Is your German Shepherd constantly licking things—whether it’s their paws, your face, or the furniture? You’re not alone! Licking is a common behavior in dogs, but sometimes it can leave owners scratching their heads.
In this article, we’ll dig into the reasons why German Shepherds lick everything and whether it’s a sign of affection, anxiety, or something else entirely. Understanding this quirky behavior will help you figure out what your dog is really trying to say!
The Natural Instinct Behind the Licks
German Shepherds, like all dogs, are born with an innate desire to explore their world through their mouths and tongues. This behavior dates back to their wolf ancestors, who would use licking as a crucial way to gather information about their environment.
In the wild, this licking behavior helped wolves identify potential food sources, detect danger, and communicate with pack members. Your German Shepherd’s seemingly excessive licking is actually them tapping into this ancient instinct.
Even as puppies, German Shepherds use licking as a way to learn about their surroundings. Mother dogs lick their puppies to stimulate breathing, clean them, and show affection, creating a positive association with licking from birth.
Communication and Social Bonding
When your German Shepherd licks you, they’re actually trying to tell you something. In dog language, licking is a sign of respect, submission, and affection. It’s their way of saying “I trust you” and “You’re part of my pack.”
These intelligent dogs also use licking as a greeting behavior. Just as wolves would lick each other’s faces when reuniting, your German Shepherd might shower you with kisses when you return home.
Many German Shepherds will also lick their human family members to get attention or to request something they want, like food or playtime. They’ve learned that this behavior often gets a response from their owners.
The Health and Wellness Factor
Sometimes, excessive licking can be related to health issues. German Shepherds might lick certain areas of their body if they’re experiencing pain, allergies, or skin irritation.
They may also lick surfaces or objects when they’re feeling nauseous or having digestive issues. This is similar to how humans might seek out certain foods when we’re not feeling well.
If your German Shepherd is licking excessively, particularly focusing on one area or showing other signs of discomfort, it’s worth consulting with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health concerns.
Stress and Anxiety Relief
Just like humans might bite their nails when nervous, German Shepherds may use licking as a self-soothing mechanism. The act of licking releases endorphins in their brain, helping them feel calmer and more relaxed.
When faced with stressful situations, such as thunderstorms or being left alone, some German Shepherds might increase their licking behavior. This is their way of trying to cope with anxiety or uncertainty.
Many German Shepherds develop a habit of licking certain objects or surfaces when they’re feeling stressed, similar to how some people might have nervous habits or fidget with objects.
The Role of Taste and Smell
German Shepherds have an incredibly sophisticated sense of taste and smell, far superior to humans. When they lick surfaces, they’re actually gathering detailed information about their environment through taste receptors on their tongue.
Even seemingly clean surfaces might have microscopic particles that are fascinating to your dog’s sensitive taste buds. What looks like random licking to us might be your German Shepherd investigating an interesting scent or taste.
Your dog’s saliva also helps enhance their sense of smell by dissolving and carrying scent particles to their nose, making licking an important part of their sensory experience.
Training and Behavioral Considerations
While licking is natural, excessive licking can become problematic. It’s important to establish boundaries and teach your German Shepherd when licking is appropriate and when it’s not.
Positive reinforcement training can help redirect excessive licking to more appropriate behaviors. This might include offering toys or engaging in alternative activities when your dog starts licking excessively.
Remember that punishing licking behavior can create anxiety and confusion for your dog, potentially making the behavior worse. Instead, focus on rewarding calm, non-licking behaviors.
When Licking Becomes Excessive
Sometimes, German Shepherds can develop compulsive licking behaviors that go beyond normal exploration and communication. This might manifest as constant licking of surfaces, objects, or themselves.
Compulsive licking can be a sign of underlying issues such as anxiety, boredom, or medical conditions. If your dog’s licking seems obsessive or interferes with their daily life, it’s important to seek professional help.
Environmental enrichment, increased exercise, and mental stimulation can help reduce excessive licking by keeping your German Shepherd physically and mentally engaged.
Take Home Message
German Shepherds lick for a variety of reasons, from showing affection to exploring their world. While most licking behavior is perfectly normal and healthy, it’s important to monitor the frequency and intensity of your dog’s licking habits.
Understanding why your German Shepherd licks can help you better respond to their needs and ensure they’re happy and healthy. Remember that each dog is unique, and what might be normal for one might be excessive for another.
If you’re concerned about your German Shepherd’s licking behavior, don’t hesitate to consult with a veterinarian or professional dog trainer. They can help you determine if the behavior is normal or if there might be underlying issues that need addressing.
