LICKING & LICKING & LICKING

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Compulsive licking is a common problem, especially in warmer weather. The word “compulsive” means the repetitive, irresistible urge to perform the same behavior, over and over again. A dog who displays compulsive behavior repeatedly does a behavior over and over. But licking...

Some breeds are more likely to develop certain compulsive disorders. For instance, Golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers can have excessive licking problems (this is called acral lick dermatitis or lick granuloma). They might bite and chew their tails when they “catch” them, causing hair loss or hot spots. Since our doodles have retriever in them, this could be a common problem here on DK.

Why does it happen?

Sometimes a dog could start a compulsive behaviors for no reason that is obvious. Other times they might develop compulsions after having physical conditions that cause them to lick. For example, if your dog injures his paw and licks it, he might continue his licking even after his injury has healed. Things in a dog’s daily life can also contribute to the development a compulsive behavior.

* Frequent bathing and swimming can cause the itchies
* Fear, abuse and traumatic events can sometimes bring compulsive behaviors
* Certain chemicals, shampoos and other products might do it
* A cut or bee sting can bring on a fit of licking constantly
* Even Separation anxiety and boredom can start a compulsive behavior
* Allergic reactions to environment or food can do it too

What to do?

Make sure you check with your vet first. There might be an underlying medical problem. Once that is ruled out, then you can start working on correcting the behavior.

As far as human face licking ...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I would rehome any dog who wouldn't kiss me. Half the reason I love dogs is cold noses touching mine.

[Adina P]

Shhhhh....I had to cover Rosco's ears when you said that. 'It's okay big red boy...Momma's loves your cuddly non-kissing affectionate ways...nobody is going to the pound!'

Thule's kisses are compulsive ... it means nothing about her 'love' for us...it's purely impulse: I SEE SKIN...I MUST LICK SKIN! gross gross gross...not a fan! But I love her nonetheless :)

The other thing is it's really annoying to others. It's one thing if your 2 y.o. child likes to smother you with kisses...another if that child would just compulsively slobber all over every single person who came into your home...over and over and over any time they could catch bare skin.

[Liza, Halle and Finn]

Kachi is the same as your Rosco. His kisses are few, but he shows us in other ways...like nudging us, and plopping down, and putting his head in our laps. Also, when he does give us kisses, it's really sweet. Kachi kisses my husband at night when he(Kachi) thinks it's time to go to bed, and Greg isn't making any moves in that direction. And it always works, Greg's like, "Ok, Buddy, You're ready to go to bed? Let's go!" It's too cute.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Just because JD kisses me doesn't mean he kisses everyone! He is quite discriminating! He does not kiss unless invited to do so. And even then, more than once he has hurt my feelings by turning his head away if it's early a.m. before I've brushed my teeth.

[Adina P]

Rosco LURVS my morning breath! He get up reeeaaal close, takes a wiff and then licks his own lips. I could never let Thule get that close without getting a mouthful of doodle tongue...LMAO :)

[Karen Gaffney]

Cirrus is the most cuddly dog I have ever had... but he does not kiss. It is just as well because he eats cat poo whenever he can get it.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's a link to the original ASPCA article (of which this discussion is an excerpt) which discusses compulsive behaviors in dogs:
http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/13/Compulsive-Behavior-in-Dog...

It is really not confined to licking.

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Licking in one spot can be a sign that something is there, like a bee stinger or small cut. The licking can trigger a continuing behavioral or psychological compulsion.

"Licking, biting & chewing of paws, base of tail, and groin/axilla is a classic sign of allergies in dogs, and should not be treated as a problem behavior. The dog is suffering and needs medical help." I agree and think the vet should be seen first.

As far as face licking or people licking, I have three doodles in my house and only Ginger is a compulsive face licker.