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Dog of the Day:

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Meme of the day:

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Actionable business & personal advice from someone who has actually done it.

Why Do Dogs Lick People?

Licking is a common dog behavior with various motivations, often rooted in their ancestral past.

Affection and Bonding: Licking releases endorphins in dogs, creating a pleasurable sensation. They may lick their human companions as a way of showing affection, similar to how they lick other dogs within their social group. [1]

Attention-Seeking: Licking can be a learned behavior. If your dog receives attention (even negative attention) when licking, they may repeat the behavior to elicit a response. [2]

Taste and Exploration: Your skin may simply taste good to your dog! They might be attracted to the saltiness of your sweat or residual food particles. Licking can also be a way for dogs to explore their environment and gather information. [3]

Submission or Appeasement: In some cases, licking can be a sign of submission or appeasement, especially when accompanied by other submissive behaviors like lowered body posture. [4]

Anxiety Relief: Licking can be a self-soothing behavior for dogs experiencing anxiety or stress.

While licking is usually a harmless behavior, excessive licking can indicate underlying anxiety or medical issues. If concerned, consult a veterinarian or certified dog behaviorist.

References:

[1] Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of clinical behavioral medicine for dogs and cats. Elsevier Health Sciences. [2] Lindsay, S. R. (2001). Handbook of applied dog behavior and training. Iowa State University Press. [3] Coren, S. (2006). How dogs think. Free Press. [4] Beaver, B. V. (2009). Canine behavior: Insights and answers. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Family photo of the day: Luca!  

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