[DARLENE LIRETTE]

I Have A 10 Month Old Puppy .her Problem Is Licking People .how Can I Break This Habit?

[eternalxgrace]

As with any habit with any age dog, you have to be firm about the rules, and let the kiddo know who's boss. And there are little tricks, like have a little water pistol on hand, and whenever she does it, just a quick squirt between the eyes or on the nose, and she'll back off. And after a few times, she'll get the message. :) [lol, best if she doesn't see where the water comes from. Or she might turn it into a game. :D ] and a little light but firm [as in letting her know that you mean it] on the nose always works. [i got my puppy housebroken in 2 days and fully trained in about a week.] its all about routine and repetition. It takes a lot of effort. So if you put a lot of effort into a shorter amount of time, the better she'll remember the lessons, etc. maybe take longer walks so you can squeeze in some "playtime" to train her. :) good luck! - and take pix! They grow up sooo fast! :D

[labman]

Much of the dog training world is moving to more positive methods. Try offering her a toy to distract her and praise her for taking the toy. Also give her more attention. Licking is often a ploy to get attention. Perhaps brushing her or do some obedience work.

Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete

Here are some gentle exercises that help you claim the top dog spot.

''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.