How to Stop Fido from Licking People

We may love to get “doggy kisses” from our companions. However, not everyone feels the same. Not only is hygiene a consideration, but others won’t want to be around your pal if they are constantly being licked. So, read below to learn how to stop Fido from licking others!

Why Do Dogs Lick?

Licking is a natural behavior learned as puppies from their mothers. Your furry friend may lick to greet people. They are communicating to this new person that they are not a threat and are happy to say hi. Additionally, your pal may lick for attention. People often react with “awwwww”s when witnessing puppy kisses. So, your pal will quickly learn that they can get attention by licking through this reinforced behavior. Lastly, your pup may lick because of leftover food remnants. Dogs may lick hands or faces to get a taste of the snack you had.

There are many other possibilities behind the reason your pup licks. Learned behaviors and unintentional behavioral conditioning can be a factor. However, let’s get into how to stop this behavior.

Antecedent Control

Steps to achieve this include anything that makes the behavior difficult or less likely to occur. For example, keeping your pal on a leash to prevent greeting by licking, or keeping your hands in your pockets to prevent hand licking. This can also include not sitting or bending to your pup’s level to avoid face licking. You can apply this strategy to any type of licking you are trying to break your companion of.

Alternate Behavior

Another option is to train an alternate behavior to avoid reinforcement from licking. So, train your pal to interact with you in ways that do not involve licking and reward this behavior. This will teach your pal that they do not need to lick to get attention. For example, you can reinforce nose taps, front sitting, or even greet people with a toy instead of licking.

Avoid Attention

While trying to break this licking behavior, it is important to not give any form of attention to this behavior. This includes scolding or pushing them away. Any type of attention, whether positive or negative, will fuel the behavior. So, avoid acknowledging this licking behavior altogether. You can even turn away or walk away from your companion when they do lick.

Changing behavior is challenging and will not change overnight. It will require tackling underlying emotions and providing enrichment.  However, be persistent, and the behavior will improve over time!