American Kennel Club

Does your dog try to give your feet a bath every time you take off your shoes? While licking is a natural puppy behavior, it sometimes continues into adulthood as a greeting or show of affection.

If your dog is a compulsive licker, Mary Burch, the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen director and certified applied animal behaviorist, offers the following tips:

Don’t reinforce any licking. 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 a new skill. Train your dog to do a new command that does not involve licking. You can teach your dog to “get your brush” and then spend time brushing your dog when she completes the command. Brushing is a great way for you to bond with your dog.

Try redirecting the behavior. If your dog is a serious licker, try directing his attention somewhere else, like going outside, throwing the ball around, or practicing obedience skills. Don’t start a fun game with your dog while she’s in the middle of licking — that will simply reinforce the unwanted behavior.

Take a time out. In serious cases, consider giving your dog a brief, two-minute time out. If she licks you and won’t stop, say “no lick” and take her to the other side of the room. Put her in a down-stay and do not give her attention for the two minutes. After the time out, release your dog. If she starts to lick you again, repeat the process.