The cuteness factor is real! You can’t say you’ve ever seen a snuggly, tail-wagging fur baby and NOT wanted to just kiss their squishy face. Giving kisses is a very human way of expressing love to our dogs. But does your pooch understand what smooches really mean?
Signs Your Dog Can Feel Human Kisses
For the most part, dogs are quite responsive to human affection. Your pup may jump up on you or your lap, or even lick you back immediately after hearing kissing noises. It is important to ensure that your pup’s body language suggests a relaxed state of mind.
Inevitably, not all dogs are created equal, and while some pups may love being hugged, kissed and nuzzled, others may not enjoy those kinds of close interactions. Try to take notice of when your pup does and does not want smooches and cuddling.
Understanding your pup’s behaviors and knowing if kisses are welcome could make the difference between a healthy cuddle or going to the doctor’s office.
We have to remember that hugging and kissing are not innate behaviors to dogs, and it may take some time for your sweet pup to understand your expressions of love.
Body Language
There are some subtle warning sings you can look out for to determine whether your pup is less comfortable with nuzzles and kisses:
– Growling
– Barking
– Yawning
– Lip Licking
– Head Turning
– Ears Back
Other Signs
If these subtle signs are ignored, they may escalate to:
– Air Snaps
– Leaving The Room
– Eventual Biting
The Science Behind Dogs Feeling Human Kisses
So why do we like to kiss our pups anyway?
Pooches have something called “neotenous traits.” From the Greek origin, neos means “young” and teinein means “to extend.” Together, this means your pup has an extension of young or juvenile traits. This “extension of juvenile traits” refers to the retention of baby-like features (think large, bulging eyes, or itty bitty noses). Sometimes referred to as the “cuteness factor,” neotenous traits make us gush over our pups because they are just so adorable and need our care. So from an evolutionary standpoint, it is in our DNA to see these cute doggos as irresistible!
Even further, there is a hormone we produce called oxytocin. Studies have shown that every time we look into our puppy dog’s eyes, this hormone is released. This is the same urge we get when we see an adorable baby, and just want to squeeze its cheeks! One expert has even gone so far to say that dogs originally “hijacked the human bonding system” which ultimately helped lead to their domestication!
However, dogs do not have an innate understanding of kisses. We may see dogs lick one another, and it is true that slobbery licking and nose bumping are how dogs interact affectionately. A puppy’s first experience is likely being licked by its mother after birth. But while dogs tend to lick one another, these gestures are not necessarily kisses as us humans understand them to be.
For instance, dogs will lick each other to express affection, to show submission, and to gather information; not primarily to express love. Even further, when a dog licks itself or another fur-baby, endorphins are released. These stress-relieving hormones make licking a pleasant experience and encourages dogs to lick over and over again.
Humans and dogs simply have different methods of communication. The language our pups “speak” does not include kisses in the same understanding as humans know and relate to. Dogs often share gestures of affection, like rubbing against each other or licking each other in a social way. However, most dogs are adept at figuring out what our human communications mean; a trait they have developed through domestication.
Training Your Dog to Feel Human Kisses
Although dogs don’t necessarily understand our human modes of communication, it is possible to teach your pup how to “kiss” you.
Dogs are able to study our body language and vocal inflections, learning how to recognize these behaviors. Most dogs are simply interested in our attention, so basically any encouragement will cause them to come nuzzle any part of you that is available for nuzzling.
You can train your pup to “kiss” you, with either a lick or a nuzzle by holding a treat near your face (or what you want nuzzled) and encouraging your pup to lick it. You can even smear a bit of peanut butter on your cheek to encourage your pup to lick you (what dog has ever resisted peanut butter!?). As soon as your dog understands what you want, you can try adding the command, “Give kisses.”
For those pups that are well-behaved and receptive to human kisses, it’s best to remain calm, as our energy can be perceived by our pups. A calmer, confident energy could reassure a dog that tends to be more skittish and wary.
Remember that the more kissing exposure that is given to your pup, the easier it will be for your pup to enjoy human affection. Exposure can normalize the behavior as non-threatening, and encourage your pup to be receptive to “Give kisses.”
“While dogs do not innately understand the human expression of a kiss, they are adept at deciphering our body language and can eventually come to recognize and appreciate this gesture of affection. However, respect for your dog’s comfort and personal space is key, as not all pups may enjoy close physical contact.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Pay attention to your dog’s body language: Not all dogs enjoy close interactions like kisses and cuddles. It’s important to observe your dog’s behavior and determine if they are comfortable with kisses. Signs of discomfort may include growling, barking, lip licking, and head turning. Respect your dog’s boundaries and only give them affection in ways they enjoy.
2️⃣ Dogs have different ways of showing affection: While humans may see kisses as a gesture of love, dogs have their own ways of expressing affection. Licking, nose bumping, and rubbing against each other are common ways for dogs to show affection. Understand that dogs may not interpret kisses in the same way humans do, so it’s important to learn your dog’s preferred methods of affection and communicate with them in a way they understand.
3️⃣ Train your dog to respond to kisses: Although dogs may not understand kisses naturally, you can train them to respond to your affection. Use positive reinforcement and treats to teach your dog to lick or nuzzle when you want them to “give kisses.” Remember to remain calm and confident during the training process, as your energy can affect your dog’s response. The more exposure and positive experiences your dog has with kisses, the more receptive they will be to this form of affection.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Do dogs understand kisses as a gesture of love from humans?
– Dogs don’t understand kisses at first, but they can learn to associate them with affection over time.
2. How can you tell if your dog is comfortable with kisses and cuddling?
– Pay attention to your dog’s body language, such as relaxed behavior, jumping up or licking in response to kissing noises.
3. What are some warning signs that a dog may not be comfortable with kisses and nuzzles?
– Growling, barking, yawning, lip licking, head turning, and ears back are subtle signs that a dog may be less comfortable.
4. Why do humans feel the urge to kiss their dogs?
– Humans feel a strong bond with dogs due to the “neotenous traits” that make them irresistibly cute, and the release of oxytocin hormone when looking into their eyes.
5. Can you train a dog to understand kisses?
– While dogs may not naturally understand kisses, they can be trained to associate certain behaviors, such as licking or nuzzling, with the command “Give kisses.”
