Why do dogs lick you ?

[BCMumto3]

I only have to glance sideways at my three and they immediately jump up for a cuddle and start licking my arms
If im trying to watch something Gypsy will jump on my knee and start licking me
If I bend down to tie my shoes there they are ready to lick my face
I go to bed at night and they all jump up and start licking my arms

Steve says its my own fault because I give them too much love (like there can be such a thing as too much love)

why ?
Is it affection ... or do they all think I stink and need a bath

[Lynnington]

Haha interesting question!!! I haven't a clue why they do it but sometimes Splash licks my hands if they're just sitting idle on my lap

[only-borders]

This might help. Easier than typing it out.

http://perfectpuppycare.com/why-do-dogs-lick-people/

[Bristol BC]

Very interesting article.

I always thought it was a combination of affection, submission and the fact that they like the way you taste.

The nose is another thing. Whenever I've been somewhere interesting, everyone want to smell all over me, esp. if we've been to friends houses who have animals.

[Fiona]

I always thought it was for tasting purposes!

My other half went to the toilet at 2am last night and left the bedroom door open. Halo the huge stupid GSD came in and licked my entire half asleep face. She must have just been eating as she smelled of dog biscuits - as did my poor face!

[izzysmom]

(11-02-2011 12:04 PM)Fiona Wrote:  I always thought it was for tasting purposes!

That's why I always sleep with one eye open.

My rabbit does the same thing...he will absolutely bathe my hands with licks. So now I'm wondering if my bunny is developing a taste for meat...hehe. (Reminds me of an old Gary Larson cartoon I once saw, where these two beavers are in the woods and are gnawing on the wooden leg of a guy who's fallen asleep under a tree. One beaver turns to another and says (paraphrasing): "This is really good...hey, this changes everything!" LOL)

[Dlilly]

Shiloh will lick my hands and arms, then when I hide arms, she licks my legs and feet. o.e It is really weird.

[fox_y]

Flækja does like to give kisses.
She will lick my face, hands and feet every chance she gets

[William Draper]

I always thought it was a dog's form of kissing.

[LowClassCC]

well i think lilah licks me for reason. she always seems to lick my shirt/pants/hands/ect right after i finish eating. could it be that i am a messy eater?