Excessive Licking - Why Dogs Do it and How to Stop Them

Excessive Licking - Why Dogs Do it and How to Stop Them

There are a number of reasons why dogs lick excessively. Before attempted to modify a behavior, it is best to find the root cause of the behavior.

Dogs often lick because:

They love you! It is their way of showing affection, plus gaining your attention, and approval.

It has a calming effect. Their mothers licked them as puppies to groom and calm them. They remember how good it felt...they want you to have the same experience.

You taste good! Humans are salty, and your dog has acquired a taste for salt.

Habit...when they did it as a puppy it was cute...now it's annoying. He likes it, and thinks you do too!

Medical reasons...speak to your vet...perhaps your dog needs a change of food, or a supplement. There may be a medical problem, and your dog may be seeking your attention.

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) behavior is cry for attention, caused by repetitive behavior. An OCD dog stresses over any action that takes your attention away from them. Spend more time exercising him...long walks, runs in the park, playing "fetch", anything to burn up that excessive nervous energy.

OK, you have taken your dog to the vet, and they determined there is no medical reason for the licking. Now, you want to eliminate this particularly annoying behavior. Before you do, it is important to realize, by giving attention to any behavior, whether positive or negative, you are reinforcing that behavior. Your dog's licks may be as simple as his way of telling you that he loves you and he wants your affection and approval.

Remember, it is possible being pushed away after 'kissing' you might make him try harder to lick you. Don't push him away. Ignore him. Simply get up and walk away. Ignore your dog, and do something for two or three minutes, then return to your chair. Do this each time he starts to lick you. Your dog learns by association. He will make the association "I lick, they leave, and when I don't lick they stay." Reward the calm behavior with soft, gentle praise. DO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT! That's an invitation to resume licking!

Smaller dogs often become carried away with licking when they are on your lap because they are so excited and happy to be there. In such cases, it is best to spend time calmly holding the dog on your lap in order to reduce the novelty and excitement of the experience. The dog should be picked up and held until he settles down. Verbal communication should be gentle and soft, so not to excite your dog. This method should be repeated over and over until the dog learns that getting on your lap is not a special event.

If the dog begins to lick, put them down, walk away. Return a few minutes later, and try again. If your dog licks, repeat putting him down and walking away. Let your dog learn by association, when they sit calmly on your lap, and don't lick...you don't leave!

Another way of discouraging licking is, squeal or yelp as if in pain! Your dog associates that sound to when they were a puppy. They recall when they hurt a litter-mate; the litter-mate would cry out...then leave. They recall when they hurt their mother; she would give a disapproving growl or snap, and walk away. Your dog will learn to stop licking because he does not wish to hurt you or earn your disapproval.

If your dog is sometimes rewarded for licking and at other times reprimanded for it, he will without a doubt, be confused. If you have taught your dog to 'kiss' on request, it's time to teach him 'no kiss' on request. Only permit him lick you if you say it's okay to do so. When you don't want to be licked, then calmly inform your dog with the command, "ENOUGH!" If need be, get up, and walk away, or simply move your hand where he cannot reach it. If your dog has been indulging in this behavior for a long time, realize it will also take some time for him to learn to stop, so be patient. After all, he is only licking you, he's not biting you!

Once you have decided to stop your dog's licking behavior, be sure that he has another way of expressing his affection. Dogs are pack animals. They want their people to notice them. By ignoring them when they behavior is inappropriate, they begin to make the association, "I am welcome in the pack, when I don't lick. That's when my people notice and acknowledge me."

Remember, everyone must agree to follow the program, for it to be effective.

Keep in mind the old saying..."There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face."