...licking their face? I'm trying to make my dog less anxious and perhaps bond physically with him, but I'm not going to lick his face (or anywhere else, for that matter). I was curious if the action of petting is supposed to simulate licking (grooming).

Just pet them - obviously they're going to know that you aren't their mother. One suggestion I've heard to help them sleep is to put a clock under a blanket...this is suppose to simulate their mother's beating heart. Another suggestion is perhaps to get a blanket with the mother's smell on it.

Hold him close to your heart so he can feel it beating. Also, if it does not bother you, let him lick you. Even if you are not licking back, the bond will still be created.

hmm try giving him a shirt with your scent on it to sleep in ^_^