My anxious rescue dog is obsessed with me. Why the constant licking?

Question

My boyfriends dog was a stray and has now been with him approx 5 years. He does not like people and won't let anyone near except my bf and now me. It took him a few months to allow me to stroke him but now With me he has become obsessed. following me and always wanting to lick me and play. Sleeps next to me at night. He has started air licking mostly when I stop him kissing me. What is this? Is it a worry? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

It's very common for anxious dogs to be very closely bonded with people that they trust - the world is a very scary place for Blanquet, so it's not surprising that he wants to be near you now that you've finally made friends :) Licking is a way that many dogs show affection, and can also be a self-soothing behavior sometimes in anxious dogs. As long as it isn't causing any problems for either of you, I would not consider this a problem at all.

My anxious rescue dog is obsessed with me. Why the constant licking?

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