When raising dogs, we notice a phenomenon: dogs lick people, and whether strangers or familiar people, dogs like to lick. Some might think this is the dog's way of loving, showing affection by being so intimate. Is that really the case? Why do dogs like to lick people? Let me help you understand.

Hungry dog licks mouth and face: In the wild, wolf mothers eat their prey after hunting and return to the den to regurgitate food for wolf pups. Although dogs have been domesticated, they may still retain this habit. When a dog licks its owner’s face or mouth, it might be hungry.

Expressing respect: Dogs have a strict social hierarchy; lower-ranking dogs lower their bodies to show respect and submission to higher-ranking dogs. Sometimes dogs lick humans to express respect.

Friendship and affection: Sometimes dogs lick a person’s face as a sign of affection. Dogs lick each other not only to help clean but also to communicate and express goodwill. When dogs lick humans, it may mean they want to be friends, like brothers.