Reasons that Dogs Lick , Jump, and Whine
Why does your dog lick your face? If you guessed that it's a sign of affection, you're probably right, according to BBC's Science Focus. The article goes on to explain that this behavior likely originated from puppies licking their mothers' faces.
Adult dogs generally don't lick the faces of other adult dogs. So why do they lick their humans? Because pet dogs really are our "fur-babies"! In many ways, domesticated animals behave like juveniles throughout their lives. Jumping and whining can be other signs that dogs are excited to spend time with their humans.
When Behaviors Become Problematic
So, pups love their humans! No problem . . . until affectionate behavior becomes problematic. When Spot licks grumpy Aunt Bertha's face, or Fido knocks down a toddler at the park, you may suddenly find it less cute and more embarrassing.
While licking, jumping, and vocalizing are normal, they can be signs of an underlying problem if they're excessive. Work with a veterinarian and/or animal behaviorist to rule out mental or physical issues like OCD, separation anxiety, nausea, dementia, or arthritis. Your dog is more likely to be in distress if the behavior started suddenly, for no apparent reason. Also consider if there is something on your skin your dog likes the taste of, like sweat or lotion.
How to Stop Your Dog from Licking and Other Problem Behaviors
If you've ruled out underlying issues, but your dog's behavior is still a nuisance at home or in public, try the following:
1. Be consistent from the beginning.
Think about things from your dog's perspective: if you got them as a puppy, they may have learned that licking, jumping, and similar behaviors were rewarded. Puppies are so small and cute they can do no wrong! But it's confusing to get praised for a behavior and then, suddenly, punished for it. So, do your puppy a favor and only reinforce the behavior you will expect of them as an adult.
2. Enrich them.
Your dog may be bored. When they start exhibiting the problem behavior, take it as a cue to do something else with them. Go for a walk, play fetch, or practice commands like "sit" and "stay." Try out boredom-busting toys and treat dispensers.
3. Ignore them.
Rather than yelling at your dog, simply walk away, turn your back to them, or use a similar low key response. Give them attention when they're not licking, jumping, or whining. This reinforces the desired rather than problematic behavior.
4. Practice with others.
If the main problem is that your dog is overly friendly in public, recruit friends or family to help practice a new routine. Have a plan for how you want your dog to greet people. As with all training, the key is consistency and repetition. If you ask your dog to sit, have your human accomplice only interact with the dog when the dog is sitting. If the dog stands up, the person must immediately ignore them. Training can also be reinforced with treats. The AKC outlines a Four on the Floor plan to stop dogs from jumping.
5. Get professional help.
It's important that your family, your friends, and your neighbors get along with your dog! These are social animals who generally want to interact and make people happy. Sometimes they just need a little help understanding human manners. If you're feeling frustrated, or concerned that there may be an underlying issue, reach out today. Our expert trainers can help your dog express affection in a more appropriate way.
