Dogs licking their owners is a common occurrence, often interpreted as a sign of affection. But is there more to this behavior than meets the eye? The answer lies in a dog’s evolutionary history and their unique way of perceiving the world. Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, a renowned dog cognition researcher and author of “The Year of the Puppy: How Dogs Become Themselves,” provides insights into the science behind canine licking.
From Wolf Ancestry to Modern-Day Greetings: The Evolutionary Reason
Dogs descended from wolves, and understanding wolf behavior offers clues to why dogs lick. In wolf packs, after a hunt, returning wolves are greeted with enthusiastic licking around their faces by other pack members. This behavior isn’t just a warm welcome; it’s a request. “The reason they do that is they’re asking the wolf to regurgitate a little bit of what they just hunted,” explains Dr. Horowitz. This ancestral behavior translates into your dog’s affectionate licks when you come home. While they’re undoubtedly happy to see you, there’s also a subtle element of asking for a share of whatever you’ve been eating.
More Than Just a Kiss: Dogs Lick to Gather Information
Licking serves another crucial purpose for dogs: information gathering. “They’re smelling you by licking you,” adds Dr. Horowitz. A dog’s sense of smell is far superior to a human’s, and their tongues help them collect scent particles. When a dog licks you, they’re not just showing affection; they’re actively investigating your scent, learning about where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing. This chemical investigation allows them to understand their environment and the people in it better.
Decoding Dog Behavior: Tail Wags, Guilty Looks, and the Importance of Sniffing
While licking is a significant form of communication, understanding other dog behaviors can deepen our bond with our canine companions. Dr. Horowitz emphasizes that dogs communicate in various ways, and we’re not always adept at interpreting their signals. A wagging tail, for instance, isn’t always a sign of happiness. A low wag between the legs can indicate anxiety or fear, while a high, flag-like wag signifies intense interest. Even the “guilty look” – ears back, whimpering – isn’t necessarily an admission of guilt. It’s a submissive response to avoid punishment, a clever tactic that often works.
Finally, recognizing that dogs experience the world primarily through scent is crucial. “The way we see the world — dogs smell it… They’re living in a kind of parallel universe to us,” says Dr. Horowitz. Allowing dogs to sniff their surroundings is essential for their mental and emotional well-being. It allows them to process information, navigate their environment, and engage their natural instincts.
Conclusion: Appreciating the Nuances of Canine Communication
Dog licks are more than just sloppy kisses. They’re a complex form of communication rooted in evolutionary history and a heightened sense of smell. Understanding why dogs lick, along with other canine behaviors, allows us to better appreciate the unique way our furry friends perceive and interact with the world. By recognizing these nuances, we can strengthen our bond with our dogs and provide them with the care and understanding they deserve.
