Does your dog try to give your feet a bath every time you take off your shoes? While licking is a natural behavior in a puppy’s litter, it sometimes continues into adulthood as a greeting, show of affection, or a means of communication. If your dog is a compulsive kisser, AKC Canine Good Citizen Director and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Mary Burch, Ph.D., offers the following tips on how to help stop this behavior.
Avoid Reinforcing the Behavior
Until you solve the problem, don’t happily fuss over the dog as it “gives kisses” to greet you. In many cases, the licking problem began with the dog giving you kisses.
Teach an Alternate Skill
Train your dog to do a new command that doesn’t involve licking, but does involve getting affection and attention from you. For example, you can teach your dog to “get your brush” and then spend time brushing them once they complete the command. Brushing is also a great way for you to bond with your dog.
Try Redirecting the Behavior
If your dog is a serious licker, try directing the behavior somewhere else, like going outside, throwing the ball around, or practicing some obedience skills. It’s important to remember timing. You don’t want to start a fun game with your dog while they’re in the middle of licking—that will simply reinforce the behavior you don’t want.
Take a Time Out
In serious cases, consider giving your dog a brief, two-minute time out. If they lick you and won’t stop, say “no lick” and take them to the other side of the room. Put them in a down-stay and don’t give them attention for the two minutes — having contact with you will reinforce the licking. After the time out, release your dog. If they start to lick you again, repeat the process. Make sure that you still do plenty of positive activities and provide play and exercise with them.
Is your dog a compulsive kisser? Which tips work best for you?