My Dog Licks Everything

My Dog Licks Everything - For us humans, it can be a bit difficult to identify with the doggie habit of licking one another in greeting. We don’t do it, after all, and though our tongues come in handy for things like ice-cream eating and sucking that last dollop of peanut butter off the knife, we certainly wouldn’t welcome a visitor into our home by giving them a long, lingering lick on the cheek (unless you were brought up to embrace certain social mores currently unheard of in Western society).

Dogs use their tongues to explore the world. A dog’s tongue is as important (and useful) to him as our eyes and hands are to us: it’s a multi-purpose utility tool, used to taste things, explore the presence of new people and animals, express submissiveness, and to let you know that he values your companionship and friendship.

Licking: affectionate, disconcerting, or just plain disgusting?

Licking is a completely natural behavior for dogs, and most of the time, the experience isn’t something to worry about: the odd lick from a warm, moist tongue on your hand or ankle is, at worst, tolerable (and, I must admit, I actually find it pretty adorable when my dog licks me – but then again, he’s trained not to overdo it, so I don’t have to worry about the smothering capacities that a 100-pound male Rottweiler’s tongue possesses!) Some dogs just take things too far though, and this is where problems can set in.

It’s not pleasant to be persecuted in your own home by a far-reaching, agile, mobile, and slobbery tongue: some won’t let you get a moment’s rest, but will pursue you from bedroom to hallway to lounge to kitchen, making sporadic dive-bombings of affection on your toes, ankles, calves – anywhere that flesh is exposed and available. And for a tall dog, the available terrain is much more varied, and thus, enticing – ever had a long, wet dog’s tongue lathering your bellybutton as you stretch up to those elusive top shelves? When unexpected, the resultant shock is more than a trifle unbalancing!

Plenty of dogs won’t restrict themselves to your skin alone, either, and owners of these dogs will attest to the always-visible consistency of dog saliva on clothing: whether your outfit is black, white, or any of the myriads of shades in between, there’s nothing like a viscous patch of dog slobber on a freshly-laundered hemline to advertise your ownership status (and your dog’s personal level of demonstrativeness) to the world at large. And once it’s dried, it’s there ’til the next laundry run: the physical evidence of a dog’s friendship is like egg white. It’s there, it’s dried on, and it’s not coming off until a combination of suds, hot water, and vigorous effort is applied. And all this because your dog wants to say “I love you”!

But there’s often a bit more to it than just plain affection. As with all animal behavior, the logic behind licking is usually more complex and subtle than you might think, and the same gesture can have multiple meanings dependent on circumstance, your dog’s state of mind, and the other behaviors being exhibited at the same time. So, although we can postulate until the cows come home (or until your dog stops licking – whichever comes first) as to why your dog’s licking you, such generalizations aren’t always 100% accurate: it’s partly up to you to determine the reasoning behind the actions. And, since you know your dog better than anyone else, you’re the ideal candidate for the job.

If your dog is licking you because he’s feeling affectionate and wants to let you know, it’ll be pretty easy to figure out whether this is the case or not. His body language will be relaxed, and although the circumstances will be variable, the surrounding mood will generally be stress-free and happy: for example, when he licks you on the shoulder or ear from his vantage-point in the backseat as you’re driving him to the park, or lathers your hands and wrists with goodwill and devotion when you return home from a hard day at the office. “Puppy love” is by far the most common cause of licking: it isn’t anything to worry about, and it’s simple to ‘cure’ him of the habit if the behavior is a problem for you. (We’ll get to that further down the page.)

Another not-infrequent reason for repetitive, owner-targeted licking is that your dog’s feeling anxious and stressed. If there are things happening in your dog’s life to cause him unhappiness or tension, he’ll often show it through obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and licking is a pretty common manifestation of these. Some dogs will lick themselves, others will lick you – it’s really a case of individual preference.

It shouldn’t be too hard for you to pinpoint the cause of your dog’s less-than-relaxed mindset: is he getting enough attention and mental stimulation, or is he cooped up inside for long hours each day by himself? Does he get enough exercise and outdoors time for sniffing, exploration, and general exuberant tomfoolery? Do you pay him lots of attention when you’re at home, or tend to greet him hurriedly before rushing off to your next commitment? These are all things that you’ll need to consider, before adapting your lifestyle to address the issue accordingly.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the licking, and the overall quality of your dog’s life, you may need to make some general adjustments of your own to ensure that, when the licking does stop, it’s because you’ve treated the cause, not the symptoms – otherwise, you’re just trying to take away a valuable outlet for his negative emotions, which is unrealistic (and unfair on your friend, too).

Perhaps you need to come home more often during the day. Perhaps you need to get up half an hour earlier in the morning to give him a more substantial pre-work walk (it varies from dog to dog, but as a general rule of thumb, most dogs function best and are at their most relaxed with an hour and a half’s exercise each day).

Or maybe you just need to spend more time with him in the evenings, playing, grooming, training, and just hanging out together. Make sure you’re paying attention to his demeanor (does he seem content?) and his activity levels before you try to get rid of the licking behavior as a stand-alone problem: even though he can’t talk, he can still use his tongue to try and tell you something, and this might be what’s happening here.

Having said that though, most of the time excessive licking is simply due to excessive exuberance in your dog: he’s happy, he loves you, and he has to let you know right now.

When you want to get the point across that his licking’s getting a bit too much for you, a simple change in your body language will convey your message loud and clear. All you need to do is withdraw the outward display of your affection for him to understand that, actually, you don’t like it when he covers your skin in a composite of saliva, dog-food particulate matter, scraps of debris from his fur, and general oral-cavity detritus.

In plain English, this means that you just have to turn yourself away from him: when he starts to lick, get up and move away instantly. Make sure your face and eyes are dramatically averted from him: face in the complete opposite direction. Preface this with a revolted-sounding “No!” if you like (I say “No lick!” but you can use whatever comes naturally. Just keep the phrase short and easily-identifiable so your dog quickly learns to recognize it). At this point, he’ll probably get up and follow you. Wait for him to do so: the licking should start again soon. When it does, repeat the process. Withdraw all signs of affection from him again: turn away, get up and leave, and don’t pay him any attention or talk to him (apart from another “No!” in a disgusted, I-can’t-believe-you-haven’t-got-the-message-yet tone of voice).

It’s likely that your dog will be persistent. He’s not to be easily deterred; you’re the undisputed centerpiece of his life, after all, and he needs to let you know this whenever the opportunity should present itself. You just need to outmatch him in persistency. Be consistent with your actions, and the message will sink in.

Don’t feel that you have to shout or react negatively - the simple withdrawal of your love (or the appearance of this, anyway) is quite enough.

A word of warning: some people really like it when dogs lick them, even if the dog concerned is not their own. If visitors to your house (or admiring passersby on the street) greet your dog and allow him to lick them, you’ll need to intervene or else they’ll undo all your good work. It’s best if you can explain ahead of time that you’re training him not to lick, and then explain the appropriate response for them to take if he should start to lick them. This way, you can be sure that your dog’s not going to be corrupted into unwanted behaviors again – and that he’ll learn to express his affection in other, more desirable ways.

For more information on licking and other problematic dog behaviors … You’ll probably want to check out Secrets to Dog Training. It’s a comprehensive, A-Z manual for the responsible dog owner, and deals with just about every canine behavior and training technique under the sun, from aggression to digging to whining to dog whispering to obedience work. You can visit the Secrets to Dog Training site by clicking on the link below:

My Dog Licks Everything

Dog Obedience Tips and Tricks | Help Your Dog Become Happy And Obedient With These Quick Tips

 Dog Obedience Tips and Tricks

If you're reading this article, then you are wanting to train your dog and learn all you can on how to do so. This article prepares you to have the perfect show dog.

Every dog needs a calm and confident leader to feel secure. Any dog owner can show that he is a strong leader by encouraging and rewarding good behavior. Proving to your pet that you're a strong leader makes training easier and establishes a bond between pet and owner.

When walking your dog on a leash, never keep the leash too tight. A tight leash creates a counter pressure response and can cause the dog to become uptight or agitated. Your dog may then pull, rather than walk correctly on the leash. Being less restrictive with your leash hold will allow for a more pleasant walking experience.

Do not respond to demands for attention from your dog. Training a dog to be docile and controlled, means that you control when attention is given. In the pack, Alphas will ignore these behaviors until the dog is calm and relaxed. Then and only then, should you build excitement through play with the animal.

Be consistent when training your dog. Your furry buddy will be easily confused when you vary your routine too much. Always give the same encouragement for a job well done. Use the same phrases to help your dog recognize what words are for what actions. Always say 'good dog' and don't vary the tone.

Stimulate your dog every day to help prevent nuisance behaviors, such as barking. A bored dog is more likely to bark continuously in an effort to gain attention. If you get your dog out for regular walks and exercise, you may find that this behavior stops. You will have a happier dog, and be a happier owner.

When a dog lives in a house that does not have any small children or older adults living in it, the owner should go out of their way to introduce their dog to those types of people. By introducing them in a controlled situation, one can train their dog how to act around those types of people if they are ever over at the home.

When you train your dog it is important to reinforce every example of behavior you want to encourage. Whenever your pet behaves according to your wishes it should be rewarded. This will prevent your dog from becoming confused and establish positive reinforcement associations. Behavior that is rewarded is behavior that will be repeated and eventually become habitual.

Your own mood has a great deal to do with your success in training your dog. You must control your emotions, so that your dog gets the right idea from your training. Regardless of your dog's overall performance, be free and unreserved with praise, when your dog does what you want. Conflicted emotions on your part will have a negative effect on your dog's overall training regimen.

Do not call your dog to you for a scolding. You might still be angry at the dog for the trouble he has just caused, but do not punish him for coming when called. It should always be "safe" to come to you when called, and the dog should feel that you are glad to see him.

Maintain consistency during your training regimen with your dog. Stay consistent across the board, including the tone that you use and the rewards the you provide.

If you have a large-breed dog, he needs a big bed on which to stretch out. You can buy a large bed for your large-breed dog, or even get a crib mattress to use as your dog's bed. The perks of these are that you can change out the sheets on crib mattresses as often as you like without too much effort. Just so you know, these mattresses are typically waterproof.

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Dogs should be spayed or neutered around the age of six months. This should go hand in hand with the start of obedience classes. Pets that have been spayed or neutered are often more obedient. It will also give your pet an extended and healthier life.

Your dog needs the right training to be exceptional. The tips you just read will help you train an obedient show dog. There is no single approach that is guaranteed to work for each and every dog in the world, but these tips make it somewhat easier to find the option that works best for you.

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Dog Obedience Tips and Tricks

 Dog Training Will Bring You Closer To Your Dog

It is extremely important to be able to train your dog to not bite people unless the dog is being used for defense. This is important because unwarranted dog biting can lead to fines, loss of your dog, or termination of the dog's life. The tips in this article will help you with preventing your dog from biting.

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When crate training a puppy, try to make your puppy feel like the crate is his home. Feed them in their crate and keep it open for them to come in and out. This creates a positive association between good food and their new crate.

Training doesn't only happen during designated training sessions. Every time you interact with your pup, you are training him. Make sure to stay consistent in your commands and requests and to continue to reinforce those good behaviors. If you are training him to stay off the couch, don't let him jump up there while you are watching a show. Stay consistent at all times with what you want him to do and you will see the rewards.

Prepare to administer lessons to your dog repeatedly. Most dogs will not pick up a new command with just one or two tries. Sometimes it is helpful to focus on one or two commands a day so that through your sessions you are repeating enough times to fix the commands solidly in your dog's memory.

When you first bring your puppy home, those first few days are the most important. You should be patient, consistent, and persistent form day one with your new puppy. Be sure not to let your puppy get away with behaviors you are not going to allow and positively reinforce the behaviors you are wanting to see.

While training your dog, it is important to maintain a calm voice, even if you feel frustrated. If you get angry, your pet is not going to enjoy learning and will not respond well to your commands. Your dog should enjoy the training process rather than dread it.

Make sure your dog's diet is appropriate for him. If your dog is a lazy dog who likes to lounge around all day, you don't want to give him the high protein food a dog who herds sheep would receive. This can cause problems and high vet bills down the road.

Dogs usually respond well to physical rewards when being trained. Almost all dogs have an extremely large capacity for love. That makes them respond very well to rewards like belly scratching, back petting and brushing. Your dog wants to be loved and greatly appreciates you giving him affection. Show your happiness with his success this way.

When looking to hire a dog trainer, finding someone who uses positive training techniques can be very beneficial. Your dog will respond better to praises, treats, and encouragement than to physical or mental agitation. Negative training methods can be very ineffective and cause harm to the animal as well.

Allowing your new dog gradual access to all areas of your home will greatly aid you in training and will spare damage to couches, shoes and floors. As your dog learns not to do things like jump, scratch, and chew, open more doors to him. Many make the mistake of allowing full reign of all rooms, which really just offers the dog more opportunity to do the wrong thing.

Be consistent when you're training your dog. Your dog doesn't understand what your praises mean. Pick one form of praise to use such as: "Good Girl" or "Well Done" and use the same phrase every single time. This will teach your dog that you are praising him or her, and when your dog hears the chosen phrase, he or she will understand it is a compliment.

Make training fun for you and your dog. Choose treats that your dog loves, and give lots of excited praise for good results and even good efforts. Keep sessions short and lively. Give your dog plenty of chances to succeed by practicing commands that he or she knows well, but also add variations and new lessons to keep training interesting.

Anxious dogs might benefit from having music played when you leave. Classical music is proven to be soothing for a variety of species, and dogs are no exception. Calm, soothing classical music played at a mellow volume might be a benefit to your dog and keep the house from being silent while you're gone.

You shouldn't wait for bad behaviors to start to begin preemptively addressing them. Most new dog owners can expect at least one bad behavior to crop up during their time as a dog owner! Start addressing inappropriate soiling, destructive chewing and separation anxiety as if they're likely to happen, and make sure your environment makes those things hard to occur!

In summary, nobody wants to be bitten by a dog. You are responsible for anything that your dog does, and if someone is bitten by it then you will pay the price. Follow the tips in this article in order to keep your dog under control so that both you and your dog will benefit.

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Dogs Are Eager To Please, So Training Is Intuitive!

Dog ownership can be very rewarding, and an important part of having a dog is training him. Some dogs are more easily trained than others and it is important to research different breeds before you settle on getting a puppy. When you find a dog you want, check to see if he is a breed that has the characteristics you are looking for. Be sure that you finish reading this article so that you can be prepared for any dog training you are going to attempt.

If your crate training your new dog or puppy make sure that they understand the crate is their own personal space. Never use the crate as a punishment otherwise they will start to look at it as a bad place and will try to start resisting going inside of it.

When tying up your dog, make sure it is not close to another chained dog. The restraints for each dog can become tangled and in an effort to free themselves, they can be injured. If one dog is larger than the other, it could accidentally tangle the cord around the smaller dog's neck, causing it to become unable to breath, and possibly die.

When you are training your dog, remember to take frequent breaks and not try to teach too much all at once. Your dog will quickly become overwhelmed and refuse to follow directions if the training period is too long. So ensure your sanity and your dogs by teaching in small increments.

Give your dog love every time you see him. This is especially important if you are upset with his behavior. If you punish him you can actually do the opposite of what you intend to do. He may become less likely to respond to your training. Be nice, even if he just did something that makes you made.

Teach your dog that no response is required when you say 'no'. It is important to be positive when you are training your dog. Dog's often don't get the meaning of words like "no." Not all dogs are the same, and their training needs will vary.

Never yell at a barking dog. While a barking dog is sure to raise your frustration level, resist the urge to yell at them. Dogs do not understand that you are yelling at them, and often associate your raised voice as you joining in the fun of barking. If your dog is barking, calmly distract them with a toy or treat, and when the barking stops, give them their prize.

If you don't want your dog to chew your furniture, making it unpleasant, can help. There are many clear and odor free products on the market that you can put on an item. These products will make the item taste bitter or unpleasant, thereby, deterring your pet from chewing it.

One-on-one training sessions can be the way to go for some dog owners. One-on-one training can be extremely flexible for your schedule. It is also often priced per session. This means that for a dog that only needs a few sessions, individual training might be less expensive than group.

If you want your dog to stop digging, play with him in the yard. Many dogs who dig do so out of boredom and the desire to get back at their owner. Playing in the yard with your pet offers him the socialization and exercise he needs, and it is also a fun way to bond with your favorite pooch.

To help your puppy learn good bathroom habits, training them using a crate is a great idea. Dogs don't like using the bathroom near where they sleep or spend much time, so take advantage of this natural preference of dogs and teach them to use the bathroom outside or in a desired area.

A great dog training tip is to let your dog know when they're doing something right. It's very easy to yell at your dog and tell them no when they're misbehaving. It's important to let your dog know when they're doing what you want because that reinforces good behavior

Dogs can be spoiled just like children. While rewards are definitely necessary to keep your dog on the right path, too many rewards can lead your dog to expect them! Your dog should be treated for challenging tasks, or performing tasks he knows under exceptional circumstances. Making him work for his grub encourages him to stay on his toes.

Active breeds need more space and more exercise. If you do not have a fenced in yard, you should be prepared to walk your dog every day. Dogs tend to develop behavior problems if they are not able to work off their energy every day either by running and playing or going for a long walk. Use the tips in this article, so that you can get a feel for what dog training is all about.