When shadow approaches another dog that appears to be friendly the first thing he does is lick its face and mouth, is this a submissive gesture (he is still only a pup) or just a friendly gesture?
He is normally a friendly dog who just wants to play, and seems rather puzzled when faced with any aggression.

its submissive-its what a pup would do to its pack returning from a hunt, they lick around the mouth asking them to regurgitate food for them, its a puppy thing

Awww thats so sweet - wonder why Max does it to me - maybe he thinks I need to wash my face :D

god knows with max-hes a law unto himself :)

Perhaps he's regressing backwards and he want you to yack up your last meal just especially for him ;) :D

He does also have this habit of sniffing round your mouth to see what you've been eating :rolleyes:

Holly does this a lot, but only mainly to me. Occasionally she'll do it to Chris. Does that mean that she views me as the 'leader of the pack' and Chris as slightly less important?

Fiona

I'm at home all day, so that would explain why I'm more important to her.

Hi Fiona,
Of course you're the leader...you're there. I've found dogs are smart this way :D Oh, and you probably clean up the messes, feed her, train her, give treats, play, talk to her, etc...most of the day & night. They do seem to realize this. She probably likes Chris too, but realizes who ultimately is in charge of the household. Clever gel :D

That's my opinion and I'm sticking by it :P :D
toodles

edit: Oh, and wouldn't you hate it if after all of your daily toil and loving, she listened [$ liked Chris more? ]) :)

Hi Sara

Oh, and wouldn't you hate it if after all of your daily toil and loving, she listened [$ liked Chris more? ]) Why should Holly be any different to the children???????

I was wondering about this face licking thing. If that means that she's being submissive, what does it mean when she licks your bum???????

I only ask because she'd lick your bum for ages, given half a chance :D :D :D :D :D

Fiona

Hi Fiona,
You confused me & I'm not sure if I missed a joke Did you mean:

1) Holly would be like the children if she didn't listen to you?
or 2)Why doesn't Holly listen to the children because they're there all day too?
My opinionated answer: :D :D

1) Dogs see the world differently from humans, obviously :D I appreciate the adulation I receive from my dogs-- I can leave the house for five minutes and they're excited when I return. I can give them the same boring dog food at the same time each day...but they act as if I fixed a gourmet meal. That's why dogs can be better than kids/spouse :D

2) Dogs know kids aren't in charge. They're just fellow puppies. That's why there is so much difficulty in many cases when dogs do not respect children's space. I know, it's a generalization, but it tends to be realistic. (note the qualifiers). Some dogs realize kids are odd looking puppies and give them greater lassitude in behavior. Kids have higher pitched voices, just like puppies. Have less self control, just like puppies....grab things, .. etc.. When dogs reach their teen years, just like many human teenagers, some have not gained the patience to tolerate children's behavior. They're also still developing their own sense of self. Most bites occur with 12-24 month old dogs. Anyway, don't get me on the soapbox, I'll get in trouble this way :D

toodles

Sorry Sara, What I meant was that the children totally ignore me and love their daddy when he comes in from work and I wouldn't have been surprised if Holly had turned out like that as well.

As for the bum licking, she chases the children round the house in the morning when they're getting dressed, licking their bare bottoms :D :D :D She is one sick puppy :D :D :D

Fiona

Fiona,

My two dogs both go after my Daughter's bare bum trying to lick dosen't help me when Daughter tells me doggies are giving her bottom a wash and she encourages them to do so.

Karen

Fiona,
See how wonderfully appreciative dogs are? You do all of the work and she loves you more for it :D Much as I like kids, I know that I will never ever receive from them the worshipful adulation that each dog that I have ever had in my life has expressed towards me. (perhaps that's why I've put off having kids for so long).

I always get a kick out of children who beg their mother for a dog and then the dog ends up basically hers because she has done all of the work in raising it. They played and occasionally took care of it, but the dog knew. Dumb beasts indeed! ;-)



btw: I'm not going anywhere near the bum issue. Samma is addicted to hand/body lotion. If she sees me going anywhere near the bottle, she starts licking her chops in anticipation :-) Weird puppy.

As for the bum licking.... are we talking clothed or unclothed? also human or dog bum? Not really certain if I want to understand this odd quirk of Holly, if you get my drift ;-)

Well here's one I can say that Max doesn't do - the bum licking - although he is fond of Bum nipping :rolleyes:

Pain vs. embarrassment...hmm, to decide which is better. Now that is a real debate :D

My dog, a 4yr old xbreed, called Tammy is obsessed with licking. When we get visitors(which is rare now because of this) she will jump all over them licking their faces constantly, this is made worse when they laugh. Also if she is laying on our laps in the evening she will lick our hands or our clothing continuously, and sometimes she will leave her tongue sticking to us like she is giving her tongue an airing!?! Anyone have any ideas to why this is?