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Why won't my puppy lick?

I rescued a 10 week old dachshund puppy from a rescue group a week ago and I am curious to know why this little fella doesn't like to lick? I am used to having dogs in the past that were big "lickers" as puppies and my new puppy doesn't lick at all. This isn't a big problem...I am not sure if I should be happy or sad, but I am just concerned if that means anything specific about his temperment or what I can expect from him in the future.


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Some dogs lick and some don't. There are many ways of showing affection and licking is only one. Try playing ball or any toy that your dog likes. Go for a walk. Dogs love walking around the neighborhood and that is a good way to bond with her. Stop worrying about the licking. It is unimportant.

Posted 2009-09-08T12:59:18Z
 
217 helpful answers

I have the same kind of dog and she is the Alpha god out of three, the others lick her. In turn she see's me as her alpha and when im sweaty and come in from work if I set down she then will try to lick me. maybe she just likes the sweat but this might be a thing they do so show who's boss. She might be thinking you should be licking her....try it...

Posted 2009-09-08T14:08:14Z
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185 helpful answers

Licking can greatly be a matter of temperment for dogs. While some dogs will 'lick you to death', others prefer to jump up, or bark in greeting. Each dog is predisposed to react differently. This doesn't neccessarily mean anything is wrong with your pup.

It's very possible he is misunderstanding the command to not bite, especially as puppies tend to lick and nibble at the same time. If this is the case, here is something you can try to correct his misunderstanding (if you want him to be licky, if not, it won't hurt him to know not to lick).
When he does something well, and you give him solid treat (a biscuit or small piece of cheese ect), tell him it's a 'bite' as he takes it. Other times, put a few drops of milk in the palm of your cupped hand and offer it to him. He'll automatically lap this, and tell him what he is now doing is to 'lick'. This will also usually work if you've just finished handling meat but do not have any chunks to offer him.
Keep in mind that as a puppy he's bound to get over-excited about things and is likely to bite himself when bathing when he means to lick. This is just a cute, puppy activity and quite comical to watch but nothing to worry about.
If he starts to show any problems with lapping water or bathing himself, do book a vet. Mouth ulcers are always a possibility (and may not be obvious to the untrained eye), or he could have a tooth or gum problem.

Posted 2009-09-08T14:45:19Z
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323 helpful answers

What comes around goes around.

Hi Ryan. I don't think the lack of licking means anything with regard to his temperment. The other thing that went through my mind when I read this question is that he may have had a bad experience with licking another human being, such as licking something that made him extremely ill (like abuse from a previous owner), and now to avoid that again, he doesn't lick people. Either way, I don't think you have too much to worry about. If he appears to be happy, he very likely is. Congrats on your new addition to the family and god bless you for rescuing an animal.

Posted 2009-09-12T13:51:09Z
tre1129 was invited by Yedda to answer this question.

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it is ether his his temperment or maybee due to not enuf bonding as a puppy he should come around, you may want to take a look at his mouth and see if there is anything wrong. otherwise he well come around just reasure him with lots of love

Posted 2009-10-04T22:55:14Z
FuzzyPuppyLove was invited by Yedda to answer this question.

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