[KPoos]

I think constant licking is also a sign that he's asking for approval from his alpha. Jasper used to lick constantly with Harry and Harry just turned from him and ignored him. I try to take my cues from what dogs tell each other with their body language. When I was confused I'd put the dogs together and just watch them. I also agree that it's a nervous behavior. Jasper didn't like his feet touched so he would lick me constantly when I'd groom his feet. It was his nice way of saying stop doing that I don't like it.

I'd think it best to just turn from him and ignore the behavior. Most of the time dog's behaviors are reinforced by your reactions to them. If you stop grooming because they pull away they will learn to pull away to make you stop from doing something they don't like. If you pet them and provide unending reassurance when they seem nervous they know they will get the attention of the one they want if they act in a nervous manner.

Dogs speak their own language and it's hard sometimes to even know what that means.

Olie, oversubmission would make a TON of sense to me with Jasper's behavior because I'd never seen a dog seek the approval of the other dog by licking so much as when Jasper was with Harry. It was almost like an obsessive behavior with the licking the chin over and over for approval.

 

[KPoos]

Gosh it sounds so similar. It's okay. I know the feeling of the broken heart. You honestly take it personally and think you did something to make the dog react that way when it's not you it's just them. They are all individuals and have their own way of thinking.