Q&A for How to Stop Dogs Licking You

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How do I get my dog to stop licking my Mattress?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The mattress will smell strongly of you, so it is a keen trigger to licking behavior. Try not to react directly, as telling the dog to stop may accidentally give him attention. Instead, distract him with a squeaky toy and then call him over, get him to "Sit" and then reward the sit.

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Question

I'm ticklish and my friend's dog licks me so that I laugh so much I can't talk. I'm too shy to mention this to my friend. What should I do?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The dog will think it's a fantastic game, licking someone who responds with gales of laughter. Unfortunately, this is also teaching the dog to lick you as your reaction is rewarding his behavior. The best policy is to be honest with your friend, but if that is too difficult, perhaps explain the dog is learning bad habits by licking you and it would be best if the friend called him off.

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Question

How do I get my dog to stop licking me all the time?

Elisabeth Weiss
Professional Dog Trainer
Elisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie "Heart of a Dog" by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeth's journey with Laurie Anderson's and Lou Reed's dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Elisabeth Weiss

Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

Play a game where you let your dog catch you, but give them a treat right before they actually stick their tongue out to lick you. It's difficult to get the timing just right, but if you can do it, they'll eventually stop licking you.

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Question

Is it bad if I love it when my dogs lick me?

Community Answer

Not at all. After all, licking is just your dog's way of telling you they love you.

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Question

I love it when dogs lick my face. Is that bad?

Community Answer

Not at all. After all, when your dog licks you, they are showing you affection.

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Question

How do I stop my dog from licking me and getting hyper every time I give her attention?

Community Answer

Exercise. Your dog sounds like she's begging for exercise. Take her for a long walk or play fetch in the yard. Don't stop until she's panting and laying down. Then give her affection.

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Question

Can I use coconut oil to make dogs stop licking me?

Community Answer

Dogs usually like coconut oil, so it may make them lick you more.

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Question

How do I train a 5-year-old dog to walk on a leash?

Community Answer

There's some good advice in this article that might help you: Train an Older Dog to Walk Calmly on a Leash .

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Question

My dog is a 1 year old rescue dog, and she wants to lick everyone on the face constantly. What should I do?

Community Answer

Because she's a rescue, she may have been abused or neglected as a puppy. Licking may be a coping skill, like people biting their nails. It releases stress. If you don't like being licked on the face, see the article. If you do, no problem. Tell anyone who doesn't like being licked to ignore it. If they are ticklish, then tell them to leave the room.

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Question

Can dogs make you sick if they lick you on the face?

Community Answer

Dogs have been found to carry germs and diseases that can be transferred to humans. Therefore it is only recommended to let domestic animals have this type of contact and ideally only your own pet. Even then, your own dog may still transfer germs.

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