Why Huskies Lick You
Most Husky owners know how it feels to be lick, lick, licked by their cherished canine companions. But have you ever wondered what lies behind your own Husky’s habit of licking you?
According to animal behaviorists, there are numerous reasons for it, and these are five of the most common ones.
Your Husky wants to see what you’ve eaten: Being pack animals by nature, this particular type of licking is literally part of his DNA, and he’ll do it instinctively. He’ll sniff and lick your face to see what you’ve “dared” eat without him! This is his attempt to find some leftovers on your face. If you ate and didn’t wipe your face thoroughly, he’s in luck with those eager, exploratory licks!
Your Husky likes the way you taste: If he likes the taste of your skin, particularly the saltiness of it, he’ll lick, not only your face but your hands and bare legs as well. Have you noticed his heightened interest in licking your skin after you’ve either worked out at home or returned home after a run and are covered in perspiration? The answer lies, quite simply, in your seductively salty taste!
Your Husky is asking for attention: When he’s licked you in the past and you’ve reacted by looking at him, praising his behavior and then petting him, he now holds the key to your heart! You’ve actually trained him to do it. And so, if he’s bored or thirsty for affection, he’ll begin licking you because you respond favorably to his licking and he’s inviting you to cuddle or play with him.
Ironically, this also applies to negative attention. If you look at him, say “No” and either push him away or move, you’re still giving him the attention he wanted. By giving him attention, positive or negative, you’re only encouraging him to lick you. If you truly want him to stop, either ignore him or distract him by giving him a chew toy or redirecting him towards a lick mat.
Your Husky is actually kissing you: Since this breed has so much love to give, licking is one more way of showering you with that love. A natural action, learned from their mothers, dogs lick their owners and other dogs instinctively. Why? Mothers lick their puppies to both groom them and show their affection for them. If you’ve reinforced this behavior with praise, pats and treats, your Husky knows how much you like being kissed, and he wants to please you and give you love.
Your Husky is showing empathy: For dogs, licking is a comforting behavior. If your Husky’s concerned about you, he may lick you to make you feel better and to care for you. In fact, according to a 2012 study, researchers asked owners to pretend to cry and found that their dogs were more likely to lick them than when their owners were humming or talking.
A word of caution, however. Always wash your face and hands after being licked since, as with all dogs, Huskies thrive on “discovering” the world with their mouths.