Lab brothers licking each other

Discussion in 'Labrador Behavior' started by AliG1, Apr 7, 2017.

  1. AliG1

    AliG1 Registered Users

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    I have 2 black male 'whole' labs; one 4 & the other 3. The elder is constantly licking his younger brother round his neck and on his face, in particular his eyes. Any idea why this happens and, as it seems to be getting obsessive, how to control it? The younger lab seems not to mind, at least for a while.
     
  2. drjs@5

    drjs@5 Registered Users

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    I know that dogs will have a bit of a "heirarchy" and the dog who feels more responsible often grooms the others.
    Know a couple of dogs who do that, though they are both female.
    Not sure if anyone else can help.

    (and welcome to the forum!)
    jac
     
  3. AliG1

    AliG1 Registered Users

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    Thanks for this. I thought it was probably hierarchal ( is that a word! ) but oddly, the one being licked is the dominant one, even though he is the younger of the two!
     
  4. snowbunny

    snowbunny Registered Users

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    Licking the face of another dog can be an appeasement signal, but in puppies, it is often a way to try to initiate play.
     

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