To us human beings, pecking on the cheek or head is a normal and uncomplicated expression of love. It's something we do without thinking to those we love, especially members of our family. So, naturally, we express our love in the same way to our dogs.
You’ve probably kissed your pup countless times—and maybe they’ve even responded with a lick or a gentle nudge. But does that really mean they get what a kiss means? Do dogs actually enjoy being kissed?
How Dogs Communicate
Dogs are fascinating animals with their own complex language. Unlike us, they don’t use words to express how they feel. Sure, they bark, whine, or growl—but that’s not the same as having a conversation. And over time, domestication has altered the way dogs communicate, even with each other.
Dogs mostly communicate through body language—subtle gestures, movements, and positions. The cues are usually universal in breeds, and understanding them can help us steer clear of mixed signals.
If you've ever witnessed dogs meet other dogs at a park, you might have noticed how they size one another up. It's not an accident—there's always motive behind the movement.
Reading Dog Behavior
Take that circulatory motion, for instance. Canines circle each other prior to a face-to-face greeting. This is not just sniffing out the perimeter—it's cautious curiosity. It's also the way in which one is able to greet safely without looking threatening. Approaching from the side is a dog's etiquette and respect.
More assertive dogs might skip that step and head straight in, possibly from behind or with a stiff posture to look more dominant. You’ll rarely see a confident or aggressive dog go in for a full face-to-face meeting right away.
How Dogs Show Affection
Licking is perhaps one of the most common displays of affection from dogs. While we consider it a dog's kiss, it is not quite the same. Dogs use licking for various purposes.
It starts early in life—mother dogs lick their newborns clean, and that's showing the puppies that licking is necessary. It's not love—it's a survival and communication mechanism. Dogs find out about the world by tasting and licking, so when they're licking one another (or you), they're learning and bonding at the same time.
Surprisingly, licking also releases happy chemicals in their heads, which help to soothe them. This is the reason submissive dogs will lick a more dominant one's face—to say, "I come in peace."
Do Dogs Actually Get Kisses?
Here's the bottom line: dogs don't naturally understand what a kiss is. The act of kissing simply isn't something in their reality, and it's not something they naturally recognize as affection.
That being noted, some dogs are taught to tolerate (and even enjoy) kisses—especially if they have been kissed repeatedly and associated the behavior with love, treats, or praise. Soon, they learn to associate it with something positive, not necessarily because they understand what it is, but because they've been taught to like it.
So when your dog licks you after a kiss, it’s not necessarily a sign of love—it might just be their way of responding to your happiness, almost like a trick they learned by accident.
Is It Safe to Kiss Your Dog?
That depends on your relationship with your dog and how they react. If you’ve been giving your dog kisses for years and they seem relaxed, then it’s probably fine. But remember—not all dogs are the same, and not all of them enjoy being kissed, especially by strangers.
The majority of dog bites in children are the result of children trying to hug or kiss a dog that is not accustomed to this level of affection. Entering a dog's private space can be perceived as threatening, even with loving intentions.
Side approach and distances are what dogs prefer best. Thus, when someone, including a child or an adult, suddenly approaches and leans forward, the dog may feel trapped or threatened—and will react accordingly.
Look for Warning Signs
Pay close attention to your dog’s body language when you get near their face. Are they pulling away? Turning their head? Growling? Showing their teeth? These are all signs that your dog isn’t feeling safe or comfortable—and it’s important to respect that.
And even if your dog is okay with you kissing them, that does not automatically mean they would be okay with someone else. Some dogs suppress their discomfort since they were taught not to be aggressive, and that would make it even more difficult to tell. But just because they don't growl doesn't automatically mean they're fine. Sometimes, a bite occurs without any apparent warning.
Other ways dogs show love
Even though your dog will not understand the full meaning of kisses, they do show love their own way. These are called affiliative behaviors—unspoken tokens of love and trust.
Some common behaviors that your dog loves you:
They lick you (lick your face or hands)
They play with you
They stay beside your side or follow you around
They cuddle up beside you or sleep beside you
These simple acts mean a lot in the dog world—and they’re all ways of saying “I trust you” or “I feel safe with you.”
Final Thoughts
While kisses may not hold the same meaning for your dog as they do for you, it doesn’t mean you have to stop. If your dog seems okay with it and enjoys your attention, then keep doing what makes you both happy.
Just pay attention to how your dog responds, and don't expect them to have the same type of affection. If you want to really express to your pup that you love them, do something in their love language: give them a treat, take them for a walk, or play their favorite game.
Ultimately, what counts most is the connection you have—and there's more than one way to say "I love you.
