Poodles can exhibit all sorts of bizarre behaviors, but licking is one thing that many owners can agree that their dogs do a little too much sometimes. But why do so many Poodles seem prone to licking behaviors?
While we can’t know for sure why they lick so much, there are several potential behavioral and medical reasons that could be behind this behavior. Read on to learn more about why Poodles lick so much and what you can do to address the issue.
The 10 Reasons Poodles Lick So Much
1. They’re Young
Wolves (your dog’s wild ancestors) lick their mother’s face and muzzle when she returns from hunting to her den to get her to regurgitate for them. If your Poodle is still a puppy and is licking your face a lot, it may just be that they’ve retained this instinct and are trying to tell you that they’re hungry.
2. They Love You
Licking can be a sign of affection from dog to dog and even dog to human. Mother dogs will lick their young to groom them or offer comfort, so your pup may do the same to you as a way to show their affection.
3. They’re Happy to See You
If your Poodle greets you at the door after work with a colossal lick fest, it could just be a sign that they are happy to see you. This may be an evolutionary behavior, as researchers have found that some species of wild dogs will lick pack members to welcome them when they come home.
4. It’s Comforting
Licking can provide dogs with a sense of comfort and security, as their mothers licked them when they were puppies.
5. They Want Your Attention
Poodles are brilliant dogs, and it doesn’t take them long to put two and two together when it comes to what behaviors garner your attention. When dogs lick humans, we tend to respond with attention and love, ultimately reinforcing the licking behavior.
6. They Like How You Taste
If your Poodle licks you after you come in from a sweaty workout, it may just be that they enjoy the saltiness of your body. These licks are more about seeking the taste than giving attention or searching for comfort.
7. It’s Become a Compulsive Behavior
Though rare, dogs may lick if they have developed obsessive-compulsive disorder. This condition, known as Canine Compulsive Disorder (CCD)1, is marked by normal behaviors that dogs perform in an extreme and repetitive way. These behaviors can be challenging for pups to stop and often interfere with their day-to-day activities. If left untreated, CCD can lead to conditions such as acral lick dermatitis (also known as lick granulomas), which are self-induced skin lesions.
8. They’re Gathering Information
Poodles will sometimes lick the air as a way to gather information about their world. With up to 60 times more olfactory receptors than humans, a dog’s sense of smell is very keen. They can pick up on odors and particles in the air that go undetected by humans and other animals.
9. They’re Anxious
Licking can also be a sign of anxiety for Poodles. The rhythmic and soothing feeling of licking can reduce stress and anxiety as it can release endorphins (“happy” hormones). Your pup will likely also exhibit other signs of anxiety other than excessive licking, including laid-back ears, shaking, whimpering, a low-hanging tail, and whining.
10. They’re in Pain
If you notice your Poodle is licking themselves quite a lot, they might have an isolated pain. When a dog gets hurt, their first instinct is to clean and care for themselves by licking the injured area. Even if the pain is internal, they may try to lick the area to heal themselves.
How to Address Excessive Licking in Poodles
Redirection
When your dog is licking, redirect their attention to something else. Try choosing an activity that’s incompatible with licking, like playing fetch. You can also encourage them to use an interactive puzzle feeder to get a treat.
Repetition with redirecting will help your Poodle understand that you don’t want them to lick without ever having to use negative reinforcement.
Lick Mats
Lick mats are great for numerous reasons, but for dogs that lick a lot, these mats will tap into the enjoyment they derive from licking in a positive and non-irritating way. Try using plain, unsweetened yogurt or dog-friendly peanut butter on the mat. You can also even serve their wet food meals on the mat.
Training
Training is non-negotiable with Poodles in general, but it can also come in handy when trying to put a stop to their licking behaviors. The next time you catch your Poodle licking inappropriately, start by having them sit. This alone can stop the behavior. Then, reward their compliance with a treat.
You can harness your Poodle’s intelligence by teaching them tricks like speaking on cue, army crawling, weaving, and touch. This breed can also excel in agility courses and competitions.
Enrichment
If your Poodle’s licking behavior is caused by boredom, stress, or anxiety, increasing the amount of enrichment in their life may help. Offer plenty of opportunities to exercise and ways for them to mentally stimulate themselves to burn up excess energy that they would otherwise put towards licking.
See Your Vet
While licking can be a normal behavior, it can sometimes be indicative of underlying medical conditions that will require treatment. If your Poodle’s licking is out of character or if you’re concerned about it in any way, we highly recommend you take them to your veterinarian for examination.
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Final Thoughts
There are many reasons why Poodles lick, from showing affection to displaying hunger cues to stress and anxiety. While it can be normal for a Poodle to lick, excessively doing so may also be a sign that your pup isn’t feeling well, physically or mentally. If your pet’s licking is uncharacteristic, we recommend speaking with your veterinary team to determine the underlying cause. Your vet can then provide personalized advice based on what’s causing your pup’s behavior.
Featured Image Credit: Kids_studio, Shutterstock
