Many dogs lick their owners as a sign of affection, but excessive licking can become annoying or even unhygienic. If your dog constantly licks your hands, face, or feet, it’s important to teach them more appropriate ways to show affection.
In this guide, we’ll explore why dogs lick excessively and how to train them to stop.
Why Do Dogs Lick People?
Dogs lick humans for various reasons:
✔ Affection – Licking is a natural way for dogs to express love.
✔ Attention-Seeking – If licking gets a reaction, they’ll keep doing it.
✔ Taste – Salty skin or food residue can attract them.
✔ Anxiety or Stress – Some dogs lick as a self-soothing behavior.
✔ Learned Habit – If licking has been rewarded before, they’ll continue.
Now, let’s go over how to stop excessive licking effectively.
Step 1: Ignore the Behavior
Dogs lick for attention, so removing the reward can stop the habit.
✔ When your dog licks excessively, turn away and ignore them.
✔ Avoid eye contact, talking, or pushing them away—even negative attention can reinforce licking.
✔ Once they stop, reward them for being calm.
✔ If licking doesn’t work, they’ll stop doing it.
Step 2: Teach an Alternative Greeting Behavior
If your dog licks when they greet you, redirect them to a different action.
✔ Train them to “Sit” or “Give Paw” when they want attention.
✔ Reward them for calm greetings without licking.
✔ Be consistent—everyone in the household should follow the same rules.
✔ Teaching an alternative behavior helps break the licking habit.
Step 3: Use the “No Lick” Command
A clear command can help your dog understand when licking is not allowed.
✔ When they start licking, say “No Lick” in a calm, firm tone.
✔ If they stop, immediately praise and reward them.
✔ If they continue, stand up and remove attention.
✔ Consistent training reinforces boundaries.
Step 4: Address Anxiety or Stress-Related Licking
Some dogs lick excessively due to anxiety or nervousness.
✔ Provide a calm and structured environment.
✔ Use dog-calming pheromone diffusers (Adaptil) if needed.
✔ Ensure they get daily exercise and mental stimulation.
✔ Reducing stress can help decrease compulsive licking.
Step 5: Provide Chew Toys and Distractions
Dogs with an oral fixation may benefit from alternative outlets.
✔ Give them a chew toy, frozen KONG, or puzzle feeder when they start licking.
✔ Reward them for choosing a toy instead of licking.
✔ Rotate toys regularly to keep things interesting.
✔ Keeping their mouth busy prevents excessive licking.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Rewarding Licking with Attention
❌ Mistake: Petting or talking to them while they lick.
✅ Solution: Only give attention when they stop licking.
2. Punishing Instead of Redirecting
❌ Mistake: Yelling or pushing them away.
✅ Solution: Use positive reinforcement to encourage calm behavior.
3. Expecting Immediate Results
❌ Mistake: Thinking they’ll stop after just a few training sessions.
✅ Solution: Be patient and consistent with training.
When to Seek Professional Help
If licking persists despite training, consult a:
✔ Veterinarian – To rule out medical issues.
✔ Certified Dog Trainer – For structured behavior modification.
✔ Canine Behaviorist – If licking is linked to extreme anxiety.
Conclusion
Stopping excessive licking requires patience, consistency, and redirection. By ignoring the behavior, reinforcing calm greetings, and providing alternative distractions, your dog can learn to express affection in more appropriate ways.
With the right training, your dog will learn that love doesn’t have to involve constant licking!