It’s a question that has perplexed Shiba owners for centuries: why does our beloved four-legged companion insist on licking us, and what do they hope to achieve? While we may never truly know the answer, we can make some educated guesses as to why your Shiba is so eager to make contact with you through its favorite pastime – licking.

One possible explanation is that your Shiba is simply showing you how much it loves and values your friendship. It’s a way for them to express their affection in the same way they would greet another dog, by rubbing noses and licking each other’s faces. Licking can also be an expression of respect – it may be your Shiba’s way of saying “Hey, I recognize you as the pack leader and I trust and respect you”.

Another reason why your Shiba may be licking your hand is because it is trying to get your attention. This could be a form of asking for something – food, a walk, or just some extra love. After all, how can anyone resist that adorable face?

Finally, Shiba’s are known for being incredibly clean creatures – and licking your hand may be their way of grooming you. This could simply be an instinctual behavior that reminds them of when their mothers would groom them as puppies.

Whatever the reason behind it, one thing is certain – getting licked by a Shiba is always a sign of affection and trust. So next time your pup comes to give you some slobbery love, take a moment to appreciate the special bond you share – and maybe even return the favor with a little pat on the head!

Should I let my Shiba Inu lick my hands?

Whether or not you let your Shiba Inu lick your hands is ultimately up to you and your comfort level. However, there are a few things to consider before making a decision.

For starters, it’s important to note that licking is a normal behavior for many dogs—it’s how they interact with one another and show affection. However, if the licking becomes excessive or causes you discomfort, it’s important to take steps to address the behavior. It might be helpful to talk with an animal behaviorist about how best to discourage your Shiba from licking too much.

Additionally, saliva can contain bacteria that could cause infection if transferred from your pet’s mouth to an open wound on your hand. So, if you have any cuts or scrapes, it would be wise to avoid letting your Shiba Inu lick them.

You should also consider the possibility of allergies when deciding whether or not to let your pet lick you. If you’re allergic to dogs, then licking could cause a reaction and make your symptoms worse.

Is it clean if my Shiba Inu licks me?

The short answer to this question is that it depends. While cleanliness isn’t the top concern when it comes to your Shiba Inu licking you, there are a few things to consider before letting your pup give you some slobbery love.

For starters, saliva can contain bacteria and germs, so if your pet has been rolling in mud or digging in the dirt, it’s best to give them a quick bath before letting them lick you. Additionally, it’s important to make sure your Shiba Inu is free of any parasites or conditions that could be transferred from their saliva.

Beyond cleanliness considerations, it’s also important to note that dogs typically lick for a few reasons. On the one hand, licking can be seen as an act of affection or submission. On the other, it could also be a sign of anxiety or stress in your pet. So, if you notice that your pup is licking excessively, it’s important to take steps to address their behavior and help them feel secure and comfortable.

Finally, it’s worth noting that licking can sometimes be a sign of dominant behavior in dogs. If you notice your Shiba Inu licking excessively or trying to push you around with their tongue, this is a warning sign that they might be trying to assert themselves as the alpha in the relationship. In these cases, it can be helpful to consult a professional dog trainer to help you identify and address the underlying causes of your pup’s behavior.

Do Shiba Inu licks mean kisses?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the individual dog and their unique relationship with their owner. Many pet owners tend to view licks from their Shiba Inu as a sign of love and affection, interpreting them as “kisses” from their pup.

It is true that many dogs will lick their owners for affection, as it is a natural way for them to show how much they care. Shiba Inu are known for their loyalty and devotion, so it’s not uncommon for these pups to express their adoration through lots of licks.

However, it’s important to remember that there could be other factors at play when your pup starts licking your hand. For instance, they may be feeling anxious or stressed and using licking as a way to comfort themselves—so it’s important to consider the context of the situation before attributing any particular meaning to their behavior.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decipher the motivations behind why your Shiba Inu licks you. The best thing you can do is observe their behavior and note any patterns that may exist so you can better understand your pup’s needs.

Why does my Shiba Inu lick me when I’m sick?

It’s common for dogs – including Shiba Inu – to show extra affection when their owners are feeling under the weather. This is because pets have an instinctive understanding of their humans’ emotional states, and they want to provide comfort and support during difficult times.

This is especially true for Shiba Inu, which are known for being incredibly loyal and devoted to their owners. Your pup may respond by licking your hand or face when you’re feeling sick, as this is a form of reassurance and affirmation that they understand how you feel.

On the other hand, it’s important to remember that there could be other factors at play here. For example, some dogs may lick their owner’s hand when they’re sick as a way to self-soothe.

Why do Shibas lick you before they go to sleep?

Shiba Inu are known for their loyal and devoted nature, and this can extend to their sleeping habits as well. Many Shibas like to lick their owners before bedtime as a way of showing affection and providing reassurance that they feel safe. This could be because licking is an instinctive behavior in dogs—it’s a way for them to show their love and affection for their owners.

It’s also possible that your pup is trying to get your attention before they go to sleep. This could be because they want some extra cuddles, or it could even be because they need something, like food or water. Some Shibas may also lick their owners in order to claim them as part of their “pack”. This is a way of showing dominance over their owners and asserting themselves as the alpha in the relationship.

Additionally, it’s possible that your pup may be licking you for comfort before they go to sleep. Shibas are smart and sensitive dogs, and they know when something is wrong or off-balance in their environment. Licking you may be their way of providing comfort and reassurance that everything is okay, even in times of stress or uncertainty.

It’s important to remember that this behavior should not be encouraged—while Shibas are naturally affectionate animals, it’s important to establish boundaries with your pup and make sure that they understand the rules of the house. If your pup is licking excessively or in situations where they shouldn’t be, it’s best to redirect their attention and focus on positive behaviors instead.

Is licking a submissive behavior in Shiba Inus?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. While it’s true that Shibas can exhibit submissive behaviors, such as licking their owners, these behaviors are not always indicative of submission. Licking can be a way for them to show affection and reassure themselves in times of stress or uncertainty—it’s more of an expression of love than an attempt to assert dominance.

Shibas are very smart and intuitive animals, and they understand the importance of establishing boundaries with their owners. Submissive behaviors like licking can be a way to show respect towards their owners in these situations; it’s important that they know who is in charge of the relationship.

However, there are certain situations where licking can be a sign of submission. If your pup is feeling scared or intimidated, they may lick you in an attempt to appease you or show their respect. In these cases, it’s important that you remain calm and reassuring so that your pup knows everything is going to be okay—it’s not helpful for them to feel more anxious in the presence of someone they view as their protector.

Why do Shibas lick your mouth and nose?

Shibas can be very affectionate and love showing their owners how much they care. This includes licking your face, particularly around the mouth and nose area. Some theories suggest that Shibas lick you in this way to show subservience; however, it is more likely a sign of affection or reassurance.

In some cases, Shibas may lick your face as a way of gathering information about you. Dogs have very sensitive noses, and they can identify scents that humans cannot. By licking your mouth or nose area, they are able to detect subtle hints of food particles and other smells that you may not be aware of.

Another theory suggests that Shibas lick your face due to its soft, warm texture. This is a common behavior in puppies, as they may attempt to soothe themselves by licking surfaces that are similar to their mother’s fur. Adult Shibas may continue this for comfort and security.

Why do Shibas lick your legs?

Shibas may lick your legs for many different reasons. One reason is that it could be a sign of affection and greeting. By licking you, they are showing that they recognize you and want to say hello. This type of behavior is common among Shibas, especially when they meet someone new or see an old friend after some time apart.

Another reason why Shibas may lick your legs is because they are scent marking. Dogs have a very acute sense of smell and this can be used to identify people and objects that it has come into contact with. By licking you, the Shiba is leaving its own individual scent behind so that other dogs will recognize it as “theirs”.

Conclusion | Why does my Shiba lick my hand?

At the end of the day, it’s hard to know why your Shiba Inu licks your hand for sure. Whether they’re showing you affection or trying to communicate something else entirely, these pups are full of surprises.
The best way to figure out your pup’s motivations is to observe their behavior and take note of any patterns. When in doubt, a few extra cuddles and scratches are always a good way to show your pup how much you care too!