How to Stop Your Dog from Licking You

Dog licking is a fully natural behavior used to express affection, indicate submission, request attention, or self-soothe. But when licking becomes excessive, it can be problematic—transferring germs and causing discomfort. If your dog’s licking feels overwhelming, you can use kind, effective strategies to curb this habit.

1. Start Early Training to Show That Excessive Licking is Unwelcome

Establishing boundaries early on, especially with a puppy, helps set a solid groundwork. Just like discouraging jumping, teach your dog that licking people too much isn’t acceptable. Stay calm, patient, and consistent with your approach for the best results.

2. Avoid Punishment; Understand Why Your Dog Licks

Licking commonly signals submission or an apology, so punishment can often backfire. Yelling may even increase licking as your dog tries to appease you with more licks. Instead, gently discourage the behavior without anger or frustration.

3. Keep Greetings Calm to Manage Excited Licking

Many dogs become excited and lick excessively during greetings or farewells. To prevent this, greet your dog in a calm, composed manner without overwhelming praise or attention until they settle down. Reward calm behavior to reinforce control.

4. Remove Attention When Your Dog Licks

If your dog starts licking, calmly step back or gently hold their collar to create space without making it a big deal. Use a firm but neutral "No" command without anger. Consistently doing this teaches your dog that licking does not get them your focus.

5. Express Affection with Touch and Interaction

Dogs crave connection, so spend quality moments petting, grooming, and playing when your dog is calm and not licking. This deepens your bond and reduces their urge to get your attention by licking.

6. Provide Safe Chew Toys for Oral Stimulation

Some breeds like retrievers have strong mouthing instincts and may lick for oral gratification. To meet this need, offer appropriate chew toys, such as Kongs or dental chews, that keep their mouths busy. Redirect licking impulses toward these items, but avoid rewarding licking by giving treats or attention while licking occurs.

7. Use Positive Reinforcement with Treats for Calm Behavior

Positive rewards are highly effective. Keep treats handy and praise your dog when they stay calm and don’t lick. If your dog starts licking in anticipation of a treat, only offer the treat once they approach calmly. Over time, your dog will learn that restraint earns rewards.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Try mild taste deterrents: Products like bitter apple spray or diluted lemon juice applied on skin can make licking less desirable. Use cautiously to avoid stress.
• Ensure plenty of exercise and mental engagement: Bored or anxious dogs often lick more, so daily walks, play sessions, and training help keep them balanced.
• Consistency matters: Mixed signals confuse dogs. Everyone in the household should follow the same approach at all times.
• Consult your veterinarian or a behavior specialist: If licking becomes obsessive, new, or comes with health changes, seek expert advice to rule out medical or anxiety issues.

Why Does My Dog Lick Me So Much?

Quick Answer: Dogs lick to show love, submission, attract attention, or to cope with stress or boredom.

Dogs communicate much through licking. It can express friendship, affection, or respect. Sometimes licking serves as a soothing mechanism during anxiety or a way to get your notice. Identifying your dog's motivation can help you manage the licking more effectively.

How Can I Stop My Dog from Licking Excessively?

Quick Answer: Withdraw attention consistently when licking starts, redirect your dog with toys or commands, and reward calm, non-licking behavior.

The most proven approach to stopping excessive licking combines consistent training with behavior management. When your dog begins to lick:

1. Give a calm but firm “No” and step away without eye contact or emotional reaction.
2. Ignore the licking by standing up or leaving the area if needed to show it gains no attention.
3. Offer a chew toy or ask for a command like “sit” or “paw” to redirect their focus.
4. Reward your dog only when they behave calmly without licking, with treats and affection.

Make sure your dog gets enough physical activity and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and anxiety-driven licking. If the behavior continues, a check-up with your veterinarian or a certified behaviorist might reveal deeper issues.