Is she licking herself or people?

People. She (Gracie) always wants to be picked up to be held or to sit on our laps (which we love), but then she starts licking. We keep rearranging her away from the leg, arm, hand, neck or whatever she wants to lick, but it seems like that's all she can or will focus on. I always end up putting her down. DH lets her lick for a while until she falls asleep.

I've read that licking can be a sign of stress, but I thought that was only when they licked themselves. Maybe she likes the salty taste.

The reason I looked it up was because my dog was doing the same thing (although not as much as yours). One day I watched him lick himself and then he started on the cat. And they don't even get along.

Licking (for dogs) is a way to show respect, submission, and affection - it's a way to get a human's attention, for whatever reason.

Since dogs aren't able to talk, they use licking as a way to communicate with other dogs and with humans. If a dog likes you, he'll normally lick your hand or your face as a sign of acceptance.

Also, your dog might just want to be walked, fed or let outdoors - which might be the reason your dog licks you. The list is endless to why dogs lick people, but one thing is for sure - it's something positive.

Your dog needs/wants attention, so have everyone PET HIM - he's glad to see them!

I've heard several dog experts including Cesar Milan say that it has to do with the salty taste on humans. Some dogs just can't get enough of it. If a dog continually licks themselves then it could be several things including stress, boredom and allergies.

Here is a article that might be useful.

Here is a link that might be useful: excessive dog licking

I'm pretty good at making sure she gets tired out daily, with proper exercise and stimulation. I make sure that when we go for her walk, that she gets lots of "sniffing time" in and I give her a change of scenery, because that excites her. She's little, about 3 1/2 pounds, so it doesn't take too much to tire her out. But I have noticed that she does lick when she wants outside, just like Kayjones said. She also loves me best (as DH always says), and she just goes crazy licking me. She sure is a love-bug.

Thanks Joann. After reading the article, and feedback from everyone, I think that most of the time she's licking because she's happy. She just gets so excited when she sees me, even when it's just because I just came out of the bathtub or something...lol.

Susan, our daughter has the cutest little chiwawa (don't know how to spell it :)) and she is a constant licker too. There is no doubt that she does it out of affection. It drives me crazy so I refuse to pick her up anymore!

Gracie is so cute. What kind is she?

Thank you. She's just a long haired chihuahua. I have another one, who is a little bigger and also long haired, and she doesn't lick. Well, not very much.

I have two "lickers" and they are half-brothers. One is a Maltese and the other is a Maltese/Yorkie (Morkie). Maybe it's a small dog thing. My other two, Maltese and Bischon, don't lick so much.

Hmm... interesting.

lol im sorry but its funny..the one doxie my parents had would not lick, hed suck your arm, the inside of youre elbow part, felt weird, was even wierder when ya get a giant dog hickey lol try explaining that one! we always thought he was weened to soon.

LOL! That is SO funny!

Vet told me my doberman licked his paw (one paw) raw cause of not enough activity.

I love dobermans! We do make an effort to wear Gracie out daily (in a fun way), because I know that boredom is so bad for dogs.

Our female chow-mix does this! Her nickname is Kiss-Kiss. We discovered what you have here, she just likes us!

Trish

My toy poodle is a big time licker! She does it because she is happy, she does it because she likes a taste, she does it because she is worried. Dang, she just likes to lick! She sleeps with me, she goes in and out of the house all day. She sits on my lap when I mow our lawn, this little ball o hair is with me 95 % of the day when I'm home and she still wants to lick me all day. She puts her little paws on my shoulders and TRIES to lick but I don't do face licking because it grosses my dh and I'd rather him kiss me anyway. So for my licker, I just tell her NO LICKING and she pulls back a little and AIR LICKS. (Like air guitar, she knows the movements but the instrument isn't there) It works for me and she still has the pleasure of licking.
My Bishon could not care less about licking face thank goodness. A good ole dog kiss now and then is fine but I know the excess doggy kissing can be a super annoying.

My mother's chihuahua was a licker but she didn't mind. We never tried to break him of it. Good luck with your problem, let us know if you find a solution.

I suppose you could put bitter apple on where he licks and that might stop him, but it could also open up a new can of worms and start him licking on himself. That's annoying too. We had one dog who would do that but if I said "quit licking", she would stop.

What cutie she is!

Sue

My oldest dog is a licker too. Every chance she gets. If she can catch you asleep on the couch, she is in hog heaven.
All I have to say is "no lick" and she stops immediatly. But with much regret.

My youngest dog, is not a licker at all. So I am not sure why some do and some don't. I guess that is just their personality.
I don't mind the licking, but it really does get out of control at times.

If that is the worst thing they can do, then I am just fine with that.

Trin

I used to have a border collie that was a constant licker. Even when I took a shower I could see his little pink tongue licking the outside of the glass shower door.

Linda

LOL, that's so funny, Linda.

Push her head down and away from you and say something 'be nice' 'no''no licking' in a stern voice.
If she continues to lick after you release pressue do it again. She looks like a smart dog. She'll soon live.
You just have to assert yourself as the alpha partner in this relationship.

I will definitely try that Lori. Thanks.