What makes my dog lick everyone so much?

17 years ago

I have several friends coming into my home three days a week for quilting groups. Two will bring their very well behaved dogs to the group and they curl up and go to sleep. I am constantly having to reprimand my Doxie for licking my guest feet, legs, any flesh that is exposed. When I reprimand him he will quit for awhile, but then goes back to licking. He is almost tooo friendly. He is neutered and has been since he was about 3 months old. He is 6 years old now. He is a very submissive dog. I have read that is the way submissive dogs greet dominate dogs. Is this what he is doing? I ask the vet last time I was at his office about this and he has no clue. Everything checked out fine on his last checkup. He is on Science Diet Weight Management and has been for 2 years. We do give him Glucosamine. He does not start this licking obsession, (if you want to call it that) except on the days I have the quilting groups here and he licks me, everybody. What's up???? Today I had my groups and it was miserable, especially when I put him in the laundry room as he howls, and whimpers so much! After my friends left and as I was putting away things he started licking my legs. Does anyone have a clue? I forgot to mention, he licks over and over in the same spot. I know this sounds wierd.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

jazmynsmom
17 years ago
I don't know why, other than it is a submissive thing and probably very comforting for him in an insecure sort of way. Trouble with these sorts of things is that dogs sometimes increase the behavior when they are scolded... Have you tried putting bitter apple on your legs? Slather a whole bunch of something nasty tasting on your exposed skin, and then either ignore him, or distract him with an incompatible behavior when he starts up... (How's his obedience? Is he capable of a "down" and a "stay" for a prolonged period? Are you interested in training him to be so?)

Are your quilting buddies good sports? Would they be willing to spray bitter repellent on their ankles next time they come over to help your dog?
rthummer
Original Author
17 years ago
This is why I love these forums. What I don't see, others will see about my situation. Thanks, jazmymnsmom. I think you have hit on something there. We rotate homes when we quilt, and I have had the group since Aug.l. It started then, and like you say the more I said about it the worse it got. (really I was embarrassed, their dogs are so goooood) Also, we have had an extra lady join group and I feel pressure getting all quilts made by Christmas. He may be feeling my nervousness. Dogs pick up on everything. We have been to obedience school, he does obey but he will not sit for long periods or stay for long periods. The instructor said that was the daschaund breed. Maybe. We went twice to 2 different trainers and it didn't get better. I am going to try the bitter apple (call my friends first) as that is a cool idea. I don't know why I didn't think of it except I have been so flustrated by this all and embarrassed.
Related Discussions
why does everyone want to sell Jenn-Air so much?
Q
Comments (11)
From A retailers perspective...When it comes to Jenn Aire it's all about the following 1) End of year rebate. 2) Profit up front. 3) Commission for sales people. And possibly hitting targets so they can keeping the line next year. Try to find a store / sales person who wants to help "YOU THE CUSTOMER" to select whats right for you. A free dishwasher means squat if you buy appliances you don't want or don't have the features or abilities you want.
...See More
dog licking air
Q
Comments (36)
Our dog (Yorkshire Terrier) has been doing this for about 5 years. She is almost 8. She has all her vaccines and is well-taken car of. Sometimes she will lick herself, and a thin, fine hair will get in the back of her throat. In order to know this, I had to actually look and wipe the troat (no easy feat) until I found what it is that she was trying to swallow. She licks and licks AND LICKS when this happens, until it apparently is gone. Then she stops and goes on about her business. She doesn't go into a trance, but stands still as she tries to dislodge it or make it go away. If we call her, she may still stand there licking, but if we try and grab her, she will move away. I am definitely not going to take her to the vet, or a specialist, change her diet, or change anything about who or what she is or does. About the vet/specialist, they are not here when she is doing it, and I would only be paying for a guess on their part. I have already found that there is something (the hair) she was trying to get down, at least on one occasion, so I'm thinking that is the reason she is doing it every time she does it. She's a "licky" dog so she's going to gather lots of things in her mouth - especially hair. I also think common sense plays a big part in this licking issue, and overthinking or dramatizing it might end up to be quite costly and totally without reason... and I sure don't like to spend money needlessly. Try checking your dog's mouth if possible, to see if you can find anything in the back that may be sticking to the lining. Good luck!
...See More
Wanting to always lick me on my mouth?
Q
Comments (9)
Puppies lick the mouths of their elders to be fed. In the wild, adult pack members bring back food to the young by carrying it in their stomachs. Puppies greet returning hunters, lick their mouths, and the older dogs regurgitate the food for the puppies. In domestic situations, this is a sign of respect and a greeting that begs you to reassure the younger dog that it is a good dog, that you are pleased with them. My two younger boy dogs always greeted Megan - the older and dominant one - by licking her mouth. Now that she is gone, I will sometimes put my mouth next to Casey's and mouth a 'MUM, MUM, mum" next to his lips. It somehow makes him feel confident. Toby licks me on the nose, instead of the mouth. Maybe you can get her to lick there by ducking your head lower when she starts to lick. When the dogs greet me like this, I will say to them, "No matter what, I am not going to puke up my lunch for you!"
...See More
Dogs licking their wounds - healing ???
Q
Comments (14)
Glad to hear she's doing better. I thought maybe the wound site was bigger. Great to hear about the dog saliva since I've got it on me constantly. Unfortunately, my old gal's saliva hasn't served her very well. She has a granuloma on her left front paw that has been open since 2001 when my first lab passed. She was very distraught watching him suffer and eventually pass. She will lick it open at times of stress, i.e.; workers at the house, seeing suitcases being packed, anything that makes her the least bit nervous or uncomfortable, she licks it open. My vet usually gives me amoxicillan to head off any infection and it does heal up a bit, doesn't get infected but has never totally healed. I have tried bandaging her to no avail. She chews the bandaging off. I have also tried bitter apple, and other products to dissuade her from licking it. Nothing works. Keep us posted, tho I am sure she will heal nicely.
...See More
JerriEllijay
17 years ago
Luckily we're heading to cooler weather, so maybe there won't be so much licking this time.

My Golden licked me CONSTANTLY if I had lotion on my legs, hands, etc. She was fine otherwise.

Good luck.

jerri
rgse90_aol_com
15 years ago
I am thinking that there is something wrong with the dog. My dog has increased in the last several years to demanding to lick. He is about 15 yrs old and he demands to lick my legs and feet by scratching my feet till I take my shoes and socks off. He also does it to guests too and they think it is weird. I think it may have to do with the salt that our bodies sweat through our skin that makes him want to lick constantly uncontrollably. I am going to take him to the DR. to get checked out because it could be something more than just habit.

What makes my dog lick everyone so much?

Comments (4)

jazmynsmom

rthummer
Original Author

Related Discussions

JerriEllijay

rgse90_aol_com

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

What makes my dog lick everyone so much?

Comments (4)

jazmynsmom

rthummerOriginal Author

Related Discussions

JerriEllijay

rgse90_aol_com

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

rthummer
Original Author