I think to push a dog into physical contact it isnt comfortable with is wrong. I have a dog who adores close physical contact, hugs, kisses etc and isnt intimidated or phased by it at all. Then I have 2 who dont like it - one gets intimidated and the other just prefers space. In their case I always show them affection by stroking safer areas like chest, rib cage etc and making sure I dont have arms draped over them or my face too close or just not getting into their space too much. It's not that i'm afraid they'll bite me, i'm just respectful of the fact they arent into big displays of affection.

Jed has got better as he's got older and accepts more fuss nowadays and although he is a big bear of a dog who has a luxurious coat, I just have to accept that i'm never going to be able to bury myself in it!

So no, I dont think it's something that should be trained out, although in some instances a dog can learn to appreciate affection and contact more, but I think their limits are something to be respected, not pushed.

It's quite natural for some dogs to "kiss" and if I thought of my dog as filthy I wouldn't own one TBH

My point was respect your dog really and some like it some don't. I would guess people who get hurt doing it are not respecting their dog because as I say Duncan doesn't like it so we don't do it to him.

If we did as you suggest next generation would feel their dog was a disease carrier and feel fearful of it.

Yes but we aren't talking of swapping saliva or french kissing here, I don't think anyone will catch anything from a lick on a cheek providing they are going to use soap and water later, and when I kiss Mollie it's on her head or cheek I don't thrust my tongue in her mouth and she doesn't do that to me either.

Haha kaya would given the chance! X

I do not want to kiss my dog neither do I want him to kiss me, I know where his nose, lips and tongue have been!