Do Dominant Dogs Lick Other Dogs? Understanding Canine Behavior
Dog owners often witness curious behaviors between their pets, including licking. One common question is whether dominant dogs lick other dogs, and what such interactions signify. The answer is nuanced and depends on various social and environmental contexts. In this article, we will explore canine social structures, meanings behind licking, signs of dominance, and what dog owners should look for when observing these behaviors.
Understanding Canine Social Hierarchies
Dogs are social animals that instinctively form hierarchies, commonly referred to as dominance hierarchies. These structures help establish order within dog groups by determining access to resources like food, toys, and attention.
- Dominant dogs tend to take the lead in resource allocation and social interaction.
- Submissive dogs often defer to more dominant individuals by exhibiting appeasement behavior.
Contrary to popular belief, dominance in dogs is not about aggression or bullying. It's more about confidence, leadership, and control over decision-making within their group.
Licking as a Form of Communication
Licking serves a multi-functional role in canine behavior. It can signal affection, submission, stress relief, or even a desire to gather information through taste and scent. However, licking within hierarchical interactions can be deeply symbolic.
- Submissive licking: A less dominant dog might lick a more dominant one’s muzzle to show deference or request social bonding.
- Dominant licking: Sometimes, a dominant dog may lick another dog in a deliberate, controlling way to reinforce their position.
Why Might a Dominant Dog Lick Another Dog?
Dominant dogs may lick other dogs for several reasons. These include:
- Reinforcing leadership – A dominant dog may gently yet consistently lick a subordinate dog to project control while avoiding confrontation.
- Bonding through grooming – In social species like dogs, grooming consolidates pack bonds and status, meaning leaders may initiate grooming as a familiar behavior.
- Managing social space – A dominant dog might use licking to interrupt play, signal an end to an interaction, or redirect a younger or submissive dog’s focus.
These forms of licking are typically assertive but not aggressive and suggest a calm, confident dog establishing soft influence over group dynamics.
Behavioral Context Is Key
Context matters greatly in decoding canine licking. Watching for accompanying signals can help determine whether the licking behavior is dominance-related. Look for:
- Body posture – A dominant dog typically stands tall or postures assertively when licking.
- Tail position – A confident dog's tail may be held high and still.
- Facial expressions – A calm but direct gaze and neutral expression suggest purposeful, controlled licking.
Conversely, a nervous or submissive dog may lick more frantically or with crouched posture, indicating appeasement rather than dominance.
Differences Between Play and Dominance
Not all licking is tied to pack order. Dogs playing together often lick each other in ways that show excitement or friendship. Dominant licking behaviors are typically slower, more focused, and accompanied by other controlling behaviors.
- Play licking is spontaneous and mutual.
- Dominance licking follows a pattern and is directional — usually from the more confident dog to the less confident one.
Should Owners Be Concerned?
Most of the time, licking between dogs — whether done by dominant or submissive parties — is part of normal canine behavior. However, owners should pay attention if:
- Licking becomes obsessive or causes anxiety in the other dog.
- Other signs of tension or resource guarding occur.
- The recipient dog tries to get away but is followed persistently.
In such cases, intervening with redirection or offering space may help reset dynamics.
Encouraging Healthy Social Behavior
To foster a positive relationship between dogs:
- Supervise early interactions to identify imbalances.
- Reward calm, respectful behavior from both dogs.
- Avoid reinforcing aggressive tendencies — even subtle ones masked by licking.
- Consult a behaviorist if confusion about dominance persists.
Overall, a well-adjusted dominant dog may use licking as a leadership tool — subtly managing social interactions with minimal conflict.
Conclusion: Can Licking Indicate Dominance?
Yes, it can. Dominant dogs may lick other dogs to express control or reinforce status while maintaining harmony. Yet, not all licking stems from dominance motivations. Understanding body language and context is essential for interpreting what your dog is communicating. By observing interactions attentively, pet owners can foster balanced, respectful relationships between canine companions.
