YorkieTalk.com Forums - Yorkshire Terrier Community - View Single Post - Why does my Bella stick her tongue out all of the time

QuickSilver · 11-13-2010, 12:05 AM

I agree it's super cute, but I think it's really important for people to know:

**** IT CAN BE A SIGN YOUR DOG IS STRESSED ****

Licking the lips is an "appeasement signal", done in situations the dog believes might escalate into violence. It's the canine equivalent of putting your palms out - "hey, I'm not looking for any trouble here." That's actually how I got my avatar shot. Thor, like many dogs, is camera-shy. He also tends to stick his tongue out at the end of a training session when his brain gets tired. He likes getting treats, but it can also be an anxiety-provoking situation for him if he can't figure out what he's supposed to do.

If your dog is falling asleep with the tongue hanging out, that's totally fine. They may open their mouths because they are excited, or just a little hot. However, if you notice that the tongue comes out whenever you approach your dog, or pick him up, or kiss him, or whatever, it's a sign that your dog interprets your behavior as threatening.

11-13-2010, 12:05 AM	#19
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	I agree it's super cute, but I think it's really important for people to know: ** IT CAN BE A SIGN YOUR DOG IS STRESSED ** Licking the lips is an "appeasement signal", done in situations the dog believes might escalate into violence. It's the canine equivalent of putting your palms out - "hey, I'm not looking for any trouble here." That's actually how I got my avatar shot. Thor, like many dogs, is camera-shy. He also tends to stick his tongue out at the end of a training session when his brain gets tired. He likes getting treats, but it can also be an anxiety-provoking situation for him if he can't figure out what he's supposed to do. If your dog is falling asleep with the tongue hanging out, that's totally fine. They may open their mouths because they are excited, or just a little hot. However, if you notice that the tongue comes out whenever you approach your dog, or pick him up, or kiss him, or whatever, it's a sign that your dog interprets your behavior as threatening. __________________ If you love something, set it free. Unless it's an angry tiger. Last edited by QuickSilver; 11-13-2010 at 12:07 AM.