Why Do Dogs Lick Each Other After Fighting? Understanding the Behavior

If you’ve ever witnessed a scuffle between dogs—whether in your own home or at the park—you might have noticed something strange happening after the fight is over. Instead of walking away in frustration or continuing to growl, the dogs start licking each other. Yes, licking. It’s one of those curious behaviors that might make you stop and wonder, "Wait, didn’t they just try to tear each other apart?"

Dogs licking each other after a fight may seem like an odd choice, but it’s actually a fascinating and natural behavior. Let’s break it down and explore the reasons behind it. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer understanding of why your dog—or any dog—might do this.

The Complex Nature of Dog Social Structures

Before we dive into the specific reasons dogs lick each other after a fight, it’s important to understand that dogs are inherently social creatures. In the wild, dogs and their ancestors (wolves, primarily) live in packs. These packs operate within a strict social hierarchy, where there is a balance between dominance and submission. Every member has a role to play, and they all rely on each other for survival.

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For dogs, maintaining harmony within their pack is crucial. That’s why social behaviors like fighting, grooming, and licking are deeply ingrained in their instincts. Even though your pet might not be living in the wild anymore, these ancient instincts are still present in their behavior today. Dogs are wired to resolve conflict and re-establish peace with each other, and that’s where licking comes into play.

What Does Licking Mean for Dogs?

To better understand the post-fight licking behavior, it’s essential to know what licking represents in the canine world. Licking isn’t always just about affection or love—it can mean a variety of things depending on the situation.

For dogs, licking can serve as:

• A Greeting or Bonding Gesture: Dogs lick each other as a sign of affection and a way to reinforce social bonds.
• Submissive Behavior: Licking can be a way for a dog to show submission to a more dominant dog in the pack.
• Grooming and Hygiene: Dogs will lick each other as part of grooming, especially in the wild, where cleanliness is important.
• Conflict Resolution: Post-fight licking is a form of reconciliation. It helps dogs “reset” after a disagreement and show that they’re no longer a threat to each other.

So when dogs lick each other after a fight, it could be a combination of several things: a peace offering, a social signal to maintain the bond, or a calming mechanism.

Why Do Dogs Lick Each Other After a Fight?

Now, let’s get into the specific reasons dogs lick each other after a fight. Understanding these motivations can shed light on the social complexities of our furry friends and how they navigate their relationships.

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1. Reconciliation After a Fight

Believe it or not, the most common reason dogs lick each other after a fight is to reconcile. Think of it as their version of a handshake or a hug after a heated argument. Dogs are social animals, and they don’t want prolonged tension or conflict within their pack. After the fight, the licking serves as a way to calm the situation and remind each other that the fight is over.

In the wild, a brief confrontation might occur between two pack members, but they would then work to smooth things over, ensuring that the pack remains united. The licking behavior reinforces that harmony has been restored, signaling that the dogs are now on the same page again. It's a peaceful gesture that communicates, “I’m not a threat anymore,” or “Let’s move past this.”

2. Submission and Respect

Another reason for licking after a fight is to demonstrate submission. In many cases, the dog that is doing the licking might be acknowledging that the other dog holds a higher status in the social hierarchy. It’s a way of showing respect and acknowledging the power dynamic within the pack.

This submissive licking is especially common in dog-on-dog interactions, where one dog is trying to assert dominance. Licking can serve as a peaceful gesture to show that the dog is aware of their position in the pack and has no intention of challenging it. It’s a non-threatening way of communicating their submission.

3. Self-Soothing and Stress Relief

Let’s get a little scientific here. When dogs engage in a fight, stress hormones like cortisol are released. This creates an intense emotional environment, which can lead to feelings of anxiety or tension even after the fight is over. Licking serves as a self-soothing mechanism, releasing endorphins that help calm the dog down.

Endorphins are the “feel-good” hormones that help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. When dogs lick each other after a fight, they are essentially helping themselves—and each other—relax and return to a neutral emotional state. It’s similar to how we might take a deep breath or get a hug after a stressful situation. It helps reset the mood and reduce any lingering tension.

4. Reinforcing Social Bonds

Dogs are not only interested in establishing dominance; they also want to maintain close social bonds with the other members of their pack. After a fight, licking can be a way to reinforce those bonds. Even though there was a disagreement, licking signifies that the dogs still care for each other and are not going to let the fight harm their relationship.

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Think of it like two siblings who bicker and argue, but after a while, they hug it out and go back to being friends. For dogs, maintaining these bonds is essential for their emotional well-being, and licking serves as a form of “making up.” It’s a social ritual that strengthens their relationship and helps keep the peace in the pack.

5. Hormonal Communication

Another interesting angle to consider is the role of hormones in canine behavior. When dogs fight, their bodies experience a rush of adrenaline and cortisol. After the fight, the licking behavior could also be a form of hormonal communication that signals the end of the conflict. Dogs are highly attuned to each other’s scent, and licking can serve as a way to communicate not just emotionally, but physically as well.

In the wild, wolves use grooming and licking to communicate their emotional states and to check the health of other pack members. By licking, dogs can transfer information about their own emotional state or reinforce a desire for peace. It’s a form of non-verbal communication that helps them bond and maintain order.

Is Licking Always a Good Thing?

While licking after a fight is generally a positive, peaceful gesture, there are some exceptions. Excessive licking, particularly if one dog is doing all the licking and the other is not reciprocating, could indicate anxiety or a deeper issue. If one dog is overly fixated on licking, it may be a sign that the dog is trying to self-soothe or is struggling with anxiety.

Additionally, if fights are happening frequently or escalating, the licking might not be enough to resolve the underlying issues. In these cases, it’s crucial to look at the root causes of the fights. Dogs might be fighting over resources, territory, or unclear social structures. Understanding why the fights happen in the first place is key to preventing future conflicts.

How to Manage Fighting and Licking Behavior in Dogs

If your dogs have a habit of fighting and then licking each other afterward, it’s important to step in and manage their behavior to prevent future issues. Here are some tips to help you maintain a peaceful home:

1. Establish Clear Boundaries

Dogs thrive on structure. Make sure each dog knows their personal space in your home. This can prevent territorial disputes and help your dogs feel more secure.

2. Positive Reinforcement Training

Rewarding calm, positive interactions between your dogs will help reinforce peaceful behavior. If you catch your dogs getting along without any fighting, reward them with treats or praise to reinforce that behavior.

3. Provide Separate Resources

Dogs can often fight over toys, food, or attention. By providing separate resources for each dog (separate food bowls, toys, and resting spots), you can reduce the chances of conflict.

4. Redirect Negative Behavior

If your dogs are showing signs of aggression or frustration, use training techniques to redirect their attention. Positive reinforcement can be a great tool in helping your dogs focus on more desirable behaviors.

5. Seek Professional Help

If the fighting continues despite your efforts, or if the post-fight licking becomes excessive, it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help you work through the issues and create a customized plan to address the root causes of the conflict.

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Conclusion

Dogs licking each other after a fight is a fascinating behavior that reveals a lot about their social dynamics. It’s not about holding grudges or trying to “win” the fight—it’s about restoring peace and harmony within the pack. Whether it’s a gesture of reconciliation, a display of submission, or a way to reduce stress, licking is a complex behavior that plays an important role in maintaining healthy relationships between dogs.

Of course, if the fights are frequent or the licking behavior becomes excessive, you’ll need to dig a little deeper into the situation to address the root causes. But in general, a little licking after a fight isn’t something to worry about—it’s just your dog’s way of saying, “We’re good now.”

After all, in the world of dogs, it’s all about keeping the peace and staying in the pack. And that little lick? That’s how they get there.

Thanks for your reading.