Why do dogs lick feet? Consider another cute (or not so much – as anyone) strangeness in the behavior of our lovely dogs. The essence of the matter is simple: you calmly sit on the couch watching your favorite TV show and suddenly feel the dog start licking your feet with concentration. A few words about the technique itself: the dog can lick both quickly and slowly, but in any case completely immersed in the process itself. Let Us try to find an explanation.
There are several reasons why do dogs lick feet. The factors of such a strange from a human point of view of animal behavior are different.
The dog thus shows its affection for family members
Animals do not have the ability to express their emotions like humans. In addition, they do it in a way available to them. That is why the dog licks the feet of the owner or mistress, by this it shows its sympathy and love. Missing, he can lick other parts of the human body: hands, face, and neck. The lick just shows the doggy’s violent feelings.
Your dog attracts your attention
When dog feels lonely, bored, thus he tries to interest a person. For dogs, licking is a way of establishing contact with a loved one.
Out of a sense of respect
Dogs are pack animals; the pattern of their behavior was formed according to the hierarchy and relationships in the pack. Often, a pet considers its owner a leader and thus expresses its respect for him.
Female dogs are influenced by the maternal instinct
hey often lick children feet, taking care of them as if they were their own puppies.
The physiological reason is that the animal does not have enough salt, and thus the pet is trying to make up for its lack.
The manifestation of cunning
Often pappy, having licked one of the family members, receives praise or a treat. A small puppy always causes a feeling of tenderness in the family. He is squeezed, stroked, kissed, offered to lick the other cheek or hand. The pappy reciprocates; he licks everyone in return. It turns out that the owner’s reaction positively reinforces this behavior.
As an adult, your dog does not forget that for licking he can get a positive response from family members or reward in the form of delicious food.
In addition, he uses this trick. That is, by showing attention to the owners, the animal tries to get a portion of affection or tasty food. It is worth considering; maybe your puppy or adult dog lacks love and care?
Many dogs enjoy the very process of licking the owner’s feet or hands
This is how the animal feels its connection with the person. In this case, the process is one of the ways of self-affirmation.
How to react when dogs lick feet
Each owner decides for himself how to show his attitude to the problem- why do dogs lick feet . Some people like this reaction of pets to their bare feet, while some are terribly annoying with such licking. Sometimes a gentle “No” and gentle pulling back can help stop the licking process. However, this must be done methodically and constantly. Then the animal will understand that his actions are unpleasant to you, and will stop licking you.
It is hardly worth scolding a dog, raising your voice at it or taking any harsh measures. Your pet is most likely just showing his good attitude towards you. How can you punish for this? Try to figure out the reasons for this behavior. A dog licks a person’s feet instinctively; it cannot understand why it is being punished for this.
Final words
If you are worried about why do dogs lick feet, analyze the reasons for these actions. It should be borne in mind that often the owner himself can fix such behavior even at an early puppy age, when the puppy was praised and encouraged for licking. If necessary, seek advice from a canine psychologist, dog handler or veterinarian. It is worth excluding the presence of neurosis.
If you are not comfortable with this display of canine feelings, try to distract the animal from your legs. Put on your socks, play with your dog, talk to him, pick him up. Try to shift your pet’s attention to the toy. Give your four-legged friend enough physical activity while walking. After an active walk and new impressions received during a walk, a four-legged friend will not demand the owner’s attention just because he is bored and his need for attention and communication is not realized.
Check if the dog lacks salt in the body, and therefore it behaves this way. Put some table salt in a bowl and place it next to drinking water. If the matter is in violation of the mineral balance, the dog from time to time will come up to the bowl and lick the salt. After a while, the balance in the animal’s body will be restored, and the habit of licking your feet will disappear.
A person can express their feelings through words, gestures, facial expressions, movements. Your dog have access to exclusively non-verbal communication. If the dog can express other feelings with the help of growls, barking, howling, then only dog “kisses” are left to show affection, care and friendliness. Therefore, to establish contact with the owner and family members, to attract attention, to show devotion and love, the dog begins to lick various parts of the human body.
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