This might be one of the most puzzling practices that dogs will do. After all, humans don’t really do this like…ever. So what’s the deal? You’ve surely heard the line, “Can you imagine if people greeted each other like that?”, amongst your dog-owning friends when referring to dogs’ butt-sniffing.
Well, there’s obviously a reason behind this; since a dog’s sense of smell is at least 10,000 better than a human’s, they use their nose to learn about the world around them. Dogs learn about each other by sniffing each other’s butts; they can learn about the other dog’s gender, reproductive status, temperament, diet, and more.
Licking People
When your pup licks you, it is usually to say "I love you," or to seek out your attention. Also, you can taste pretty good; don't forget we have nutrients and minerals in our skin, and plenty of sodium to boot. We're basically a salty treat to dogs.
If the licking becomes too intense, training your dog to not do this can be done with basic training. The best way to go about this is to ignore your dog when it licks you and reward it with a treat when he stops. Oh and that myth about dogs' saliva being cleaner than humans'? Just a myth.
When Dogs Hump
Humping is a very common and natural behavior in dogs. And contrary to what most people may think, it is not always sexual in nature, or a dominance thing, for that matter. Dogs can hump other dogs, objects, or people, and it is usually a playful activity for them. It does look quite funny, to be fair.
Unless the other dog is bothered by the humping, there's really no harm in them doing this. It's not really a problem unless it bothers the owner, and if the humping is with people, then you might want to break the habit for other people's sake.
Dog Squinting or Blinking
Surely, you have been emotionally manipulated or just brought to a puddle of "awww" from the cuteness of seeing your dog with that slight squint, looking straight at you. When your dog squints or blinks, it usually means he's looking to get your attention in order to spend some quality time with you.
If your dog starts doing this often, maybe you're spending too much time apart, and you need to make some more time for your fluffy friend. So yeah, don't be a stranger to your beloved hounds, people. The squinting needs to be kept to a minimum for their sake!
Open Mouth, Relaxed Tail, and High Ears
Many people often ponder about the opportune moment to approach a dog. The answer lies in observing their body language. When you come across a dog with an open mouth, a relaxed tail, and ears pointed straight up, that's the perfect time to engage with them.
In this state, the dog is displaying a neutral and relaxed demeanor, indicating that they feel secure and at ease in their surroundings. It's a clear signal that they are approachable and open to interaction. If you're yearning for some cuddles or bonding time, this is an ideal opportunity to forge a connection with the furry friend and share moments of affection and companionship.