A sign of stress that should not be ignored
Not all licking is a sign of joy. In some situations, a dog may use this behavior to reassure itself.
A noisy environment, a change in routine, or an uncomfortable situation can lead him to adopt this repetitive gesture.
In this case, pay attention to their overall attitude: tense posture, shifty eyes… all signals that deserve your attention.
A gentle “stop”
Finally, and this may be surprising, licking can also be a way of saying “enough.” If you’re handling him or persisting in an interaction, your dog may use this gesture to defuse the situation.
It’s a gentle way to avoid a more pronounced awkwardness. Respecting this signal also strengthens a relationship based on trust.
Understanding these small, everyday gestures ultimately means learning to listen to your dog differently… and strengthening the already precious bond with your pet. Dog behavior and canine communication
