Q&A: How do you get a dog to stop licking?

If you have a dog that loves to lick, you know how annoying it can be. Whether it’s your face, your hands, or your furniture, it’s important to find a way to get your pup to stop. Fortunately, there are a few methods you can try to get your pup to stop licking.

1. Distract Your Dog

One of the easiest ways to get your pup to stop licking is to distract them with something else. This could be a toy, a treat, or a game of fetch. The idea is to get your pup’s attention focused on something else so they forget about licking.

2. Give Them Something Else to Lick

If your pup loves to lick, it’s likely because they enjoy the taste and texture of whatever they’re licking. To help redirect their attention, give them something else to lick. This could be a toy, a treat, or even something as simple as a frozen wet washcloth.

3. Train Them Not to Lick

Training your pup not to lick is one of the most effective ways to get them to stop. Start by teaching them a “no lick” command, and then reward them with a treat when they obey. You can also use a bitter-tasting spray on surfaces you don’t want them to lick, as the taste will discourage them from doing so.

4. Provide Plenty of Exercise

If your pup is licking out of boredom or anxiety, make sure they’re getting enough exercise. Take them for walks, play fetch, and let them run around in the backyard. This will help them burn off excess energy and keep them from getting too bored.

Getting a dog to stop licking can be a challenge, but with patience and consistency, you can teach them to stop. Try out these methods and see which one works best for you and your pup.