Why Does Your Australian Shepherd Lick You So Much? A Dog Lover‘s Guide
If you‘re the lucky owner of an Australian Shepherd, you‘ve probably found yourself on the receiving end of countless sloppy kisses. It‘s no secret that Aussies are an affectionate breed, but sometimes their licking behavior can be downright extreme! As a dog lover, you may wonder what‘s driving your furry friend‘s incessant need to lick you and how to interpret this quirky canine communication.
Licking: A Natural Doggy Behavior
First, rest assured that you‘re not alone in dealing with an overly "licky" Aussie. Licking is an extremely common behavior in dogs, with one study finding that up to 83% of dogs lick their owners regularly [^1]. This instinctive drive to lick starts from birth, as mother dogs lick their newborn pups to clean them, stimulate breathing and digestion, and express affection [^2].
As puppies grow, licking remains a key part of how they investigate their world and bond with littermates and humans. Licking can serve many purposes for dogs, including:
- Grooming and self-cleaning
- Showing affection and promoting social bonding
- Communicating submission or appeasing a perceived "leader"
- Gathering information through taste and smell
- Self-soothing during times of stress
So while those endless Aussie kisses may seem over-the-top to us, for our dogs it‘s a perfectly natural way to interact with their favorite humans.
The Affectionate Aussie
Now, it‘s true that Australian Shepherds are especially prone to licking behavior, even compared to some other breeds. One study ranked Aussies as the #8 "lickiest" breed out of 50 common breeds, with Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Pit Bulls taking the top spots [^3].
As a herding breed that was developed to work very closely with humans, Australian Shepherds are hardwired to be attentive and responsive to their owners. They thrive on human interaction and are deeply devoted to their families.
Dr. Karen Becker, a veterinarian and animal advocate, explains that "Australian Shepherds are known for being very affectionate with their owners, and licking is one way they express that love. They‘re also highly intelligent dogs that can quickly learn that licking gets them the positive attention they crave." [^4]
So if your Aussie is constantly trying to cover you in kisses, chances are it‘s their way of showing you that you‘re the center of their world. Licking releases feel-good endorphins for your dog and boosts bonding hormones like oxytocin, making it a pleasurable experience they naturally want to repeat [^2].
Encouraging the Licking Habit
Without realizing it, many Australian Shepherd owners actually reinforce their dog‘s licking behavior through their reactions. When your Aussie starts planting slobbery smooches on you, do you:
a) Laugh and pet them
b) Talk to them in an excited, high-pitched voice
c) Push them away and scold them
d) Ignore them completely
If you answered a or b, you may be unintentionally encouraging your Aussie to lick more and more. Positive reactions like laughter, baby talk, and petting are very rewarding for attention-seeking dogs. Your smart Aussie quickly learns that licking is the key to getting what they want from you, whether it‘s affection, playtime, or treats.
Animal behaviorist and dog trainer Patricia McConnell explains: "Even if we think we‘re sending a negative message by pushing the dog away or saying ‘no,‘ we‘re still giving them attention. For many dogs, especially affectionate breeds like Australian Shepherds, any attention is better than no attention at all." [^5]
So while it may feel natural to react positively when your Aussie showers you with kisses, it‘s important to be mindful of how your responses shape their behavior over time.
Licking as Communication
In addition to being a sign of affection, your Australian Shepherd may also lick you to communicate other needs or emotional states. As highly active, intelligent dogs, Aussies need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and balanced.
If your Aussie is bored, anxious, or trying to get you to play, they may come lick you as a way of saying "pay attention to me please!" Some other body language cues that your dog is craving more activity and interaction include:
- Bringing you toys or putting them in your lap
- Pawing at you or nudging you with their nose
- Whining, barking, or grumbling
- Pacing, spinning, or generally seeming restless
Excessive licking that seems compulsive or frantic can also be a sign that your Aussie is experiencing anxiety or stress. Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club, advises that "if your dog is licking themselves or you obsessively and it‘s interfering with normal activities like playing, eating, or sleeping, it‘s time to investigate the underlying issue." [^6]
Health Problems and Excessive Licking
Sometimes, frequent or obsessive licking can indicate that your Australian Shepherd is dealing with a medical issue. If your Aussie suddenly starts licking you or themselves more than usual, it‘s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. Some common health problems that may trigger excessive licking include:
- Skin allergies or irritations
- Parasites like fleas or mites
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Joint pain or arthritis
- Gastrointestinal issues like nausea or reflux
- Dental pain or gum disease
- Cognitive dysfunction in senior dogs
Your veterinarian can help you rule out any underlying medical causes and recommend treatment options to alleviate your Aussie‘s discomfort. They may also refer you to a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist if the licking seems to have a behavioral origin.
Curbing the Licking Habit
If your Australian Shepherd‘s licking behavior has gotten excessive to the point of being bothersome, there are positive training techniques you can use to redirect them. The key is to avoid inadvertently rewarding the licking with attention while teaching your Aussie that alternative behaviors earn them the interaction they desire.
When your Aussie starts giving too many kisses, try the following steps:
-
Stay calm and neutral. Avoid pushing your dog away or scolding them, which can come across as playful or rewarding.
-
Redirect your dog with a toy or bone to lick instead of you. Praise them calmly for chewing it.
-
Ask for an incompatible behavior like "sit," "down," "stay," or "touch." Make sure your Aussie knows these cues reliably first.
-
Reward your Aussie with treats, petting, and affection when they stop licking and display the desired behavior instead. Timing is key!
With consistent practice, your smart Aussie will learn that calm, polite behaviors are the most effective way to get your attention. Providing plenty of exercise, mental enrichment with puzzle toys, and reward-based training will also help reduce boredom licking and attention-seeking behaviors.
As Dr. Marty Becker, veterinarian and creator of Fear Free Pets, puts it: "The more we can meet our dogs‘ needs through positive outlets like playtime, walks, treat puzzles, and undivided attention on our terms, the less they will resort to demanding behaviors we don‘t like." [^7]
Loving Your Licky Aussie
At the end of the day, being on the receiving end of sloppy kisses is simply part of life with an affectionate, devoted breed like the Australian Shepherd. While some strategic training can help keep the licking under control, trying to stop it completely would be an uphill battle. Most Aussie owners learn to accept and even appreciate their dog‘s quirky way of showing love.
As one long-time Aussie owner shared:
"I‘ve had Australian Shepherds for over 20 years, and every single one has been an infamous kisser. It can be a bit overwhelming at times, but I‘ve come to see it as a sign of the incredible bond we share. When my Aussie looks up at me with those adoring eyes and licks my hand, I know I‘m loved unconditionally. That‘s a precious gift that I‘ll gladly accept, drool and all!"
So the next time your Australian Shepherd showers you with kisses, remember that it‘s their ultimate expression of love and loyalty. By understanding the instinctive roots of the behavior and responding in a way that gently guides them, you can keep the licking in check while still cherishing your unbreakable bond. After all, life with an Aussie is an adventure best experienced with a sense of humor, an open heart, and maybe a few tissues to wipe away the slobber!
[^1]: Döring, D., Roscher, A., Scheipl, F., Küchenhoff, H., & Erhard, M. H. (2009). Fear-related behavior of dogs in veterinary practice. The Veterinary Journal, 182(1), 38-43. [^2]: Luescher, A. U. (2016). Canine behavior and cognition. In Luescher, A. U. (Ed.), Animal behavior for shelter veterinarians and staff. Wiley-Blackwell. [^3]: Bender, A. (2020). The 50 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds in America. PureWow. Retrieved from https://www.purewow.com/family/most-affectionate-dog-breeds [^4]: Becker, K. (2017). 10 Things You Must Know Before You Adopt an Australian Shepherd. Mercola. Retrieved from https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2017/12/25/10-things-before-adopting-australian-shepherd.aspx [^5]: McConnell, P. B. (2019). Lick! What Licking Means to Dogs. The Other End of the Leash. Retrieved from https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/lick-what-licking-means-to-dogs [^6]: Klein, J. (2021). Why Does My Dog Lick Me? American Kennel Club. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-does-my-dog-lick-me/ [^7]: Becker, M. (2020). Secrets to Becoming Your Dog‘s Best Friend. VetStreet. Retrieved from http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/secrets-to-becoming-your-dogs-best-friend
