Pomeranians may be small, but they pack a lot of personality into their tiny frames. These pint-sized pups were first recognized as a dog breed by the AKC in 1888, and have since grown to be one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, ranking 24th on the AKC’s list of the most popular dog breeds in the US.
Pomeranians are known for their loving, loyal, and energetic personalities, and they love to play with their owners. However, one behavior that can sometimes become a problem is excessive licking. While it’s normal for dogs to lick their owners, Pomeranians have a tendency to take it to the extreme. So, why do Pomeranians lick their owners so much, and what can you do to stop it? Here are seven reasons why your Pomeranian might be licking you so much, along with tips on how to curb the behavior.
Reason #1: Showing Affection
One reason why Pomeranians lick their owners is to show affection. These loving creatures express their love in many ways, including slobbering all over their owners’ faces. Just like we show our affection by hugging and kissing the people we love, Pomeranians show their affection by licking.
When your Pomeranian licks you, it’s not only telling you that it loves you, but also triggering the release of dopamine and endorphins that help your dog relax. So, while it may seem gross or annoying, licking is actually a pleasurable experience for your pet.
Reason #2: Trying to Get Your Attention
Pomeranians love spending time with their owners, and when they’re not getting enough attention, they’ll do whatever it takes to get it. This can include barking, whining, and excessive licking. While it can be annoying, remember that your Pomeranian is just trying to communicate with you the only way it knows how.
If your Pomeranian is licking you excessively, try giving it some attention. Play with your pet, take it for a walk or snuggle up on the couch together. This will not only distract your Pomeranian from licking you, but also address the underlying boredom that may be exacerbating the behavior.
Reason #3: A Show of Empathy
Pomeranians are incredibly intuitive creatures, and they can sense our emotions, read our facial expressions, and understand our non-verbal cues. If you’re feeling sad or upset, your Pomeranian will likely pick up on it and try to cheer you up by licking your face. This behavior is mostly learned and not instinctual, so your Pomeranian may have picked it up from watching you comfort friends or family members during times of despair.
Reason #4: Boredom
Pomeranians are energetic and love to play, so when they’re bored, they’ll find ways to relieve their boredom. One way to do this is by licking their owners. Excessive licking helps to relieve their boredom and keep their minds stimulated.
If you suspect that boredom is the root cause of your Pomeranian’s excessive licking, try providing it with more stimulation. Give your pet plenty of toys to play with, take it for more walks, and consider enrolling it in obedience or agility classes.
Reason #5: A Show of Submission
Dogs inherently move in packs, with a pack leader that directs the rest of the pack. Pomeranians and other dogs recognize members of the pack by licking them. They’ll recognize the pack leader by slightly lowering their bodies before licking away.
In your Pomeranian’s eyes, you’re the pack leader, and excessive licking might be a way of showing submission to you. If you notice your Pomeranian licking you excessively, try gently asserting your dominance by telling it “no” or redirecting its attention to an appropriate activity.
Reason #6: You Taste Good
Yes, you read that right. You might taste good to your Pomeranian! Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can detect the salt and acid in your sweat, which may make your skin taste good to your pet. So, if your Pomeranian is licking you after a workout session or when you’ve just applied a new lotion or body cream, it might just be because you taste good.
Reason #7: It Thinks You Like Being Licked
Dogs are very good at reading our body language, and if you’ve ever laughed or smiled when your Pomeranian licked you, it might have interpreted this as a sign of approval. Dogs respond to positive reinforcement, so if you’ve ever rewarded your Pomeranian with a treat or pat on the head after it’s licked you, it might continue to do so in the hopes of receiving the same reward.
How to Stop Your Pomeranian From Licking You So Much
If your Pomeranian’s excessive licking is getting out of hand, there are a few things you can try to curb the behavior:
1. Give your pet attention: Sometimes all your Pomeranian needs is a little attention. Pick it up and play with it, or take it for a walk to distract it from licking you.
2. Identify and eliminate your dog’s stress triggers: If you suspect that your dog is licking you because it’s stressed, identify and remove the stressor. This could be a loud noise, a scary object in the house, or a house guest.
3. Change your body lotion: If your Pomeranian seems to be licking you because it likes the taste of your lotion, try switching to a new lotion with no scent.
4. Try positive reinforcement: Gently shove your Pomeranian away when it tries to lick you, and reward it with a treat or praise when it stops.
In conclusion, excessive licking is a natural behavior for Pomeranians, but if it’s getting out of hand, these tips can help you curb the behavior. It’s important to remember that your Pomeranian’s licking is a show of affection, even if it can be annoying or gross at times. With a little patience and positive reinforcement, you can help your Pomeranian learn to lick you in moderation.
