I just ran across an interesting little tidbit. According to this source (a book called PetSpeak by the editors of Pets, Part of the Family ) the licking behavior is related to instinctual puppy behavior. Since mother dogs (I assume they are talking about wild dogs, such as wolves) carry food for the puppies in their stomach, the puppies naturally lick her mouth in order to encourage her to disgorge the food.
And yes, there is affection involved in this as well. It’s good to know your dog is not trying to get you to upchuck your dinner! She is just giving you a family kiss.
It is interesting how instinctual behavior gets translated to fit a different situation. And I love the fact that our dogs have not lost that part of their wild canine heritage. I would bet there are other things your companion does that are also gifts from her wild ancestors.
Posted by: joan
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