Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Pets

Join our community on the Pet forum to discuss anything related to pets.

Flip

Original poster

Any tips on how to stop my jack Russell licking?

11 replies

Tortoise · 10/06/2010 17:47

Friend wanted to re-home their 1yr old Jack Russell because they were having trouble with him chewing.
Have had him since April and he is adorable and hasn't chewed anything he isn't allowed!

But he is the most persistent licker ever! He will lick face, hands, feet, inside your ears, in fact any bit of skin he can get too!

I have managed to stop him licking my face most of the time but he often sneaks in the odd lick when i am no expecting it!

Is there any way to stop him licking?
I think he was encouraged to do it with previous owners as their kids thought it was funny!!

OP posts:

OhExpletive · 10/06/2010 19:19

Teach him to lick on command with some clicker training, then teach him a stop command.

Original poster

Tortoise · 10/06/2010 20:03

Thanks for replying.
I have never used clicker training hence i know nothing about it. How do i find out more about it?
We have taught him to sit, lay down, and stay (for a very short time!). He has also learned to go to his bed when told Bed.

Also need to tackle him being a complete nightmare on the lead! Will clicker help this too?

OP posts:

OhExpletive · 10/06/2010 20:36

Sorry for brevity. Clicker will help with everything and anything, only limit is your imagination. Lots of info if you google clicker training, very easy once you've cracked the timing and totally wonderful for busy, clever little dogs such as terriers!

Original poster

Tortoise · 10/06/2010 21:00

Thank you. Will have a google and see what i can find.

OP posts:

beautifulgirls · 10/06/2010 21:06

The main thing is to look at why he is doing it - presumably it is an attention thing. You need to withdraw yourself from him (stand up for example) the second he starts licking then after a moment or two when he is calm return to give him attention. If he trys to lick you repeat (ad nauseum..it takes time!). He will start to learn he only gets the attention from you if he stops the licking. Everyone in the house needs to be very consistent with this too.

Original poster

Tortoise · 10/06/2010 22:53

Yes he is a massive attention seeker! Especially when i stroke my Greyhound. I don't think he got much attention in his previous home which maybe why he is so desperate for attention. I think it maybe hard to get the kids to follow your advice but i will give it a try while reading up on clicker training.

OP posts:

2old4thislark · 11/06/2010 13:27

My JR is a bit of a licker too. As she is good at the 'down' we use this to stop her and settle her. She usually only licks as a greeting though.

My JR was bad on the lead too. This is what I was taught too do. I have two dogs so both leads were over my right wrist. Dog in training on my left side. Treats stored in my right hand. Take treats one at a time in left hand and drop hand by your side. The dog can only get the treats when in the 'correct 'position. Say 'heel' when the dog takes the treats. Gradually decrease the use of treats and the word 'heel' alone should suffice. Good luck

Original poster

Tortoise · 11/06/2010 13:35

2old Thank you. Very helpful advice. I will try it out later. Usually DS2 holds Patch as he is mainly his dog & i hold Mickey, our Greyhound. Very difficult to hold both leads on the same wrist due to size difference. Patch goes under mickey's body or under my feet lol!
So i will let DS2 hold Mickey's lead and i will try and train Patch! He does have a Halti but hates it and although it has helped a little with him pulling he is still a nightmare on the lead. (I had to carry him home the other day because there was a dead bird on the road and he wanted to get it so badly that he refused to walk!)

OP posts:

2old4thislark · 11/06/2010 15:15

mmmhhh yes I see walking a Jack and a greyhound could be a bit complicated! I was taught that way as I walk my two dogs by myself.

Though trainer still said same method if only one dog. The lead should be slack across your body..... Takes a lot of practice. I was also taught I could give a very sharp tug on the lead if I didn't want to do the gentle method. Apparently it doesn't hurt them but I struggle with that concept. I prefer treating rather than punishing.

I always have frolic dog food in my pocket and break it into bits - she is led by her tummy which helps.

mslady · 11/06/2010 15:21

hahah, this is funny, I have a jack russell as well& he is a licker. licks the whole family, wakes DS up by licking his toes. we had a good laugh at him licking the glass door the other day. i dont know what could be done training wise, but i understand

Original poster

Tortoise · 11/06/2010 17:24

Glad i'm not alone in having a mad licker! His favourite thing to lick is Mickey's Eye, in his ear or in his mouth. Luckily Mickey doesn't seem to mind but he hates sharing his sofa with Patch!

I have some doggy treats so i will try and take Patch out alone tomorrow. DS is at his Dad's.

OP posts:

Flip