Licking is normal behavior in most breeds of dogs, but it can become a bad habit if allowed to be a excessive behavior. In this article we will look at why dogs lick, and what dog training secrets you can use to stop it.

Normal Behavior For Dogs — Licking:

In the wild, dogs lick the pack leader when they returns home. This is a way for dogs to communicate with each other. Licking the pack leader is an act that reinforces the pack social order and structure. The first dog training secret that you can use is that your dog will do the same thing to you when you get up in the morning, or when you come home from work. To the dog, you have been away for a period of time. Let the dog lick your hands as this will reinforce all is well in your world. If you don’t know this, and don’t do it, then your dog is very confused.

Licking is also a way for your dog to show affection for you. This is how the dog shows joy, love and its desire to be with you. So let your dog to have this way of expressing, but like a hyper-active child that is talking excessively to get affection, don’t let your dog over do it, or it can become a habit. This is the second dog training secret.

Another thing that could cause excessive licking in your dog is that it is anxious or stressed. This can cause licking that can lead to balding and hair loss. The third secret to dog training is to do some investigation to see if this type of behavior is stress related.

It would also be desirable to take your dog to a vet to check for skin allergies and fleas. Pain from arthritis in an older dog can also be a cause.as your dog tries to get some relief from the pain.

There aren’t really any dog training secrets here; more like good, solid advice.

You may have accidentally trained your dog to lick too much by reinforcing behaviors, or giving it too much attention when it licks you.

To your dog, you are the pack leader, and your attention is very important to it.

The Biggest Dog Training Secret to Stopping Excessive Licking:

Should you have ruled out medical issues or any other things that you cannot control, you can effectively stop this type of behavior by doing the following:

Let your dog do his greeting behaviors, but if it becomes excessive say “no” strongly and walk away. It is important not to give your dog any attention for a short period.

Your over licking dog will sure to be persistent in trying to get your attention. You need to be more persistent, and consistent in your actions. In time, your dog will get the idea.

For more information on handling dog training secrets, as well as a great deal of detailed information on a host of other common dog behavior problems, check out “Secrets to Dog Training”. It’s a complete owner’s guide to owning, rearing, and training your dog, and it deals with all aspects of dog ownership. Go to: http://best-dog-training-book.info/ for more information on the “Secrets to Dog Training” and to get your FREE 5 “Dog Training Myths’ Report.