When the licking is excessive and/or causes you physical discomfort
- When the licking is a sign of anxiety or a compulsive disorder
- When the licking is due to an underlying medical condition such as allergies or an infection
If you are concerned about your dog’s licking behavior, please consult with your veterinarian.
What can I do about problem licking?
Now we know a few things about licking, let’s talk about what you can do if your dog licks excessively or in an inconvenient way.
Move away
The first thing you can do is to move away from your dog if he starts licking you. This will send a clear message that you don’t appreciate the licking behavior.
Be careful not to push your dog away as this could be interpreted as playing. Instead, calmly stand up and walk away from him.
If your dog continues to lick after you’ve moved away, then you may need to use harsher measures.
Yelling or hitting your dog is never recommended as it will only make the problem worse and damage your relationship with your pet.
Distract them
If your dog is fixated on licking you and won’t stop, one way to try and break the behavior is to distract them. Get their attention with a toy or treat, and then praise them when they take their focus off of you. If you can redirect their licking behavior to something else, like a Kong toy filled with peanut butter, that’s even better.
Training
One of the best ways to train your dog not to lick you is by using positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your dog when they display the desired behavior, such as not licking you. The most common way to do this is with treats, but you can also use verbal praise or petting as rewards.
Another way to get your dog to stop licking you is to make sure they’re getting enough exercise. If your pup is getting plenty of physical activity throughout the day, they’ll be less likely to want to lick you for stimulation. Go for long walks, runs, or hikes together, play fetch or tug-of-war, or enroll them in a dog agility class.
Finally, make sure you’re providing your dog with plenty of mental stimulation as well. Dogs can get bored just like humans, and if they’re not given enough to do, they may start licking you as a way to relieve boredom. Try interactive dog toys that encourage them to think, such as puzzle feeders, and give them plenty of opportunities to socialize with other dogs.
Stay clean
Dogs have a keen sense of smell and can often tell when you’ve been sweating or rolling around in something smelly. When they lick you, they’re trying to clean you off and make you smell more like them. This is especially common among dogs who live in close quarters with their owners, such as service dogs or those in the military.
Positive attention
If your dog licks you in the morning, it’s most likely because they perceive it as a method to gain positive attention from you. Dogs crave companionship and interaction, so if they feel like they’re not getting enough attention from you, they may try to seek it out in other ways – including licking. If you think this might be the reason why your dog is licking you in the morning, try to give them more attention throughout the day and see if that stops the behavior. [4]
Be consistent
The morning is the perfect time for your dog to start getting used to a daily routine. If you want your dog to stop licking you in the morning, be consistent with how you greet them each day. Dogs thrive on routines and predictability, so if you vary how you interact with them from one day to the next, they can get confused.
One way to be consistent is to set aside a specific time each morning for your dog’s licking behavior. For example, if you usually let your dog lick your face when you first wake up, continue doing that but add a cue like “lick” or “kisses” so they know what to expect. Once they finish licking, give them a treat and move on with your day.
If you stick to this strategy, your dog will realize that licking is only permitted at specific times and not first thing in the morning. They may still try to lick you in the morning as part of their daily routine, but if you consistently ignore them or redirect their behavior, they’ll eventually give up.
Another way to be consistent is to never allow your dog to lick your face in the morning, no matter what. This can be tough if you have a dog who is especially enthusiastic about licking faces, but it’s important to be firm.
FAQ
Should I let my dog lick my face?
While there is debate as to whether or not it is okay for your dog to lick your face, the general consensus seems to be that it’s not ideal. Dogs licking human faces can transmit harmful bacteria, including those that cause skin infections like MRSA. [5]
Do dogs understand when you kiss them?
It’s hard to say for certain whether dogs understand the concept of kissing, but they definitely enjoy the attention and physical affection. When you kiss your dog, you’re essentially telling them that they’re loved and valued. This is a very important message for any dog to receive, and it’s one of the reasons why kisses can be such an effective way to bond with your furry friend.
Of course, every dog is different, and some may not be as fond of kisses as others. If your dog doesn’t seem to enjoy being kissed, that’s okay!
How do dogs choose their favorite person?
Dogs usually choose a favorite person based on who is the most attentive to their needs. For example, if you are the one who always fills their bowl with food or takes them for walks, they are likely to see you as their favorite. However, this doesn’t mean that your dog will never show affection to anyone else. They may just show more of it to you because you have established yourself as a reliable source of care.
There are a few other factors that can influence a dog’s choice of favorite person. If someone in the family is home more often than others, the dog may bond with them more simply because they spend more time together. Additionally, some dogs develop strong attachments to people who are especially good at providing physical affection, such as scratches behind the ears or belly rubs.
In most cases, a dog’s favorite person is someone who shows them consistent love and attention.
Useful Video: Why Does My DOG LICK ME? 🐶👅 (Face, Feet, Hand and Ear Licking)
Conclusion
So, why does my dog lick me in the morning?
There are a few reasons that your dog may be licking you in the morning. It could be a sign of affection, or they may simply enjoy the taste of your skin. If your dog is excessively licking you or seems to be doing it for no reason, it could be a sign of anxiety or stress. If you’re concerned about your dog’s licking behavior, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you rule out any medical causes and provide guidance on how to address the behavior.
Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful in understanding why dogs lick their humans in the morning.
References:
- https://wigglywisdom.com/why-does-my-dog-lick-in-the-morning/
- https://stayyy.com/why-does-my-dog-lick-me-in-the-morning/
- https://palmypaws.com/why-does-my-dog-lick-me-in-the-morning/
- https://dogsandclogs.com/why-does-my-dog-lick-me-when-i-wake-up/
- https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/22/us/should-you-let-your-dog-lick-your-face.html