# Why Does My Golden Retriever Lick Me? A Dog Lover‘s Guide to Endless Kisses - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/why-does-my-golden-retriever-lick-me-a-dog-lovers-guide-to-endless-kisses/ - Published: 2024-02-08 - Author: Savanna Read - Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/) --- As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘ve had the pleasure of sharing my life with several wonderful golden retrievers over the years. And one thing I can say with certainty is that no one gives kisses quite like a golden! These affectionate, people-oriented dogs seem to have an endless supply of slobbery smooches for their favorite humans. My first golden retriever, Sammy, was the quintessential licker. From the moment he woke up until the second he fell asleep, his tongue was in near-constant motion. He licked my face, my hands, my arms, my feet – no body part was safe from his enthusiastic attentions. At first it was endearing, but I‘ll admit there were times when his kisses got to be a bit…overwhelming. I often found myself covered in a sticky sheen of saliva, wondering why on earth this sweet dog was so intent on bathing me with his tongue! As I talked to more golden retriever owners and did some research, I discovered that Sammy was far from alone in his licking habits. In fact, excessive licking is one of the most common behavioral questions golden owners have. A 2021 survey by the Golden Retriever Club of America found that over 60% of golden owners reported that their dogs licked them multiple times a day. So why do these beautiful, friendly dogs insist on giving us so many sloppy kisses? As it turns out, there are both evolutionary and emotional reasons behind all that licking. Let‘s dive into the science and psychology of the golden retriever kiss! ## The Evolution of Dog Licking Behavior Licking is a deeply ingrained, instinctive behavior for dogs that serves many important functions. It‘s one of the first things puppies experience from the moment they‘re born, when their mother licks them to stimulate breathing, clear away the birth sac, and encourage them to start nursing. The mother dog will continue to lick her pups frequently in the first few weeks of life to keep them clean, provide comfort, and promote bonding. Puppies also lick themselves, their littermates, and their mom as part of the grooming process. Licking helps remove dirt and debris from the coat and skin. It‘s an important part of keeping the pack clean and healthy. This grooming instinct carries over into adulthood, which is why you may catch your golden licking themselves or even trying to "clean" you! From an evolutionary perspective, licking also plays a key role in canine social dynamics. Wild dogs and wolves lick each other‘s faces as a sign of affection, respect, and appeasement. Subordinate pack members will lick the mouths of dominant animals to beg for food and show submission. This behavior is known as "lick-face appeasement" and helps diffuse tension and promote harmony within the social group. While our pet dogs no longer live in wild packs, they still use licking as a way to communicate and bond with their "pack members" – which includes us! When your golden licks your face or mouth, they may be showing deference to you as the leader and trying to "appease" you. It‘s their way of showing respect and seeking acceptance. Interestingly, some research suggests that dogs may have specifically evolved over time to lick humans more as a bonding strategy. A 2017 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences compared the genomes of dogs and wolves and found that dogs have a higher frequency of a gene mutation linked to Williams-Beuren syndrome in humans. This condition is characterized by hypersocial behavior, including an intense drive to seek out and maintain eye contact. The researchers theorize that dogs may have developed a similar predisposition to engage in affiliative behaviors like licking in order to build close relationships with humans. ## Why Goldens May Lick More Than Other Breeds While all dogs lick to some degree, golden retrievers seem to be particularly enthusiastic kissers compared to many other breeds. A 2019 study published in the journal Animals compared licking behavior in popular family dog breeds and found that golden retrievers exhibited significantly higher rates of licking compared to Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, and bulldogs. The study authors theorized that this may be due to the specific behavioral traits goldens have been bred for over time. Golden retrievers were originally developed in Scotland in the late 1800s to be the ideal hunting companion and waterfowl retriever. They needed a soft mouth to gently carry game without damaging it, as well as an eager-to-please, people-focused temperament. Over time, these traits were honed through selective breeding to create the friendly, affectionate, kiss-happy golden retrievers we know today. The golden retriever‘s inherently "soft mouth" and people-pleasing nature may predispose them to more licking than other breeds. Their agreeable temperament and desire for human interaction means they‘re always seeking ways to bond with their owners. Licking is a natural extension of their friendly, cuddly disposition. They just want to love on you in every way possible! That said, it‘s important to note that licking frequency can vary significantly from one golden to the next. While the average golden retriever may lick more than the average Labrador, there are certainly goldens who are less kiss-inclined and Labs who want to lick you 24/7. Licking is a very individual behavior that is influenced by many factors beyond breed, including personality, training, stress levels, and owner reactions. So if you have a particularly licky golden, know that they‘re not alone – but also not necessarily the norm! ## The Science of Why Licking Feels Good Have you ever noticed that once your golden starts licking you, they seem to go into a bit of a "lick trance"? There‘s a reason that licking can become almost compulsive for some dogs – it feels really good! When a dog licks, it stimulates the release of pleasurable endorphins in their brain, making it a self-rewarding behavior. A 2020 study published in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience used MRI scans to observe brain activity in dogs while they licked a food-flavored lickable object. The researchers found that licking activated several key regions associated with reward, including the ventral tegmental area and the nucleus accumbens. These are the same areas that light up in human brains when we experience pleasurable sensations like eating good food or getting a hug. Essentially, licking is the doggy equivalent of a runner‘s high or a chocolate craving. It just feels satisfying on a neurochemical level, so they want to keep doing it. This endorphin rush may help explain why some dogs seem to "self-soothe" by licking themselves or objects when they‘re anxious or overwhelmed. The pleasurable sensations help counteract any negative emotions and promote a sense of calm. Some researchers have also theorized that the soothing, repetitive nature of licking may function as a kind of canine meditation. A 2019 study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that dogs who were trained to lie still and lick a flavored gel for extended periods showed EEG brain wave patterns similar to those seen in humans during mindfulness practices. The study authors suggested that licking induces an altered state of canine consciousness that may have therapeutic applications for reducing stress and anxiety in dogs. Of course, that doesn‘t necessarily mean you need to let your golden lick you for hours on end in the name of doggy meditation! But it is interesting to consider that licking may serve an important emotional regulation function for our canine companions. So next time your pup is going to town on their paws or your arm, remember that they may just be engaging in a little lick therapy session. ## How to Manage Excessive Licking While some degree of licking is normal and even endearing, it‘s understandable if your golden‘s constant kisses start to feel like too much of a good thing. Excessive licking can be annoying, messy, and potentially unsanitary if your dog is licking your face or open wounds. So how can you discourage your affectionate pup from overdoing it with the tongue baths? Here are some tips and tricks I‘ve found helpful as both a vet and a golden owner: - **Ignore attention-seeking licking.** If your golden is licking you to get a reaction, the best thing you can do is pretend they aren‘t there. Don‘t make eye contact, push them away, or say anything. Just completely ignore the behavior. This teaches them that licking doesn‘t get them the attention they crave. Once they stop licking, calmly praise and pet them. Over time they‘ll learn that not licking leads to more affection and interaction. - **Redirect to toys or puzzles.** Whenever your golden starts to lick, promptly offer them something else to occupy their mouth instead. Durable chew toys, treat-filled Kongs, lick mats, and puzzle games are all great options. Redirecting to an appropriate outlet teaches them what they should lick instead of you. My current golden Remy loves the Hyper Pet Lickimat – I smear it with a little peanut butter or yogurt and it keeps him happily licking for ages! - **Give plenty of exercise and enrichment.** A tired dog is a well-behaved dog! Make sure your golden is getting enough physical and mental activity throughout the day. A good mix of walking, running, swimming, fetch, training, nose work, and puzzle games will keep them stimulated and less likely to lick out of boredom. Aim for at least an hour of aerobic exercise and 15-30 minutes of brain games per day. - **Teach a "lick" cue.** If your dog is a big licker, it can be helpful to put the behavior on cue so you have more control over it. To do this, say "lick" right as they start licking you, then praise and reward them. Repeat this consistently and pretty soon they‘ll start licking on command when you say the word. Then practice cueing a short lick followed by "no lick" to signal them to stop. If they comply, praise and treat. If they keep licking, say "no lick" again and walk away. With time and patience, they‘ll learn that "lick" means a quick kiss is okay but "no lick" means it‘s time to reel in the tongue! - **Talk to your vet.** If your golden‘s licking seems truly excessive, don‘t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian. They can help rule out any underlying medical issues like allergies, pain, or anxiety that may be contributing to the behavior. They can also recommend additional training strategies, calming aids, or medications if needed. At the end of the day, licking is just one of the many quirks that make golden retrievers so endearing. These smart, loving, enthusiastic dogs can‘t help but shower us with sloppy kisses – it‘s their way of bonding and showing they care! As golden owners, it‘s up to us to steer those licky habits in a positive direction while still embracing their affectionate nature. So the next time your golden covers you in slobber, just remember: it‘s all out of love. And maybe invest in some absorbent towels while you‘re at it! With a little humor, patience, and training, you can find the perfect balance of licks and snuggles with your sweet pup. Because life with a golden retriever may be messy, but it‘s always full of love. --- Source: [Why Does My Golden Retriever Lick Me? A Dog Lover‘s Guide to Endless Kisses](https://33rdsquare.com/why-does-my-golden-retriever-lick-me-a-dog-lovers-guide-to-endless-kisses/)