Do Dogs Understand Kisses?

The answer to the question, “Do dogs understand kisses?” is not all dogs understand what kissing is.

Most people are aware of the value and impact of a kiss.

It’s one of the main ways we express our love for one another and our animals.

That’s the reason why people want to know if their human kisses are understood and they also want to know the signs of it.

As you now already know, not all dogs understand what kissing is.

However, there is proof that they may be taught to comprehend kisses and love them!

As you know now the answer to the question “do dogs understand kisses”, let’s look more closely.

How Do Dogs Respond To Kisses?

Puppy Licking Human Nose

Dogs respond in different ways to natural kisses and cuddles.

Several pups love them as a positive gesture and respond positively, even if they don’t understand human kisses.

Others dislike them and tolerate kisses similarly.

Some owners insist that their dogs genuinely seem to enjoy it, but is this true?

Other dogs frequently exhibit subtle, unnoticeable discontent signals, such as moving away or backing away.

Some people even growl or groan.

Kisses may also “grow old” in some dogs.

They may like them when they are young, but as dogs grow older, they lose interest.

Dogs may not know the significance of a kiss, but many can become more receptive and even learn to give it in return.

Signs Of Dogs Understanding Kisses

Men With Dog

If you want to get a better understanding of the topic, you need to know more about different dog types.

Domesticated dogs raised in contented environments pick up human kisses from their owners.

Even though domestic canines are not physically evolved to understand human kisses from birth, many of them learn that human kisses and cuddles as positive messages.

Dogs who have never received a human kiss don’t know exactly what to make of it and how to deal with it.

Other signs your canine likes to be kissed are as follows:

  • Acting excited

  • Being alert

  • Jumping up

  • Licking

  • Nuzzling or cuddling up to you

  • Tail wagging

Train Your Dog To Like Kisses

Woman With Small Puppy

You can train your dog to respond favorably to kisses if you desire.

Many dogs tend to adore human kisses and react favorably to them since they are connected to kind behavior.

Start Early On – Exposing your pet to the behavior early on is the most excellent method to teach it to enjoy human kisses.

The pup will instill a good association between human kisses and affection from an early age.

Your pup will just become addicted to human kisses as they get older.

Start Slow With Older Dogs – You can still train your loved one if it is a rescue and you didn’t get to kiss it when it was a young dog, but you will need to be extra cautious.

Gaining the canine trust with treats and other rewards is a good start.

Use a Gentle Voice – Use a soft voice when kissing your pup, regardless of how old or young it is.

The simplest method to convey is that you are not being hostile is to speak nicely.

Understand Dog Body Language

Dog Uncomfortable

Also understanding a dog’s body language will help you better understand how your doggy is feeling.

Doggies interact with one another through body language. For instance, friendly pups typically do so from the side rather than directly approaching one another.

They don’t look at each other and take a good sniff before racing off to play, as you may have noticed.

Make eye contact and approach your dog head-on when you give them a kiss, which is the complete reverse of what he would normally do.

Do Kisses Send The Wrong Message To Dogs?

Woman Hugging Dog

Doggies could interpret eye contact as a threat or an indication of hostility.

The same holds when you approach them directly and get face close to greet them.

If doggies are trying to appear friendly and comfortable, they wouldn’t often interact with one another in this manner.

Many of our loving actions don’t transfer well toward pets.

While it’s true that some canines might grow to enjoy being kissed on the head, attempting to do so can come out more as an aggressive gesture than anything else.

Is Licking Like Kissing?

Dog Licking Woman Face

Some dogs lick your ears, hands, face, and arms.

Also, some other dogs nibble on you instead of licking.

That sounds like a canine kissing variation, but what do dog “kisses” mean?

There are three primary purposes of licking:

Firstly, doggies lick to self-groom.

They become filthy, then clean themselves up with their tongue.

Social grooming is another kind of this activity in which pups may groom each other to strengthen their bonds and blend their odors.

Thirdly, young pups will often lick the jaws of other dogs as a greeting, which promotes food regurgitation.

Simply put, this is a practical way to get food to the younger, less experienced pack members.

How Do Dogs Show Affection?

Hand And Paw Heart

How do we know whether our dogs love us or not?

Especially if we don’t know an answer to the question “do dogs understand kisses?”.

Doggies have unconventional methods of expressing their love and care for us.

Here are a few you might notice if your dog likes you:

  • Excitedly welcoming you when you return from a trip out

  • When they see you, their tail starts to wag quickly

  • Playing with you 

  • Choosing to remain nearby or to cuddle up to

It’s also important to know the signs when your dog doesn’t like you.

Other Ways To Show Your Dog That You Love Him

Dog Playing

While we fully believe in lavishing love and sign of affection on our beloved friends daily, it’s good to go the additional mile occasionally.

Spending time showing your pet love can not only deepen your bond, but it’s also beneficial to your mental health.

Following are different ways to show that you love them in your own way:

  • Spoil him with delicious treats

  • Buy a fun new toy

  • Go on an adventure together

  • Teach a new trick

  • Create a sanctuary for him

Before You Go…

Now you know the answer to the question, “Do dogs understand kisses?'”.

If you want to learn more, read the following articles too!

Mena Emad, DVM
Mena has a Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. His expertise, passion for animal welfare, extensive knowledge, and experience in the field of veterinary medicine make him an excellent resource for our readers.