My dog is 6months old and she was badly abused, she was rescued from an abused shelter, She as low self esteem. How do I teach her not to lick me so much without letting her think she is in trouble and that a little is okay but not a complete bath.
2006-12-10 23:18:45 · 15 answers · asked by moviefan8375 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
when she starts to lick you offer her a toy or chewie or something. When she stops licking you, praise her and pay attention to her then. If she stats to lick again, re-focus her on the toy. Repeat until you are blue in the face and she has got the idea. Also, you can just walk away and when she settles on something else (like a peanut butter and kibble kong) be sure to praise her. Also a soft ,"Noooo" and a redirect might do get the message across fairly easily..
Good luck and thanks so much for adopting a shelter dog!
p.s. you might want to think about taking her to some puppy classes and then look into something like agility to help boost her confidence!
2006-12-10 23:24:53 · answer #1 · answered by dedum 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a dog with the same problem, only he will lick your pants, your hands, your arms...anywhere to get your attention. The word I use in place of a strong no is "enough". Seriously, he understands this command. Make sure to offer kisses, especially when you're standing and "out of kissing reach". Let her get a lick or two, by bending to her and then stand up, put your hand in front of her face and say enough. If she goes for your hand then lift your hands and say "enough". Be very consistent. Make sure to not hover over her when doing this. If you have to, turn your back to her and say enough. Always make her sit before offering kisses, obey a command and a kiss for a reward. This will give the idea that it's allowed, but on your terms.
Instead of offering treats, offer an ice cube. Some dogs also lick if they're teething and this will help. If you get in the habit of giving her treats she will think to get a treat all she has to do is give kisses. =)
She's looking for your acceptance and attention when she does this. While I know it's annoying and wet, be thankful this is how she is handling her abuse.
For her esteem issues I would begin training and exercise, offer a ton of praise! About 20 minutes twice a day for a pup her age is sufficient. When she is old enough and well socialized with other dogs, take her to obedience classes. If all goes well, then begin agility classes. This will give her a purpose and will definitely help her self esteem.
Happy Holidays and congrats on the new family member!
2006-12-10 23:40:26 · answer #2 · answered by skyblueme 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In doggie pack life the pack leader will get groomed by the underlings,your dog has placed you in the pack leader position,
If you have not yet started the basics of training now would be a good time, my dog is never allowed to approach me asking to be petted (as that really is a sign of him wanting dominance over me) when your dog starts licking you just push him, give him a firm NO, wait a few minutes and call him back and give him a petting if the licking starts again just repeat the steps, it won't take long he will understand. thank you for rescuing the little fur ball...:) it really does'nt matter if it was abused, she must learn her new home is safe and she must go by the rules the new pack leader sets for her, she wants and needs you to show her how you want her to behave.
2006-12-11 00:04:37 · answer #3 · answered by JO K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being in rescue myself, I can understand how grateful she is to have a home, and how much she is telling you she loves you. That being said, I know how annoying it can be! Distraction with a toy will help a lot. Since she has such low self esteem, she shouldn't be corrected, but distracted.
Puppy classes will be a big help, she needs to be socialized with other people and other dogs. She will love it, learn obedience, and have something to focus on besides her feelings of insecurity. Take her with you as many places as possible, so she will have a whole new set of experiences, and find that the world is not such a frightening place.
2006-12-11 00:40:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Dogs get so much joy out of chewing and licking. Some dogs are lickers and some aren't. Over the years I have had half-a-dozen dogs and it breaks out almost 50/50 (I have two right now, one is a major licker-- he was a rescued dog-- and one doesn't lick at all-- he was from a breeder). And worse yet, licking is not breed dependent but personality dependent. Let your dog lick 2-3 "kisses" and then calmly push her away and rub her head or scratch her ears and just know she'll be a licker. She may grow out of it but please don't break her spirit by trying to discipline her for something that calms her and makes her happy.
2006-12-10 23:33:14 · answer #5 · answered by smartygirl 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
First of all, she is a puppy. She should grow out of it as she matures. She will always greet you with kisses as long as she is happy to see you. Secondly, you should be grateful that although she was abused early in her life, she has opened up to you and adores you. As a former employee within the Humane Society, I have encounterd dogs that are so timid and nervous that sometimes it is to late and they don't know how to show affection anymore. They are lost and sometimes they never come back. One of my 2 dogs are one of them. Her abuse was to severe and she was not considered adoptable. It has been a long and lengthly process just to see her tail wag, nevermind licking. So again, enjoy your dog and her antics. There is no relationship better than the companionship,and adoration of a dog that is happy to see you and is loyal forever.
2006-12-11 02:23:40 · answer #6 · answered by desi 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Licking the faces of more effective-score %. contributors is a way of soliciting for nutrients, so this habit is complicated-stressed into canine. it truly is a delightful acknowledgement of your %. status besides with a view to be certain what you've been eating. they'd be hungry and hoping for a meal or a deal with! Licking your fingers is likewise a request for petting by canine who choose your fingers to do something effective for them.
2016-11-25 20:26:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just gently keep pushing her away, and say a firm no! maybe a toy will help ,try different ones mine has a squeaky toy ,she carries around all the time ,treats it like her baby, will give her something else to lick,maybe, good luck
2006-12-11 00:09:30 · answer #8 · answered by deedee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mine does the same thing--we got her when she was 2
she was abused also. we have had her for 3 years now, and haven't been able to get her to stop licking. she does stop as long as you are petting her but starts up again the minute you stop. we haven't been able to come up with a way to stop her either....good luck
2006-12-10 23:25:08 · answer #9 · answered by Kismitt 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put some Bitter Apple on your face and hands so that you taste bad. :)
Do some obedience training with her. This will give her some confidence and give her a positive way to know she has your approval.
2006-12-11 00:02:32 · answer #10 · answered by Shane 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋