Don’t scold your dog. Even a negative reaction is still, in your dog’s mind, a reaction to their excessive licking behavior. Stop what you are doing, stand up, and leave the room when they engage in prolonged licking. This will help reinforce in your dog’s mind that licking will not achieve these desired outcomes. [2] X Research source
Clomipramine is often prescribed to pets with anxiety and obsessive compulsive tendencies. The medication helps to counteract obsessive compulsive behavior like licking. [7] X Research source Fluoxetine is another common medication prescribed to pets with anxiety. This medication treats canine compulsive disorder with relatively few side effects. [8] X Research source
Start a game of fetch or tug-of-war as soon as they begin licking. This will distract them from whatever anxiety was causing the obsessive licking, and you will make it physically difficult for them to lick you while playing with a toy. [9] X Research source Try taking your dog for a walk whenever they lick you. This may condition them to lick you whenever they need to go out, and it may become less of a compulsive behavior.
Try playing a game where you let your dog catch you, then give them a treat right before they stick out its tongues to lick you. It can be tricky to get the timing right, but if you do this enough, your dog will stop licking you. [12] X Expert Source Elisabeth WeissProfessional Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 3 September 2020.
Choose a word to initiate licking. It can be “lick,” “kiss,” or any other word you want your dog to associate with licking. Hold out your hand while saying the command word you’ve chosen. You can use a small dab of peanut butter on your hand to prompt licking in the early phases of training. However, this option should only be taken if you know your dog is not aggressive with food. Issue an end command, such as “stop,” “no more,” or “no kiss. " Wait to see if your dog responds on their own. If they stop licking, even for a few seconds, reward them. If not, repeat the command and move your hand away. Praise your dog when they lick and stops on command. Praising your dog’s good behavior is crucial in training them to respond to your commands.
