Why Not All Dogs Love Kisses: How Pets Perceive Human Affection 0 8

The publication Daily Paws reported that some dogs can learn to perceive kisses as something pleasant if they understand the context. However, for most animals, this is initially an unclear, even somewhat threatening gesture.

The thing is, dogs communicate differently than we do. They do not approach other animals head-on but move in an arc — this is a sign of respect. When a person leans directly toward a dog's face, the animal may perceive this as a threat or a challenge. It is especially dangerous to allow children to kiss dogs, as their faces often end up being simply 'at the level of teeth.'

Thus, kisses in the dog world do not have the same meaning as in the human world. For your pet, it is just a strange ritual that may either be liked if they are accustomed to it or cause stress.

Dog Kisses

Licking is not always about love. In nature, dogs lick other dogs to show submission or to calm them down. These are called 'reconciliation signals,' and they help avoid conflict.

When a dog licks your hand or face, it may:

• be trying to calm you or itself,
• be asking for attention,
• or simply be looking for a treat, as it has learned that after 'kisses' it gets a reaction from the owner.

But dog trainers note that dogs learn to 'read' us and adapt to our habits. If your dog sees that you are happy after kisses, it may start to reciprocate — not because it is natural, but because it loves you and wants to please you.

Why a Dog Yawns or Sneezes When You Kiss It

Don't rush to laugh if your dog yawns in response to your kiss. This is not boredom, but another reconciliation signal. The dog is saying, 'I am not threatening you, but please step back a little.'

Sneezing, on the other hand, is a kind of 'dog laughter.' Some animals react this way to our strange human actions, as if to say, 'I don't understand what you are doing, but okay.'

If the dog tenses up, turns its face away, or avoids contact, it is better to stop the kisses. This is not a lack of love — it is just that your beloved pet is more comfortable showing it in another way.

How to Show Your Dog That You Love It

There are many ways to express your love that your dog will definitely understand:

• Find a favorite game — tug-of-war, a ball, or frisbee. For a dog, this is the best way to have 'quality time together.'
• Gentle strokes on the chest or behind the ears are perceived as expressions of trust.
• Speak in a gentle voice — this way, the animal feels your mood and calmness.
• Joint activities, especially favorite routes, strengthen the bond between you.
• Teach tricks: training with treats is both entertainment and a way to be 'on the same wavelength' with you.

Kisses are a sweet human way to show love, but not always a dog’s. If your pet accepts them calmly — that’s wonderful. If not — respect its boundaries. After all, what matters most to a dog is not kisses, but trust, shared walks, and the warmth of your heart.