I think it means she loves you and feels safe with you. Maybe she does feel protective as well.
@Sadie Cornelius Thanks for the guidance. Using a slicker brush has been very helpful!
I accidentally taught my dog the wrong name. He is my sweet baby, so I call him baby. He responds more to that than his name. It’s funny because he knows his name but ignores it until we say “Hey Baby,” so we joke that his name is Hey Baby.
I have crate-trained all my smaller dogs. My dogs really like their crates and even retreat there when they need a break. So, as long as you get a crate that is the right size and don’t leave her in there too long, she should be fine. I like crate training, especially for smaller dogs, because it keeps them safe when I’m not home. It is extremely helpful at night, keeps them out of trouble, and gives them a place they know is just for them.
Sometimes, excessive licking can cause a dark spot on the fur. I’ve seen this in my dogs, and it can be caused by a few things. If it were me, I would watch it and let his parents know as soon as possible. If he starts showing signs of pain, then definitely reach out to a vet.