Your dog may lick you because they love you. It’s their way of getting your attention and makes them feel better if they’re stressed. They’re showing concern for you. You taste nice to them. Licking is a natural and instinctive behavior for dogs. It’s a way of grooming, bonding or expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to show empathy. Excessive licking can sometimes be a sign that your dog is anxious, uncomfortable or in pain. Is it a behavioral or a medical problem?
Expecting your dog to stop licking you completely is similar to someone expecting you to never pet your dog again. However, not all dogs are the same. Some may not lick you at all. It’s important that you try to understand why your dog is licking you. If you understand why your dog is licking you, it might be a lot easier to stop excessive licking. Here’s some suggestions to help you:
- Try moving the part of your body that’s being licked away from your dog. Don’t say anything or make eye contact but remain neutral. If this doesn’t work, try moving away from your dog or leave the room entirely. Over time this should give him the idea that it’s not something you enjoy.
- Try giving your dog something incompatible to do that stops licking, such as a chew toy or a food puzzle.
- Teach him something that redirects his licking and is rewarded by your attention. Ask for a trick, something like paw or rollover.
- Give him plenty of exercise to help reduce any stress and burn up excess energy.
- If licking is a particular problem after you’ve been exercising, take a shower.
- Give your dog lots of praise and attention when they’re doing what you want them to do rather than give them negative attention when they’re not.
- Make sure you are consistent. If you give your dog mixed messages it’ll be confusing for him. Be consistent and clear about what you want them to do and not what you don’t.
If you find that your dog is obsessively licking furniture, themselves or you that’s new, please speak to your veterinarian. You need to figure out if it’s a medical or behavioral problem.
Why Does My Dog Lick Me So Much?
Your dog may lick you because they love you. It’s their way of getting your attention and makes them feel better if they’re stressed. They’re showing concern for you. You taste nice to them. Licking is a natural and instinctive behavior for dogs. It’s a way of grooming, bonding or expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to help soothe themselves if they’re stressed, to show empathy. Excessive licking can sometimes be a sign that your dog is anxious, uncomfortable or in pain. Is it a behavioral or a medical problem?
Expecting your dog to stop licking you completely is similar to someone expecting you to never pet your dog again. However, not all dogs are the same. Some may not lick you at all. It’s important that you try to understand why your dog is licking you. If you understand why your dog is licking you, it might be a lot easier to stop excessive licking. Here’s some suggestions to help you:
- Try moving the part of your body that’s being licked away from your dog. Don’t say anything or make eye contact but remain neutral. If this doesn’t work, try moving away from your dog or leave the room entirely. Over time this should give him the idea that it’s not something you enjoy.
- Try giving your dog something incompatible to do that stops licking, such as a chew toy or a food puzzle.
- Teach him something that redirects his licking and is rewarded by your attention. Ask for a trick, something like paw or rollover.
- Give him plenty of exercise to help reduce any stress and burn up excess energy.
- If licking is a particular problem after you’ve been exercising, take a shower.
- Give your dog lots of praise and attention when they’re doing what you want them to do rather than give them negative attention when they’re not.
- Make sure you are consistent. If you give your dog mixed messages it’ll be confusing for him. Be consistent and clear about what you want them to do and not what you don’t.
If you find that your dog is obsessively licking furniture, themselves or you that’s new, please speak to your veterinarian. You need to figure out if it’s a medical or behavioral problem.