![]() This behavior is a part of the complex social language of dogs, where licking can serve multiple purposes, including showing respect, seeking attention, or attempting to pacify. The term “kiss and dismiss” in dog behavior refers to a specific interaction pattern where a dog may approach a person or another dog, offer a lick (the “kiss”), which is a gesture of appeasement or affection, and then turn away or leave (the “dismiss”). An example of when this happens is when your dog has a favorite chew toy and doesn’t really want anybody around while they are busy with their chewie. If they don’t follow your hands, they may prefer some time alone. If they follow it for more petting, then they want to interact. If you aren’t sure if your dog is licking your hand because they want cuddles, or as a “kiss and dismiss” signal, just remove your hand. Sometimes dogs my lick a hand briefly and turn away (or look away) because they’re trying to politely say “please go away now.” Not all hand licking means that a dog is greeting you and wants to cuddle or to be petted. Respect: In this context, licking is a respectful gesture, a way for dogs to show they are not a threat and are submitting to your authority.Submission: A lick can signal submission or deference, acknowledging your status as a higher-ranking member of the household pack.It’s akin to a handshake in human interaction, showing greeting and acceptance.This behavior serves as a social glue, bonding them with their pack leader and peers. Greeting: Dogs often lick as a friendly hello, mirroring the ritual of wolves’ muzzle licking. Understanding these behaviors can deepen the bond between you and your canine friend. When a dog licks your hand, they’re engaging in complex communication and social signaling that reflects their emotions and intentions. They’re saying, “Hey, you’re pretty awesome, and I’m glad you’re here!” It’s their own sweet, slobbery style of saying they care and want to be close to you. So next time your pup lavishes your hand with licks, remember, they’re communicating in their canine way. Dogs learn a lot about their environment through licking, savoring all the scents and tastes that come with it. Analyzing You: It’s also about curiosity.It’s a throwback to begging their moms for food or some love with a lick! Seeking Connection: If your dog licks your hand, they might be looking for a connection or some attention.In their world, this is akin to a humble nod or a sign of honoring your role as their leader. Respectful Gestures: By giving your hand a good lick, dogs are demonstrating respect or deference.What this means for you is that when your dog greets you with a lick, they’re encouraging friendly interactions and saying they’re no threat. Greeting and Friendliness: Dogs use licking as a distance-reducing signal.Whether it’s a simple hello, an act of exploration, or seeking comfort and attention, dog licks can serve as a bridge to understanding your pup better. It’s essential to observe their body language and context to gauge their intentions accurately. Understanding why your dog licks you can strengthen the bond between you and your pet. So, if your dog licks your hand, they may also be exploring and picking up cues on what you’ve been up to. It’s part of how they engage with their environment, as their sense of taste and smell are much more developed than ours. The act of licking can also help dogs understand your scent and learn about your mood or health. This means the dog is actively trying to be friendly and close to you. Bonnie Beaver, DVM, an expert in animal behavior, points out that licking a hand is usually what we call a “distance-reducing behavior.”. Just as you might shake someone’s hand or wave when you greet them, your dog may offer a friendly lick as a way to welcome you or show they’re happy to see you.ĭr. It can be seen as a sign of affection, somewhat similar to a greeting or saying hello in human terms. Licking is a natural behavior for dogs, and it often serves as a form of communication between them and humans. When a dog licks your hand, it can mean a variety of things.
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