Monday, June 25, 2012

How to stop your dog's excessive licking behavior

By Susan McCornack


Over the top licking is a mental behavior that may be intensely annoying. It can lead you to rack up vet bills treating skin sores and contagions. Understanding the reason for dog licking behaviour is the first step toward developing a solution. Targeted obedience training will also help your dog stop the vicious cycle and forestall new behaviors from developing.

A dog licking his body continually is a variety of mental symptom. It is a specific behaviour that can be attributed to an underlying cause. Much like folks, dogs can develop uncharacteristic compulsions. It is mostly caused by too much anxiety. The actual act of licking a particular spot repeatedly releases endorphins and makes the dog feel a little better. Fleas, allergies, and discomfort are physical reasons behind dog licking. Psychological causes are apathy, stress, and anxiety.

Dog licking is a standard behaviour. It crosses the line when it becomes so incessant that Problems develop. Constant licking ends up in hair loss, skin lesions, and infection. Lick granulomas are sores that are caused by this obsessive ritual. They are found on any part of the body, but particularly the paws or front legs, and are tough to heal. Antibiotics are sometimes used if a bacterial infection is suspected. Without addressing the cause, lick granulomas will reappear right after treatment.

Since compulsive lickers are concerned, roaring at them will only make things worse. Infrequently, giving your dog more attention and distracting them will work but it has got to be consistent. You can try throwing a ball or grooming. Obedience training techniques are aimed at teaching focus and building emotional security. This is a fundamental principle that buttresss how significant social structure is for a dog.

Obedience classes raise your dog's activity level, which is emotionally gratifying. You may teach a "stop" command using treats. Holding a treat in your hand, tell your dog to "take it" and give him the treat. Repeat the process , but this time close your fist and tell your dog to "leave it". Work on this until your dog won't take the treat from you with your hand open. Eventually, you can progress to using this command to stop your dogs licking.




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