How to stop face licking?

• 10-13-2009 8:29 PM

  denise m Joined on 12-06-2006 Toronto Canada Posts 1,604 Points 200

  How to stop face licking? Reply Contact As you may know, I adopted Buddy on Saturday. He loves attention and is very affectionate. He likes to sit on my lap. He sits behind me on the computer chair. Always greets with excitement, but not in a bad way - no jumping or pawing, just happy wagging and a bit of jumping around. I would call him a submissive dog. My main problem is when he is anywhere near your face, he wants to lick it. Not just once but really until you make him stop. I accepted kisses from him when he first came home. I wanted him to start bonding and feel comfortable. I realize in dog world, licking the face/mouth is a submissive or appeasement jester. Right? Is it good that he is doing that to me, yucky factor aside? Anyways I don't want him to do it so how should I go about training, considering he has only been with us for 3 days?   Thanks

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• 10-13-2009 8:45 PM

  In reply to denise m

  BlackLabbie Joined on 01-28-2008 South of Boston Posts 3,045 Points 250

  Re: How to stop face licking? Reply Contact I'm very interested in hearing the responses because Apollo does this, too. He will lick my face right off it I allow it! He's done it since I got him, and I allowed it but wish I hadn't from the begining. Currently I usually just gently push him away and say, "enough" or stand up and walk away. When I lay on the couch it's the worst because I'm at the perfect height for him to get me! ETA: He also licks my hands, like he does my face. He does this to my Mom, too, but we're the only 2 people. -Stephanie blacklabbie.weebly.com Apollo- black Labrador Retriever Molson- buff American Cocker Spaniel Patty- black American Cocker Spaniel

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• 10-13-2009 9:26 PM

  In reply to BlackLabbie

  glenmar Joined on 09-10-2007 The Florida Panhandle Posts 13,489 Points 405

  Re: How to stop face licking? Reply Contact Years ago, before I learned the high value of a dog kiss, our Duke kissed everyone BUT me on the face.  I just always told him, "not on my face" but never objected to any other body part and he just stopped kissing my face.  But, only mine.  He'd still kiss the guys right on the, well, kisser.  I wasn't ever unkind about it,although he might have that BLECH as a response to his kiss was rude....... A house without fur is not a home. Glenda ,

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• 10-13-2009 9:32 PM

  In reply to denise m

  spiritdogs Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 11,726 Points 1,020

  Re: How to stop face licking? Reply Contact  Sequoyah was a face licker until she learned "leave it" and I generalized it to all kinds of things.  Leave the boring bone, leave the toy, leave your sister's ear alone, leave my face;-)))  She still sneaks a few licks in now and then when I'm not paying attention, but you are right, it is common for subordinate type dogs to appease the more powerful being.  To be honest, I find it endearing that a crazy Aussie who would be able to move 1000 pound animals around, and keep burglars at bay, would think of me that way and want to tell me she's no threat to me.   Regional Director for Massachusetts, International Positive Dog Training Association Director, SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections Program AKC CGC Evaluator #3669 Therapy Dogs, Inc. Tester/Observer Sioux, CGC, TDInc. Maska, CGC, TDInc. Sequoyah, CGC Fergie, Retired Lap Dog, Age 20 1/2 Dancer, CGC, TDInc. (1989-2006) #1 Heart Dog In memory of Mike, please become an organ donor today. "If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George "The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." ~ Konrad Lorenz

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• 10-13-2009 10:22 PM

  In reply to denise m

  Krissim Klaw Joined on 08-26-2007 Posts 647 Points 100

  Re: How to stop face licking? Reply Contact  Kirby is a major licker and would love to coat my face but he doesn't because he has learned nothing makes me move away faster than doggy spit on my face.  My reaction to face licks is usually bleh, eww, move away.  Since it is something I don't like I treat it much like I would a mouthy dog and stand up and the fun stops.  Kirby who is a velcro baby quickly caught on and now he restrains himself.  It is sort of funny though because if my face is near his while I'm giving scritches you can see him glancing at my face and thinking to himself... I really wanna can I... maybe... just a quick one...   Every once in a while he sneaks a quick lick, and sometimes I pretend I didn't notice.

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