Our dogs communicate with us and each other using non-verbal communication. As the leader of our dogs’ pack, we must try to understand their cues. Communication with dogs is like trying to understand an alien species with whom we share our world and the responsibility falls to the humans to try to make “first contact.” Better appreciation of what your dog is trying to tell you helps improve your relationship and your bond as best friends.
Even if lip licking behavior is not your favorite means of communication, it can help to know why your dog might be licking you so you can respond appropriately.
Most dog people agree that there can be several reasons to explain this behavior.
Social Bonding- In the non-verbal animal kingdom, mutual grooming is a sign of affection that strengthens family and pack bonds. It is shared between parents, offspring and other family members. The act of licking and being licked stimulates a release of positive hormones for dogs. Studies have shown that for many species, social grooming stimulates oxytocin (a hormone associated with bonding and emotional attachment). So your dog might be saying, “I love and need you.”
Accepting and reaffirming your position as the alpha dog– If you watch footage of wild canines, you will see that the lower ranked members will frequently greet those of higher rank with a submissive posture and face licking. Your dog might be telling you, “I am glad you are here and I want you to feel secure in the fact that I am not challenging your dominance.”
Motivates Teamwork- A study in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology explored the hypothesis that intimate behavior (grooming, licking, preening, etc.) motivates participants to coordinate actions directed towards a shared goal that enhances each individual’s fitness. So your dog may be encouraging you to join them in an activity that meets both of your physiological needs. This could be playing, finding food or any other basic need you might be able to work together to meet. He could be saying, “Let’s go play or hunt or build a den. We are a team.”
Hunger- Some people have postulated that a dog licking the face of its human is an indicator that the dog is hungry and he is falling back on the juvenile reaction to the presence of a mother dog who would then regurgitate food for the pups in response to the touch. She may be asking for you act as her provider and protector. “I am hungry and I know you can meet my needs.”
Whatever you think is your dog’s reason for licking your face, studies have definitely confirmed that it’s good sign- a positive response of a dog to the introduction of a familiar human to its environment. Another study published in Physiology and Behavior in January 2014 explains that, to the dog, “his humans” are the most important feature of his environment that influences his well-being. The scientists measured hormones associated with bonding and stress in the study dogs as they responded to the arrival of a person familiar to the dogs. Oxytocin increased when the dogs saw “their person” and cortisol (a stress related hormone) decreased. When the person initiated and accepted physical contact with the dogs, the response was more marked.
Science supports the idea that your dog loves you and her licking of your face is probably one of ways she can show you.
