Stop Dog Licking

A dog licking people is an annoying habit for a dog to develop. If your dog has developed this habit it can be embarrassing when you have visitors and your dog insists on licking them. You want to stop your dog from licking them.

This habit is the result of poor dog training. Dogs, when they are puppies, are often allowed to lick their owners. As a puppy matures he does not understand that what was once a cute habit of licking people is no longer cute.

Often a dog owner, when returning home, feels welcomed when his dog greets him and excitedly begins licking his hands and face. The dog owner does not recognize the need to stop his dog  from licking until his dog licks someone who is not prepared to be licked by a dog and does not enjoy it.

If this sounds familiar you have encouraged a bad habit that should never have been allowed in the first place. It is important to stop  your dog licking early in your dog’s development. The longer a bad habit is allowed the deeper ingrained that habit becomes in the psychological habit pattern of your dog.

Stop Dog Licking - Techniques

The key to affectively stop dog licking is to maintain the role of alpha dog leader. In the undomesticated dog pack the alpha dog corrects bad dog behavior by ignoring or shunning the offending dog when improper behavior occurs.

Your dog wants and needs your attention. Shunning your dog and not giving him the desired attention he wants is the fastest way to communicate that an action is improper. Remember to stop dog licking a bad habit has been allowed and previously encouraged.

Initially your dog will be confused as to why he is now being shunned for an action that was once allowed, if not previously encouraged. This will require you and your entire family to be consistent. No one family member can communicate acceptance of a bad habit if you want your dog to understand what action is no longer approved. A bad habit is always a bad habit with all people and all circumstances.

Stop Dog Licking

Stop Dog Licking - Shunning Process

When your dog greets you and begins licking your hands you need to immediately take the proper actions to communicate your displeasure. Your hands must be pulled away along with eye contact.

To stop dog licking your must shun your dog and communicate your displeasure by turning your back to your dog. Your body language is important. You must continue to ignore your dog until he has calmed down. When your dog is calm you may give him your attention and enthusiastically greet him.

His urge to greet you will cause him to start licking your hands and face again. The same procedure of shunning him must be repeated. Your consistent actions are the only effective way to communicate to that he needs to stop licking.

Repetition will be required until your displeasure is fully understood. Your dog wants to please his alpha dog leader. Only through your consistent actions can he fully understand what is required of him to meet your expectations.

Stop Dog Licking - Summation

You need to reinforce good habits through praise and rewards. When you dog greets you properly acknowledge that by giving him your full attention. In an undomesticated dog pack every member of the dog pack acted the same way toward the offending dog. All members of your family must be in agreement and unison in communicating and training your dog to stop dog licking.