Licking
 

Does anyone have any answer as to why my yorkie loves to lick me ? He wakes me up in the AM licking my arms from elbow to wrist. On other times he will just start licking my hands, feet, arms etc. Any help would be appreciated. :aimeeyork

My Yorkie, Harley, does this too. I thnk it is just the breed. Maybe it is their way of showing us how much they love us. Mine has done it since a puppy and he will soon be 3 years old.



Christy- Mother to Harley:aimeeyork

:thumbup:
I agree. Kaos licks all day everyday. :p I have read somewhere that it relaxes them. :)

Deuce always licks my nose to wake me up - then my ears, cheeks and then he goes for the mouth. He loves to give kisses to everyone he knows!!!!!

My old Cairn use to love to lick. I think it was the salty-ness on the skin.

I think it is a yorkie thing...
 

My Nicky does the same thing...Only most morning I have to get him up lol. Before bed he is on his licking frenzy... He usually starts off with my hands, then works his way to my elbow, then my face!! He is ALWAYS licking my feet throughout the day. He actually will lick anyone's feet, not just mine, so if you are around and your feet are bare look out, he might just have to give your feet some kisses lol:D

I think it's the breed, too :aimeeyork Harry especially loves freshly showered toes!! :)

Sally + Harry x

kukis life consists of three joys- licking, cuddling, and running in circles!
and oh she looves lickin! she gets crazy eyes sometimes from lick withdrawal- so will find a window to lick until some ones arm comes along!!!

Teddy Bear does this in the morning too. I was wondering if something was lacking in his diet. Good to know it isn't just him.

I have two licking machines :D Eyes, ears, arms, hands....wherever they can find a bit of skin.:)

yeah my ollie & mallory too, love hands, feet & right on the mouth. i think they are filled with so much luv & this is a way to show it, probably the salt taste & the familiar scent of their owners too??

Why Do They LICK So Much ? Trainers study behavior and I have studied licking. I know we have to train therapy dogs NOT to lick. This is my personal thoughts about licking. 1. Affection, short little licks, show affection 2. Excitment,Rapid excited licking, is to calm down. We have trained our Yorkies that friendly nipping and mouthing is not acceptable. Some dogs will grab a toy to control this nipping behavior. 3. Grooming, Slow leisurely licking is mutual grooming behavior. They are grooming you, they can not hold a comb or brush, you but they can lick you. Some trainers call this parenting behavior. Both male and female dogs lick puppies and other dogs. 4.Ownership, Claiming licks are different in the tempo and manner. Often the dog will put both paws on the person claiming them and will sometimes jump to get to the face area. I have noticed that dogs who are allowed to do this claiming type licking may growl and even bite if interupted. And they don't want others to show or get affection with their person. 5. Appeasement Licking is simular to what small puppies do to show they are humble and friendly. Sometime this type of licking is accompied by submisive posture and even belly up position. 6. Enough Kisses is a gently spoken cue for them to stop licking. It is important to end the licking on your terms. I am surprized that people often bulk at this simple disipline. It is mentaly healthy for your dog to know when enough, is is enough. Sometimes I can almost 'see' a dog sigh in relief when told Enough Kisses. Hope this helps, The Just Right Yorkie Gang,

Sorry ! I apologize for the unedited post above, the typos, spelling errors :( I did edit but it it did not post.)

This is a really good post.

I think TeddyBear is licking out of affection. My husband tells me that in the very early morning hours Teddy Bear lays his head by my pillow as close to my face as possible and quietly watches for me to open my eyes. As soon as I open my eyes he comes to my face and starts the kisses. They are very soft and sweet. I gently pet his head and face while he does it. After I get up the kissing stops until wake up time the next morning. I enjoy having a little love and affection time before they go out to potty. I love it really. These are the most loving pups I have ever had.