Origin Of Ear Licking
There are different explanations for this curious behavior. Your dog might be licking your ears for one or several of the reasons below:
Mutual GroomingÂ
Dogs show mutual grooming behaviors in a variety of ways. They especially enjoy to lick human skin, such as hands, feet, faces (of course) and also legs or arms if the owner is wearing short sleeves or shorts.Â
Licking members of their family is a bonding activity, strengthens the social structure and lets dogs express their love and appreciation.
Nursing dogs lick their puppies extensively to stimulate their digestion and circulation and clean them.
Show Of Respect
Puppies show respect for older dogs by licking their mouths. It is also an appeasement signal that’s often seen when young dogs try to make older dogs play with them. Dogs licking their owners’ ears can be interpreted in a similar way – your dog is trying to tell you “I respect and value you”.
Sign Of Comfort
Dogs only lick the ears of humans that they feel very comfortable around. If your dog is licking your ears, he is telling you that he feels safe and secure in your company. Especially if you have adopted a rescue dog that shows you ear licking for the first time, take it as a huge compliment – you have earned your dog’s trust.