Poodles can exhibit a variety of odd behaviors, but licking is one that many owners will admit their dogs sometimes go too far with.But why are so many poodles prone to this licking behavior?
While it’s not clear exactly why poodles lick so much, there could be a number of potential behavioral and medical reasons behind this behavior. Read on to learn more about why poodles lick so much and what you can do to address the problem.
10 Reasons Why Poodles Lick
1. They are young
Wolves (your dog’s wild ancestors) would lick their mother’s face and nose when they returned to their den from a hunt to encourage her to spit. If your poodle is still a puppy and licks your face frequently, he may still have this instinct and is just trying to let you know he’s hungry.
2. They love you
Licking can be an affectionate gesture between dogs and even between dogs and humans. Mother dogs lick their puppies to groom and comfort them, so your puppy might do the same to you as an affectionate gesture.
3. I’m glad to meet you
If your poodle greets you at the front door with a lick after you get home from work, it could be a sign that he’s happy to see you. It might even be an evolutionary behavior: Researchers have found that some wild dog species lick to welcome pack members home.
4. It’s relaxing
Dogs find comfort in being licked, just like their mother licked them when they were puppies.
5. They want your attention
Poodles are intelligent dogs and they quickly figure out when it comes to what behaviors will get their attention. When a dog licks us, we tend to respond with attention and affection, ultimately reinforcing the licking behavior.
6. I like your taste
If your poodle licks you after you return from a sweaty workout, he may simply be enjoying the salty taste of your body. These licks are more for taste than for attention or comfort.
7. It has become a compulsive behavior
Although rare, dogs with obsessive-compulsive disorder may lick, a condition known as Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD).1CCD is characterised by extreme and repetitive normal behaviours in dogs that are often difficult for puppies to stop and interfere with daily activities. If left untreated, CCD can lead to conditions such as acrolic lick dermatitis (also known as lick granuloma), a self-induced skin lesion.
8. Information gathering
Poodles often lick the air to gather information about their surroundings. Dogs have an extremely sensitive sense of smell, 60 times stronger than humans, and can detect odors and particles in the air that humans and other animals cannot detect.
9. Anxiety
Licking can also be a sign of anxiety in poodles. The rhythmic, soothing sensation of licking releases endorphins (the “happy” hormones), which can reduce stress and anxiety. Besides excessive licking, your pup will likely show other signs of anxiety, such as ears back, trembling, whining, tail down and whining.
10. They are suffering
If you notice your poodle licking itself frequently, it may be that it is in pain in a particular area. When a dog is injured, the first instinct is to lick the injured area to clean and care for itself. Even if the pain is internal, your dog may still try to lick the area to help heal itself.
How to deal with excessive licking in poodles
redirection
When your dog is licking, redirect his attention. Try choosing an activity that doesn’t conflict with the licking behavior, such as playing with a ball. You can also use an interactive puzzle feeder to encourage him to get a treat.
Repeated redirection will help your poodle understand that you do not want him to lick you without negative reinforcement.
Licking mat
Lick mats are great for many reasons, but for dogs who lick a lot, they allow them to experience the pleasure that comes from licking in a positive way without causing any stimulation. Try spreading plain, unsweetened yogurt or dog-friendly peanut butter on the mat. You can also feed your dog wet food on the mat.
training
Training is a must for poodles in general, but it can also help to stop licking behavior. Next time you catch your poodle licking inappropriately, make him sit first. This should be enough to stop the behavior. Afterwards, praise and reward him for obedient behavior.
The Poodle’s intelligence can be displayed by teaching him tricks like speaking on cue, military crawling, waving, touching, etc. This breed can also excel in agility courses and competitions.
fulfillment
If your poodle’s licking behavior is caused by boredom, stress, or anxiety, adding more moisture to their life may help. Provide them with plenty of opportunities for exercise and ways to be mentally stimulated to burn off the excess energy they spend on licking.
Consult your veterinarian
While licking can be a normal behavior, it can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. If your Poodle’s licking behavior seems unusual or you’re at all concerned, we strongly recommend taking them to the vet.
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lastly
There are many reasons why Poodles lick, from affection and hunger to stress and anxiety. Licking is normal in Poodles, but excessive licking could also be a sign that your pup isn’t feeling well physically or mentally. If your pet’s licking is unusual, we recommend speaking to our veterinary team to find out the underlying cause. Your vet can then provide you with tailored advice based on the cause of your puppy’s behaviour.
Featured image credit: Kids_studio, Shutterstock
