Change Your Dog's Licking Behavior

Introduction

It's natural for dogs to want to lick and is often used by dogs as a way of greeting and expression of love toward their owners. Most dog owners tolerate their dog licking them however; if the licking is constant or excessive then it could be sign that something is not right with your pet.

Reasons Why Dogs Lick

Affection - A dog will lick you as a sign of affection. He may be happy to see you if you've been away from him for a period of time. He will be relaxed and happy.

Anxious/Stressed - Your dog may consistently lick you because he is stressed out or anxious. If he is licking you all the time this can be the start of obsessive/compulsive behavior. Ensure he's getting enough exercise, attention and play time. He may be bored which is causing him to lick excessively.

Lack of Water/Nutrients - He may be licking because he is not getting enough water or nutrients from his food. Ensure that he always has enough clean water and nutrient rich food.

Ticks/Worms - He may have ticks or worms which are causing his skin to itch. He may start licking to try to relive the itching. Ensure that he's regularly checked and receives regular tick and worm treatments.

Change Your Dog's Habit

If your dog does lick excessively you will need to establish why. Once you have established the reason why your dog is constantly licking you need to make changes such as taking him for longer walks to tire him out, play with him more often, socialize him with other animals and dogs, ensure that he's getting enough water and nutrients from his food or he may need tick or worm treatment.

Your dog may just be licking you because he is happy to see you. Watch his body position and demeanor. If your pet is licking you and seems happy, he is showing you affection. If you don't like it or would like him to stop change your body position, get up and walk away or command him to stop.

Be calm and assertive with your pet if you want him to stop licking you. He may be persistent and not understand that you do love him but don't want slobber all over you. Never shout or yell at your dog as this will only frighten him. It may take some time before your dog understands when to stop licking so be patient with your pet.

Let other people know who visit your property that your dog likes to lick so that they are not confronted by a slobbering dog (some people don't mind being licked by a dog whilst others don't like it).