Attention-Seeking
Behavior
If the excessive licking is attention-seeking
behavior, then giving the dog any
attention whatsoever during the
licking process, such as talking,
petting, praising, or responding
in any way (even scolding), only
encourages the licking and promotes
more of the same.
Submissive
Behavior
If the excessive licking
is submissive in origin, punishing
the licking only promotes the
behavior or it may provoke an
aggressive response. The dog is
submissive in the first place,
so threats and anger from the
owner as a response to excessive
licking is perceived by the dog
as domination. Since the dog is
attempting to communicate submission
in the first place, it only increases
the desire to lick, or defend
him or herself aggressively.
Displacement
Behavior
If the excessive licking
is a displacement behavior, it
is performed to decrease arousal
and help the animal cope with
a stressful situation. Again,
punishment is not effective because
it will only make an already anxious
dog more anxious.
The Correct
Response to Excessive Licking
The correct and optimal
response to licking is to ask
the dog to do an alternate behavior,
such as sit, and then praise the
sitting and reward that. For the
confirmed licker, some people
will allow a "5-Lick Rule":
the dog is allowed to lick no
more than 5 times and then must
stop. This allows some expression
of their natural desire but stops
the excessive licking. The dog
should receive a neutral response
from the person while enjoying
the "5-Lick Rule" and
praise and attention when not
licking. If the dog goes beyond
the allowed five licks, interrupt
the behavior with a command like
"leave it," "off,"
or "enough."
|
