My dog is a little over a year old now and has suddenly gone lick happy. Not just a lick here or there, no last night he probably would have licked forever if we didn't push him away. Now you can't lay down without him trying to lick your ears. Why has he suddenly started this? Also with me he will play bite a lot. He isn't really rough but he can sometimes accidentally bruise me. Is there a reason I am the one he likes to bite? I tell him no but for some reason when it is me he doesn't listen. Z has a lot of mental health issues from being abandoned by his first TWO sets of owners so I try not to be too harsh with him. Could that be my problem? Help please... and thank you.

Up until a dog is 3, their personalities are still maturing although largely determined by 12 weeks old. This may be some sort of a leadership challenge. Expect them now and then. I am sure I have stressed the importance of being top dog. Have I given you these gentle ways of bonding and showing your place?

''Elevation for small puppies: Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up. He is facing you. Hold him for 15 seconds. Repeat until he no longer struggles. If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.

Cradling for small puppies: Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby. If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds. With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down: Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you. Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position. When he is quiet, praise him. Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position. When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work. It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual. I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective. You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too. Helps bonding. There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly. The latter cements your place as pack leader.
Remember, the top dog is a strict but loving parent, not a drill sergeant.

One of the most effective ways to stop biting is to yelp and walk away. It should work on the licking too. In either case, it demands absolute consistency. Let him do it once in a wile, and he will never stop trying.

Thank you!