You and your pup are best buds. Your pet goes with you on your walks, and they might even curl up next to you while you and your family watch TV. You adore your pooch except for one thing: They like to lick your ears. You thought it was cute at first, but now it’s kind of gross.
All dogs have their quirks. Understanding why your pet does something may make you think about it a bit differently. We’re not saying that you have to let your dog do the behavior, though. Just know that your pooch is acting in ways that are part of normal canine behavior and communication. Let’s find out what this licking behavior means, along with a few tips for stopping it if it bothers you.
Dog Social Behavior
Dogs and wolves share a common ancestor likely between about 20,000 and 40,000 years ago, according to current genetic research. Scientists have long suspected this relationship because of the high number of common behavioral traits that the two species share. Both animals are social creatures. For example, puppies can form attachments to places and people as young as 3 weeks old.
Dogs communicate in a wide range of ways through their expressions, body posture, vocalizations, and of course, tail-wagging. They can also read the emotions of other people and their owners. It makes sense, given the close association that canines have had with humans since domestication. The other point to keep in mind is the physical interaction that dogs have with each other and humans.
Why Does My Dog Lick My Ears?
It’s not a stretch to suggest that dogs experience emotions, not unlike humans. Like us, they can experience states such as excitement, fear, stress, and contentment. This is what we need to look at to explain why your pup licks your ears. As it turns out, behavioral and social motivations are often a significant factor in the answer.
1. They Feel Secure With You
It’s logical to assume that if an animal lets a person get close to them, there is likely trust in the relationship. After all, they are vulnerable at that point. If a dog reads the situation wrong, they could experience an unpleasant reaction or be pushed away. It follows that if your pup is putting their face near yours, they feel secure being close to you. That says a great deal about your pet.
2. They’re Engaging in Social Grooming
Licking is a normal social behavior for dogs. Puppies lick their mother’s face and mouth as part of early interactions, and adult dogs may lick other dogs as a friendly gesture. This behavior is often part of social bonding. When your dog licks your ears, they may simply be extending that same social grooming behavior to you as a member of their family.
3. They Like the Taste or Scent of Your Skin
Your dog may also be drawn to the natural taste or scent of your skin. Human skin contains salt from sweat and natural oils that dogs can find appealing. The ear area can also carry scents from shampoo, conditioner, or other personal care products. Because dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell and often explore with their mouths, these scents and tastes can make your ears an interesting target for licking.
4. Your Pet Is Appeasing
Dogs often engage in appeasement behaviors, especially if you’ve caught them doing something they perceive may lead to a negative reaction. They may cower and give you those sad puppy eyes. A pup may also try to please you with certain behaviors, such as licking your ears. This type of licking can function as an appeasement or social behavior that may help reduce social tension.
5. Your Pup Needs Something to Do
Boredom is sometimes a part of a dog’s world. Perhaps it’s raining, and you can’t go on your daily walk as usual. Your pup might start licking your ears for something to do or to get you to change your mind about that tour of the neighborhood. Your dog wants a distraction, and you’re right there to provide it.
6. They Want Your Attention
Dogs quickly learn which behaviors get a reaction from their owners. If licking your ears makes you laugh, talk to them, or move around, your pup may see it as a successful way to get your attention. Even telling your dog to stop can sometimes reinforce the behavior because your pet is still receiving interaction from you. Over time, your dog may repeat ear licking simply because it works.
Fixing the Problem: Dog Licks My Ears
We understand if you don’t like your dog licking your ears, but remember that your pet is doing what comes naturally to them. It’s not unlike a cat scratching the furniture. Dogs do not interpret human reactions the same way people do, but they can learn from consistent responses and training. The same thing applies to your dog. Our suggested remedies to the problem focus more on gently redirecting your pup’s behavior.
1. Change Your Personal Care Products
You can start by switching your personal care products. Your pet may stop licking on their own if you don’t smell the same way anymore. It’s an easy way to eliminate it as a possible cause, in any case. If your pup persists, then you’ll need to try something else.
2. Don’t Encourage Them
Simply letting your dog lick your ears reinforces the behavior. If you coo at your pup or laugh, they might make a positive association with it. We suggest walking or moving away if they start it up again. Stand up from the floor or get up off the couch. Consistently removing attention when the licking starts can help reduce the behavior over time. It won’t take your pet long to move on to the next thing.
3. Distract Your Pet With Something Else
If the cause is boredom, then you need to find something to distract your pup. Few things will keep a dog busy for long stretches, like a Kong toy filled with frozen bone broth. The essential thing is not to create a cause-and-effect situation. That is, don’t give your pet the treat after they’ve just been licking you.
4. Consult Your Vet if It’s Excessive
Licking your ears now and again is generally normal behavior. However, if your dog becomes obsessive about it, it’s time to take action. Some pets engage in compulsive behavior if they’re feeling anxious or nervous. Your vet can refer you to a dog trainer after ruling out any physical causes.
Final Thoughts
One of the reasons that we love our pets so much is that they show their affection so readily. If you let your dog lick your face or hands, they might make their way to your ears. Social bonding between dogs and humans has developed over thousands of years of domestication. If you’d rather that they show their love in a different way, give them something else to do.
You might also like some of our other top-trending posts:
- Why Does My Dog Lick the Couch? 7 Reasons for This Behavior
- Why Does My Dog Lick My Belly Button? 9 Likely Reasons
Featured Image Credit: Lubo Ivanko, Shutterstock
Dog Social Behavior
