Monday, June 8, 2009

Methods To Stop A Dog Licking

By Andyl Hannerl

While dog licking might be considered by some dog owners as a way dog shows them affection, it can be quite annoying when there are guests visiting and the dog wants to greet them with by licking them over and over again.

While it is true that licking is not really a dangerous behavior when compared to dog aggression or jumping on people, it is still not the proper way that a dog should behave. Imagine how embarrassed you will feel when your dog keeps on licking your guests, making your guests feel uncomfortable in your home.

Tips To Stop Dog Licking

Consistency is probably one of the most important tips that a dog owner should follow, from the time the dog is still young. You should teach your dog to behave to you the same way you want your dog to behave towards other people.

Let us look at an example. Let say you allow your dog to lick you on your hands and face. Your dog will not be able to understand why it is not allowed to lick other people on their hands and face. Similarly, if you allow your dog to jump on you, your dog will not be able to understand why it is wrong for him to jump on other people. When it comes to any form of dog training, consistency is the key. You have to show your dog what is the appropriate behavior and then reinforce it on a consistent basis.

Even though the owner might think it is wonderful that the dog licks him when he comes home, showing excitement and giving the owner attention, there are plenty of other ways that are more appropriate for the dog to show excitement and attention besides licking. One way to stop dog licking is to turn away from the dog every time that he tries to lick the owner.

You shouldn't pay any attention to him or establish any eye contact with your dog when it is licking you. Only when your dog has stopped licking you will you start to give him the attention he wants and praise him for the correct behavior. If your dog likes to lick you on your hand, you should stop your dog from licking by pulling your hand away from the dog and not giving him any eye contact until he stops doing so.

When you reinforce the appropriate behavior, it will also train your dog not to lick other people when they are coming into your house. Due to the fact that your dog knows he will not gain any of your attention through licking, he will not try to lick your guests.

You may also want to tell your visitors what they should do if they are being licked by your dog. This will also reinforce the same behavior that you as the owner used to stop the problems of dog licking.

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