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Morning Behavior

18 17:11:04

Question
Hello, Mr. Peterson;

We have a 4 yr old female who came from the pound.  The vet lists her as a "terrier mix".  Her demeanor is very subdued, almost fearful.  She is not given to much affection and prefers to keep to herself, although she is there to excitedly greet us when we return home.  Here's my question:  Every morning, when my wife and I first wake up, the dog comes up and licks us incessantly, to the point where it's almost annoying.  Yet, as I mentioned, beyond that she is mostly unattentive and unaffectionate.  Why does she lick us like that?  Does she feel it is a way of nurturing?  I'm just really curious.  If you have an idea, please let me know.  Thanks for volunteering for this forum.
- Mike

Answer
Hello Mike,

You mentioned your dog came from the pound but didn't say how long you had her. From your writing I'm going to assume you and your wife received her into your home recently.

Unfortunately, we don't know what type of environment she came from, so a percentage of my opinion will be an educated guess.

Obviously, she loves you and your wife or she wouldn't excitedly greet either of you when you come home. Also, she has no fear of you or she wouldn't lick you both constantly.
(Obviously, a good thing).

Perhaps when you first brought her home,and when you and your wife returned home after being away from the house,  you encouraged her greeting (perhaps overstated your pleasure to see her)and--over a period of time, her greeting for you both became a habit that caused her excitement to grow.

The licking also could be a habit that was cute in the beginning, but now has grown to be annoying. (It sounds like you are both good parents because the licking is an easy practice to stop, and you did not request the "how to".

You mention, aside from the two greetings, "she is not given to much affection and prefers to keep to herself". Is it possible that you and your wife are paying too much attention to her and, not receiving the same amount from her, you feel there may be a problem?

If you feel she is unattentive and unaffectionate, don't force yourself on her (that will cause behavior problems). Go about your family matters, even to the point of partially ignoring her, and see after about two weeks if her behavior changes.

To summarize, I would say your dog loves you both and, not having any obvious behavior problems. All, to me, sounds as it should be.

Good luck. Please follow-up with me as to your results. I am curious to hear the result as to how your conditioning practices bring things about.

Harry