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key point:
- A dog can tell you what it needs, how it feels, and many other things by licking.
- Certain types of licking can be a sign of a medical condition.
- If your dog’s licking becomes excessive, you can divert your dog’s licking energy to another active activity.
A happy dog will always try to lick you. Your hand is the first lick target. There are many reasons for this canine behavior. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior will make you love and appreciate your dog more.
So, you may be wondering, “Why is my dog licking my hand?” Let’s break down the question and see why this behavior is a great way to create a stronger bond between you and your furry companion.
1. Is licking your hand a way of communicating with you?
Dogs don’t use words, but they use actions. Licking is a quick and easy way to let you know how your dog is feeling or thinking. The intensity and pattern of licking varies. Your dog may want to tell you something positive or negative.
a greeting
Greeting you when you wake up or come home is a common occasion for your dog to lick your hand. This just lets you know how happy he is that you arrived safely. Your dog will miss you when you are gone. Drooling on your hand when you arrive is a loving greeting. Licking one’s hand is also a way of greeting other friendly dogs. It’s a lot like a hug on the cheek or a social kiss between humans.
a way of measuring mood
Dogs have a keen sense of taste and smell. Research has shown that dogs can sense human energy. They can read you if you are hostile, calm, happy or even anxious. Your dog will lick your hand to see how you are doing. Dogs remember when a person is unkind or violent. They can smell the chemical changes in your pheromones. Fluctuations that the sensitive tongue reads can tell a dog that a person is malicious.
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Whenever he arrives, the pack will lick the leader of the pack. They lick his mouth to show companionship, obedience and obedience. This applies to other canines, including dogs. At home, you are the leader of the pack. As a descendant of wolves, your dog will lick your hand as a sign of welcome. Licking your hand shows your dog obeys you. It can relieve your dog’s anxiety caused by being away from you for some time.
2. Does the action express how your dog is feeling?
Animal behaviorists say licking your hand is one way your dog shows affection. When they do, dogs release endorphins to calm themselves down. In a way, your dog’s licks are kisses. Your dog licks your hand in response to your affection. As long as you return your dog’s affection, he will continue to lick your hand.
Empathy
Your dog can also practice empathy. When you’re sad or stressed, licking your hand is a way of showing sympathy. Research shows that dogs are able to empathize with their humans. After all, they do it to each other and everyone else. That’s why dogs are ideal emotional support or therapy animals.
3. Can licking your hand remind your dog of his nature?
Dogs have always had their origin and nature, even when their pet parents try to humanize them. Getting back to their basic behavior is a kind of refuge. Licking is a natural behavior for dogs. Licking your hand may be a reminder of your dog’s nature.
infancy
Dog mothers often lick their puppies. This behavior nurtures and grooms puppies. Believe it or not, dogs are capable of experiencing nostalgia. Dogs recall the joy of their childhood. They reminisce by licking your hand. Your dog may recall the security of having littermates and a mother dog.
packaging behavior
After the hunt, the adult wolves return to the pack. Puppies and weak pack members lick the mouths of returning wolves. This stimulates wolves to regurgitate their meat. Likewise, your dog will lick your hand. This behavior is part of your dog’s DNA. You are the leader. That’s why your dog licks your hand when you arrive.
grooming behavior
Bonded pack members show affection and strengthen their bond by licking each other. Adult wolves groom their young and other adults. Your dog will try to groom you by licking your hand. This is your dog’s way of showing you that he cares about you and is ready to protect you.
4. Could this behavior be an attempt to taste your hand?
Dogs have neophilia, which is an attraction to fun and new smells. Your dog may start licking your hand when you come out of the kitchen or bring home some food. Even if you wipe your hands with a damp washcloth, the smell of your hands can still be strong for dogs. They lick your hands to taste what you eat.
Train Your Dog If Licking Is Too Much
Some pet parents think hand licking is fine. Others may find it a bit excessive. If this is the case, you can train your dog to greet you in a more positive way. Using food or toys can help you do this.
5. Does licking tell you that your dog needs attention?
Your dog may need your attention. Licking your hand is an easy way to tell you to respond with love and attention. This will encourage your dog to lick you more. Your dog may also lick your hand to tell you to give him some food or treat. This behavior is similar to wolf pups’ version of licking their mother’s mouth after a hunt. Licking can trigger regurgitation of food.
6. Can licking be caused by medical reasons?
There may be an underlying medical problem. This can lead to excessive licking. It may have symptoms similar to behavioral licking. Possible medical causes of excessive hand licking are:
- Allergy
- Infect
- parasite
- Injuried
- arthritis
- stomach problems
- Anxiety and OCD
- boring
Licking may not be unique to hands. It can also be extended to different surfaces. This behavior triggers the release of endorphins. It reduces pain and discomfort. You could liken it to rubbing lightly when you’re in pain.
Seek help from your veterinarian if licking is a problem
Licking is usually harmless. It may still be a form of expression rather than a form of domination. According to animal behaviorists, it’s actually a sign of submissiveness. Licking is a behavior of submissive wolf pack members.
Even so, there are instances where your dog may lick more than normal for some pet parents. Some people don’t like being licked by pets. People who are clean freaks or afraid of germs tend to cringe when dogs approach them. If this is the case, you can redirect your dog’s licking behavior to another positive greeting. Excessive licking can be a form of self-stimulation. Your dog may be bored or need veterinary attention.
Your veterinarian can examine your dog to detect and treat any medical problems. If your veterinarian has ruled out a medical problem, behavioral therapy can begin. Changing the activity is an option. Instead of licking, you can encourage your dog to solve puzzles or walk with you. Teaching your dog tricks is also an option.
Consistency and repetition are important in redirecting your dog’s behavior. Some dogs may take some time to learn the substitute behavior of licking. Others may change in some training sessions. Remember, your dog just wants to be with you. You can easily change your dog’s behavior as long as the activity involves your company.
Stopping excessive licking is important to your dog’s overall health. This behavior can irritate the skin and cause hair loss or hot spots. Scolding your dog does nothing to train him. Positive reinforcement is key. You can stop excessive licking by rewarding your dog after showing good behavior. One effective method is to reward the licking when it stops.
Products That Can Help You Appreciate or Redirect Your Dog’s Hand Licking
Your dog will always lick your hand every chance he gets. You can reward your dog with dog jerky treats. Buy a quality dog toy basket filled with the most durable dog toys you can find. Taking your dog out for a run or hike is also a bonus. Make your adventures easier with the best hands free dog pet leash. If you think your dog’s hands are licking too much, you can use the best dog tranquilizers on the market to distract your dog.
in conclusion
Hand licking is a form of greeting, interest and empathy. If you think it’s too much, you can redirect your dog’s licking energy to another positive energy. There are products that can help you do this. Consulting a veterinarian can also help. Otherwise, you can enjoy your dog’s affection and further strengthen your bond with each other.
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I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.