Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 11 mo old male who constantly licks! Anytime he gets near someone that spit covered tounge starts workin! He had a problem of the same magnitude with mouthing, that i was able to resolve,, but for love nor money, i can't get him over the licking thing. i've tried redirect, ignoring, even respositiong him in relation to my body position, if he is close to me and can't reach me to lick me, he licks his own nose for pete sake! i can't be mad at him, its not harmful, and he looks so gosh darn cute, but he's a big guy so its not a little dainty lick, it's a fully on slimey giganto tounge. none of th anti mouthing techniques worked, i'm out of ideas!

>>I have a 11 mo old male who constantly licks! Anytime he gets near someone that spit covered tounge starts workin! He had a problem of the same magnitude with mouthing, that i was able to resolve,, but for love nor money, i can't get him over the licking thing. i've tried redirect, ignoring, even respositiong him in relation to my body position, if he is close to me and can't reach me to lick me, he licks his own nose for pete sake! i can't be mad at him, its not harmful, and he looks so gosh darn cute, but he's a big guy so its not a little dainty lick, it's a fully on slimey giganto tounge. none of th anti mouthing techniques worked, i'm out of ideas!

>>>>>>

I just say "No Licking" and gently hold the dog's head back from me (or whoever he's trying to lick against their wishes), until he gives up. If licking his own nose is causing damage, I would direct him to find a toy and settle with it. I keep toys in my dogs' reach for this purpose.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

thanks!