Very licky dog

[Lauren5071]

Our little fur baby is nearly 3 and super affectionate. He is obsessed with licking people. Hands, feet, face, legs. It’s not been too much of a problem and most people find it quite endearing but we have a baby on the way and I really don’t like the idea of him snogging our newborn. Has anyone got any experience of training this kind of behaviour out of a dog?

My dog loves licking us after a bath or a shower. I never liked it so would always say no I know they don't understand that word literally and put my arm down so he couldn't get to me and I would turn him around. Interestingly he never licks me now but still does DH .

If you have never stopped him he probably thinks you like it, he likes it so what's to stop. Personally I would walk away or put a barrier between him and me so that he would understand that fun (being with me) stopped every time he does it.

Is there something else you can shove in front of his tongue when he starts licking you? So he still gets a good lick but it’s not a person.
My puppy loves licking my feet but I hate anyone ( I matter how cute and fluffy) touching my feet. I sometimes give him an ice cube instead as he loves licking those

Thanks for your replies.

Funnily enough mine doesn’t lick me when I get out of the bath unless I’ve slathered myself in oil. He’s just obsessed. He’ll be sleeping on my lap and then suddenly jump up and start licking my ear. He doesn’t have a concept of the word ‘no’. It doesn’t phase me too much and I’m pretty sure he thinks we like it but I am worried about him sticking his tongue up my baby’s nose

I just tried putting a barrier up in front of him when he went to pick my face. He licked my hands instead. I guess I’ll keep going until he’s used to it.

He has never managed to pick up the leave or no commands. Again, usually not an issue (unless he finds something grim to eat on his walks). Is it worth trying again with that? I did think about hiring a dog trainer as he is super strong willed and very difficult to train and I think an expert might be able to give us some advice.

My dog is obsessed with licking. She knows she is not allowed to do it, so will get a sneaky lick in whenever possible - your hand when you’re walking past, your face when you bend down to put on your shoes - I hate it.

I forgot to say apparently it releases endorphins so is a stress reliever- my Ddog is a very needy rescue dog.

Yes to getting a good trainer. If you hire one that does 1-1 in your home they should be able to give you help with the licking.

I’ll look into getting a trainer. He didn’t learn a thing at puppy classes as he was just too excited by all the rewards and other dogs. Maybe a home trainer would be better suited to him anyway as he does get very distracted in a group setting.

Interesting that it relieves stress. My dog isn’t a rescue dog but he is very needy.

Some dogs are just licky. My dog often tries to lick the baby but I tell her No, go lie down! and push her away. She got the message fairly quickly that she isn’t allowed to pester him. She still gives him the occasional surreptitious lick with a guilty look on her face

You could offer a licky mat (under careful supervision at first so they don't chew it). You can get dog specific ones, but a silicon pot holder will do just as well. www.amazon.co.uk/INDUSTIPET-LM9002-LICKIMAT-Soother-Treat/dp/B072C643XV?tag=mumsnetforum-21
Spread a bit of something tasty on it (primula cheese, peanut butter, liver paste, natural yoghurt etc) and let them lick away. It's a really effective stress reliever. You can also cable tie a frisbee to something, and spread stuff on the inside so they are licking a vertical surface. Lots of ideas on the canine enrichment FB page!

1-1 training I find is so much better than a group class. Whilst it's more expensive I think it's far better value for money as you get undivided focus between how you and your dog interact. I only do group sessions for things like agility now and would never do them again for obedience.