Why do dogs do this?!

[ashling]

My second rescue dog, Charlie, is a really neat dog.... So is my first dog, Rocky, but he constantly tells me he's a real boy....

When Rocky was a puppy he used to lick me, the days, however, he just licks my spot on the bed so that I continually find myself going to bed in a massive pool of dog lick.

Charlie, however, licks whoever is closest, and licks,and licks at like a hundred times a minute - often faster. As a matter of fact, he has earned the nickname "Whiskey" Charlie because he is such a licker.

Why?

[PJMcK]

1. Because they can

(wink)

[ashling]

3. I once had a student in my TX govt. class

who was a staunch NRA type who used to answer my question "why would a grown man carry an assault rifle in a grocery store" etc., with 3 words:

Because we can

I told her that was a second grade answer

[RainCaster]

2. It's a show of submission to you

My GSD does this every Friday when I come home. She nibbles my beard. It's her show of respect to me. (shrug)

[ashling]

6. seriously?

he just about drowns me unless I cover my face.

Every now and then we have to take his tongue out and turn it over so he won't wear out just one side.

[Cartoonist]

5. They like the taste

I read that from a link here on DU.

[thucythucy]

7. Puppies lick their mother's face

to get her to regurgitate food for them.

I suppose afterwards it might just be a habit?

[Donkees]

8. Boosts endorphins (?)

When dogs groom themselves or lick another dog or human, endorphins are released, creating a sense of safety and calm.
http://www.rocklinranchvet.com/blog/dogs-like-to-lick/