It’s A Matter of Face

Schnitzel is our very first dog and I have a learning curve to ascend. Fortunately for me, Schnitzel has a passion for pet-agogy.

Meeting and greeting Schnitzel

I never understood why verbal greetings and petting was not enough for Schnitzel. Every time I came home, Schnitzel would run up, fling his body at me, dash three or four yards away, and then return to leap upwards, again and again. If he could fly squirrels would be in serious trouble.

I was mystified for some time.  I never knew just how to respond except perhaps to feel just a little bit guilty for not taking him along or for staying away way too long (in dog time).

After watching Schnitzel meet and greet other dogs I came to recognize that dogs prefer to lick faces; Schnitzel was trying to reach my face to greet me and to physically reestablish contact after prolonged absence. Further, his dashing away to leap upwards was a heroic attempt to gain altitude - to reach my face.

The challenge now became, could I, would I learn to meet and greet in dog language?

Now, being face-licked my or any dog’s tongue is not exactly one of my life’s top ten experiences, but I have learned to bend a little. I love all 20 pounds of him; if I get a bit of dog slobber on my nose, I choose to live with it.

Dogs lick to like.

Offers: Paul@relationshipliteracy.com