Why Does My Doodle Lick My Feet?
|
|
Time to read 2 min
Hey there, Doodle Owners! Elina here.
Is it just me or do Doodles love feet (lol)? Well turns out, there's actually a biological reason why your Doodle loves licking feet!
By the end of this article, you'll understand exactly why your Doodle is obsessed with licking your feet and how to redirect this behavior if it becomes excessive.
Common Reasons Your Doodle Licks Your Feet
The fact that your Doodle is fascinated with your feet isn't random. Turns out, there is actual biological evidence that explains this behavior.
1. Showing Affection
The most straightforward answer to why does my Doodle lick my feet is that they are showing love. Doodles from strong bonds with their owners and foot licking can be their way of grooming you. This is their way of saying "You're my human, and I care about you."
2. Gathering Information About You
Doodles, like all dogs, experience the world primarily through smell and taste. And your feet contain thousands of sweat glands and naturally collect salt throughout the day. To your Doodle, this creates an interesting combination of scents and tastes that tell them stories about where you've been.
3. Communicating With You
Licking is one of the primary ways dogs communicate. In the wild, puppies lick their mother's mouth to stimulate feeding, and this naturally extends to how they interact with their human family. So when your Doodle licks your feet, this behavior is often a sign that your they think of you as part of their pack.
4. Feeling Anxious
Licking is a self-soothing behavior and the repetitive motion of licking releases endorphins that help calm your dog. If you see your Doodle excessively licking, this can be a sign that your dog is feeling anxious or stressed.
Image from https://www.vecteezy.com/video/40153272-cute-dog-using-lick-mat-for-eating-food-slowly-snack-mat-licking-mat-for-cats-and-dogs
How to Stop Unwanted Foot Licking
If your Doodle's foot licking habit has become uncomfortable or inconvenient, here are some practical tips to redirect the behavior:
1. Redirect Their Attention
Keep appropriate chew toys nearby to offer whenever foot licking begins. This gives your Doodle an acceptable alternative outlet for their energy and curiosity.
One product I've found incredibly helpful is a dog snuffle-mat. This simulates grass and provides mental stimulation that can redirect your Doodle's attention away from your feet.
2. Create Clear Boundaries
Use a simple, consistent command like "no lick" whenever your Doodle starts licking your feet. Then immediately redirect them to an appropriate activity.
Consistency is key so everyone in the household should use the same command and redirection technique to avoid confusing your Doodle.
3. Address Underlying Anxiety
If anxiety is triggering the licking behavior, work on addressing the root cause.
Doodles thrive on routine and mental stimulation. Regular exercise, puzzle toys, and maintaining a consistent schedule can help reduce anxiety in your Doodle. If this doesn't help, consult a professional dog trainer for further guidance.
Image from https://www.newsweek.com/goldendoodle-being-baby-viral-dog-daycare-tiktok-1782355
Conclusion
In conclusion, dog feet licking is normal and even has a biological explanation. As long as this doesn't turn into excessive licking, I would continue gently redirecting your Doodle's attention elsewhere.
And if you're looking for more insights on how to understand your Doodle's behavior, check out my article on How to Understand Your Doodle's Body Language to learn what your dog's body language is trying to tell you.
Elina Panteleyeva
Hey! I'm Elina, the Founder of Dood Woof. I'm on a mission to create healthy and happy lives for Doodles.
