Petsay
October 20, 2026
By Haseeb Rehman
If your Aussiedoodle follows you around and keeps licking your face or hands you may wonder why it does this. Is your dog showing love or asking for attention? Sometimes the reason is simple. Your dog may like the salty taste of your skin or enjoy the attention it gets when it licks you.
Aussiedoodles use licking to interact with people and learn about their surroundings. Every dog is different. Some lick their owners to get attention while others do it when they feel nervous or bored. Licking can also become a habit if it gets a reaction from people.
Most licking is normal and is not a sign of a problem. The main thing is to notice when your dog does it and how it acts at that time. If your Aussiedoodle suddenly starts licking much more than usual or cannot seem to stop then it may need extra attention.
This guide explains why Aussiedoodles lick their owners and why they focus on the face and hands. You will also learn how to spot signs of stress and help your dog stop licking too much without scaring it.
Your Aussiedoodle may lick your face and hands because they have interesting smells and tastes. Your hands touch food and many other things during the day. Your face may also have food or sweat on it after eating or going for a walk. These smells can make your skin interesting to your dog.
Dogs also lick people as a way to interact with them. Your Aussiedoodle may lick your face when you come home or sit down with it. This may be its way of greeting you and getting close to you.
Your hands can attract licking too. If you have been cooking or eating then your fingers may smell like food. Sweat can also leave a salty taste on your skin. Your dog may lick your hands because it wants to explore these smells and tastes.
Your reaction can also affect this habit. If you laugh or talk to your dog when it licks you then it may learn that licking gets your attention. Even pushing your dog away can make it repeat the behavior because you are still reacting to it.
If you do not want your dog to lick your face then gently move away. Wash your hands after handling food and do not let your dog lick your mouth or open cuts. Keep dogs away from young children’s faces too because close contact can spread germs.
Your Aussiedoodle may lick you to show affection and stay close to you. Dogs learn this behavior when they are young. Their mothers lick them as puppies and licking can remain a part of their behavior as they grow up.
If your dog licks you when you come home or sit beside it then it may want to show friendly affection. But licking does not always mean love. Dogs also lick to explore smells or show that they want something. Watch your dog’s behavior to understand why it is licking you.
Your Aussiedoodle may lick you because it wants attention. If you talk to your dog or pet it every time it licks you then it may learn to repeat this behavior. Even laughing or saying “stop” can make your dog lick more because it gets a response from you.
Notice when your dog starts licking. Does it happen while you are watching TV or working at your desk? Does your dog lick you when you stop playing with it? These habits may mean your dog wants more attention.
Try to spend time with your dog before it starts licking. Play a game or practice a few simple commands. If your dog starts licking you then calmly move away for a moment. When it settles down give it praise or attention. This helps your Aussiedoodle learn that calm behavior is a better way to get your attention.
Yes. Some dogs lick people or themselves when they feel scared or nervous. Licking may help them feel better for a short time. But not every lick means your dog is stressed. Watch your Aussiedoodle and notice what happens before the licking starts.
Your dog may lick more when it hears loud noises or sees new people. It may also happen when you leave it alone or take it somewhere new. These situations can make some dogs feel nervous.
One sign does not always mean your dog is stressed. It may lick its lips after eating or yawn because it is sleepy. Look for several signs at the same time and think about what is happening around your dog.
If your Aussiedoodle seems nervous give it some space. Take it to a quiet place where it can relax. Do not force it to accept hugs or petting. If the licking continues or starts affecting daily life ask a vet for advice. A dog behavior expert can also help if anxiety is causing the problem.
You do not need to punish your Aussiedoodle to stop excessive licking. Instead teach your dog what to do instead. Be patient and follow the same rules every day. If one person allows licking while another person stops it then your dog may get confused.
When your dog starts licking your hands or face gently move away. Do not shout or push your dog. Turn away or stand up for a short time. Once your dog stops licking give it attention again.
This helps your Aussiedoodle learn that licking does not always get a response. Calm behavior can help your dog get the attention it wants.
Give your dog another activity when it starts licking. Teach simple commands such as “sit” or “stay.” When your dog follows a command reward it with praise or a small treat.
You can also ask your dog to bring a toy or go to its bed. These activities give your dog something else to do. Reward good behavior instead of only trying to stop licking.
Aussiedoodles need daily activity to stay healthy and happy. A dog that has little to do may look for ways to keep busy. Licking can become a habit when your dog feels bored.
Try these activities with your dog:
A lick mat or food toy can also keep your dog busy. Use dog-safe foods and watch your dog while it uses these items. More activity may help if boredom causes the licking but it may not solve every problem.
Aussiedoodles lick their owners for different reasons. They may want to show love or get your attention. They may also like the taste of your skin. Sometimes licking happens because a dog feels bored or nervous.
Watch your dog to see when the licking starts. If you want to stop it from licking too much stay calm and reward it when it behaves well. Give your dog enough exercise and toys to keep it busy.
If your Aussiedoodle suddenly starts licking a lot more than usual do not ignore it. Contact a vet if the licking does not stop or your dog seems sick or in pain. Knowing why your dog licks you can help you handle the behavior in the right way.
