Why Does My Dog Put Her Face On My Mouth? Exploring Canine Affection and Communication
Your dog placing their face on your mouth is often a sign of affection, seeking attention, or a learned behavior from licking as a puppy; ultimately, it’s a complex form of canine communication that reveals the bond between you and your furry friend. Understanding why your dog puts her face on your mouth helps strengthen that bond and ensures you’re responding appropriately to their needs.
The Canine Kiss: A Deeper Look
This behavior, which many owners interpret as a “kiss,” isn’t quite the same as human kissing. While it can be a sign of affection, there’s often more to it than meets the eye. Why does my dog put her face on my mouth? The answer often involves a combination of instinct, learned behavior, and the unique relationship you share.
Affection and Bonding
The most common reason for this behavior is affection. Dogs are social animals, and they show affection in various ways. Placing their face on your mouth can be a way of showing you that they love you and feel safe around you. This is especially true if your dog also exhibits other affectionate behaviors, such as:
- Wagging their tail
- Leaning against you
- Making eye contact
Seeking Attention
Sometimes, why your dog puts her face on my mouth is simply because they want your attention. If they’ve learned that this behavior elicits a positive response from you, such as petting or talking to them, they’ll continue to do it. They might do this when they’re feeling:
- Lonely
- Bored
- In need of playtime
Learned Behavior from Puppyhood
When puppies are young, they often lick their mothers’ faces to solicit food. This behavior can carry over into adulthood, and your dog might be placing their face on your mouth as a subconscious remnant of this instinct. This is especially likely if your dog was separated from their mother at a young age.
Taste and Smell
Dogs have an incredibly strong sense of smell and taste. They might be putting their face on your mouth because they’re interested in the smells and tastes on your breath or skin. This could be anything from the food you just ate to the lotion you’re wearing.
Dominance and Hierarchy
In some cases, placing their face on your mouth can be a way for a dog to assert dominance. This is less common, but it’s more likely to occur if your dog exhibits other dominant behaviors, such as:
- Guarding resources
- Pushing past you in doorways
- Refusing to obey commands
Is It Safe? Potential Health Concerns
While generally harmless, there are some potential health concerns to consider:
- Bacteria: Dogs’ mouths can contain bacteria that aren’t harmful to them but could cause illness in humans.
- Parasites: In rare cases, dogs can transmit parasites through saliva.
- Allergies: If you’re allergic to dogs, contact with their saliva can trigger an allergic reaction.
If you’re concerned about these risks, wash your face after your dog places their face on your mouth. You can also discourage the behavior altogether.
How to Discourage the Behavior
If you’d prefer your dog not to put their face on your mouth, here are a few things you can do:
- Ignore the behavior: If your dog is doing it for attention, ignoring them will eventually make them stop.
- Redirect their attention: When they start to put their face on your mouth, offer them a toy or command them to sit.
- Teach them an alternative behavior: Teach them a different way to show affection, such as leaning against you or offering a paw.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward alternative behaviors with treats and praise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is my dog suddenly putting her face on my mouth when she never did before?
This could be due to a change in your dog’s environment, routine, or even their diet. Perhaps they are experiencing stress or anxiety, leading them to seek comfort from you in this way. It is also possible that they are exploring new smells and tastes, or that you are giving them some kind of unintentional positive reinforcement, like a reaction that they enjoy.
Is it okay to let my dog lick my mouth?
While most of the time it’s harmless, there is always a risk of transferring bacteria or parasites. If you have any open wounds or a compromised immune system, it is best to avoid letting your dog lick your mouth. If you’re generally healthy and your dog is regularly vaccinated and dewormed, the risk is low, but it’s still something to consider.
Does this behavior mean my dog is trying to dominate me?
It’s unlikely that a single instance of face-licking indicates dominance. Dominance-related behaviors are typically part of a larger pattern of actions. If your dog exhibits other behaviors such as resource guarding or challenging your authority, dominance could be a factor. However, in most cases, affection or attention-seeking is the more likely reason why your dog puts her face on my mouth.
How do I know if my dog is doing this for attention or affection?
Pay attention to your dog’s body language during and after the behavior. If they are wagging their tail, making eye contact, and seem happy and relaxed, it is likely a sign of affection. If they are whining, pawing at you, or seem anxious, they might be seeking attention. Context is key to understanding the reason why your dog puts her face on my mouth.
My dog only does this to certain people. Why?
This could be because your dog associates those people with positive experiences, like treats, playtime, or cuddles. It could also be that they are more comfortable with those individuals and feel safer expressing affection towards them. Each person gives off different cues and scents, which can change why your dog puts her face on my mouth.
What if I really don’t like my dog putting her face on my mouth?
It’s perfectly acceptable to discourage this behavior! Start by gently turning away when your dog attempts it. You can also offer them a toy or give them a command they know, like “sit” or “stay.” Consistency is key to helping your dog understand that this behavior is not desired.
Can I teach my dog to “kiss” me somewhere else, like my hand or cheek?
Yes, absolutely! Use positive reinforcement to teach your dog an alternative behavior. When they lick your hand or cheek, reward them with praise and a treat. This will help them associate that action with positive reinforcement and discourage them from putting their face on your mouth.
What does it mean if my dog licks my face after I’ve been crying?
Dogs can sense changes in emotional state through changes in scent and facial expressions. Licking your face after you’ve been crying could be a sign that your dog is trying to comfort you or show empathy.
Is there a breed of dog that is more prone to licking faces?
While breed is not a definitive factor, some breeds are known to be more affectionate and eager to please, making them more likely to engage in behaviors like face-licking. However, individual personality and training play a much bigger role.
Could my dog be doing this because something is wrong with my health?
In rare cases, dogs can detect changes in a person’s body chemistry that might indicate a health issue. If your dog suddenly starts licking your face excessively, especially if accompanied by other unusual behaviors, it’s worth consulting with a veterinarian and considering whether you should consult your doctor as well.
My dog puts her face on my mouth and then tries to steal food off my plate. Is this related?
Yes, this is likely related. Why your dog puts her face on my mouth in this context is most likely driven by their desire for food. They’re hoping to get a taste of what you’re eating. Discourage this behavior by not feeding your dog from the table and redirecting their attention with a toy or command.
Is there anything I should do before letting my dog lick me?
Ensure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations and deworming. Regularly groom them to minimize the amount of bacteria and debris in their fur. Also, consider using a dog-specific mouthwash or dental chews to maintain their oral hygiene.