Instinct and Grooming
Licking is an instinctive behavior for dogs rooted in their evolutionary history. In the wild, canids lick themselves and each other for various reasons, including grooming, wound healing, and even showing submission.
- Grooming Licking is a natural way for dogs to keep themselves clean. Their tongues are rough and textured, which helps remove dirt, debris, and parasites from their fur. While dogs primarily lick themselves for grooming, they might also extend this behavior to their owners as a sign of care and affection.
- Wound Healing Dog saliva contains enzymes that can be antibacterial, promoting wound healing. In the wild, dogs lick their wounds to clean them and encourage healing. While this instinct might not be as relevant for domesticated dogs, they might still lick their owners’ wounds, perceiving them as pack members who need care.
- Submission In canine social hierarchies, licking can be a sign of submission. Subordinate dogs might lick dominant dogs to show respect and avoid conflict. While this behavior is less common in domesticated dogs, they might lick their owners’ hands or faces as a sign of deference and acknowledgment of their leadership.
Understanding the instinctual aspects of Licking can shed light on the deep-rooted behaviors that drive canine interactions. It highlights the importance of recognizing these natural tendencies and responding to them in a way that strengthens the bond between humans and their dogs.
