How to Stop a Dog From Licking Your Face, Hands, Feet, and Legs

The fastest way to stop a dog from licking you is to stand up, turn away, and completely remove your attention the moment it starts. No eye contact. No talking. No pushing them away. Repeat every single time. Add the “Leave It” command and redirect to a toy or chew for faster results. Full breakdown by body part below.

Let me tell you something about dogs.

They think your face is a lollipop.

Your hands? Even better. Your feet and legs after a workout? Apparently that’s the premium stuff.

If you’ve been living with this, you know exactly what I mean. You sit down on the couch and within five seconds your dog has launched a full tongue attack on whatever body part is closest.

Cute the first time. Not so cute at 6am when they wake you up licking your face.

I’ve been there. And I’ve tested just about every method you can think of.

So in this guide, I’m going to walk you through the exact steps that actually work, broken down by where your dog is targeting you. No fluff. No theory. Just what gets real results.

Let’s get into it.

Key Takeaways

• The number one method is removing your attention completely and immediately every time licking starts.
• Your dog licks because of affection, habit, attention-seeking, or anxiety. Not bad intentions.
• Teaching the “Leave It” command is one of the most powerful training tools you have.
• Consistency beats everything. One person in your household giving in resets all your progress.
• If licking is compulsive or constant and nothing is working, your vet should be your first call.

Why Does Your Dog Keep Licking You?

Before we get into the fixes, let’s quickly understand why this keeps happening. Not because you need a lecture, but because understanding the “why” makes the training click faster.

Dogs lick for a handful of reasons:

• Affection. Licking is how dogs express love from the time they’re born. Mother dogs lick their puppies from day one. Your dog isn’t being annoying on purpose.
• Attention-seeking. If licking gets any reaction from you at all, even “stop it!”, your dog learns that licking gets them what they want.
• Taste. Your skin has salt on it. Especially after sweating. To your dog? That’s delicious.
• Anxiety or boredom. Some dogs lick as a self-soothing behavior when they’re stressed or under-stimulated.
• Habit. Something that started as cute puppy behavior that was never redirected.

For the full deep dive on what’s actually behind your dog’s licking, check this out: Why Does My Dog Lick Me So Much?

The bottom line: Your dog is not bad. They’re communicating the best way they know how. Your job is to teach them a better way.

Is Dog Licking Harmless or Should You Be Concerned?

For most healthy adults, the occasional lick from your dog is fine.

But there are a few situations worth knowing about.

There is a real health risk, even if rare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dogs carry bacteria in their saliva, including Capnocytophaga canimorsus, which can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and young children. Licking near open wounds, your eyes, or your mouth is where the risk goes up.

Excessive licking can also signal anxiety in your dog. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) identifies compulsive and repetitive licking as a recognized behavior concern that can be linked to anxiety, obsessive tendencies, or underlying physical discomfort. If your dog simply cannot stop, that’s more than just habit.

For most people reading this though? The issue is simpler. You just don’t want a soggy face at 7am.

Totally fair. Let’s fix it.

8 Proven Ways to Stop a Dog From Licking You

These methods work whether your dog is 8 weeks old or 8 years old. The key is applying them consistently, every single time.

1. Turn Away and Remove All Attention

This is the big one. The most powerful thing you can do.

The second your dog starts licking, do this:

1. Stand up immediately.
2. Turn your back to your dog.
3. Cross your arms.
4. Say nothing. Look at nothing.

No “no.” No pushing them away. No laughing. No eye contact at all.

Complete silence. Complete withdrawal.

Wait until your dog settles and calms down. Then calmly acknowledge them.

Why this works: Your dog wants a reaction from you. Any reaction. When licking produces absolutely nothing, the behavior stops being worth doing. In behavioral science, this is called extinction, and it is one of the most reliable tools in training.

“Ignoring an unwanted behavior is harder than it sounds, but it is often the single most effective response you can give your dog.”

The critical rule: you have to do this every single time. Not most times. Every time.

For help getting your dog to settle down in general, this is a great companion guide: How to Get Your Dog to Calm Down

2. Use a Clear, Calm “No Lick” Command

Pick a phrase. Use it every single time.

“Off” or “No lick” work well. Whatever you choose, stick with it.

Here is what matters: say the command once, calmly and firmly, and then immediately follow it with step 1 above. Turn away and ignore.

Do not repeat the command over and over. Dogs tune out words that come in a stream. Say it once, then act. Over time, the command becomes a clear signal your dog will understand.

3. Teach the “Leave It” Command

“Leave It” is one of the most useful commands in all of dog training.

You can use it for licking, for picking things up off the ground, for ignoring other dogs. It is a true do-everything command that pays dividends for years.

Here is the basic version:

1. Hold a treat in your closed fist.
2. Let your dog sniff, nudge, and paw at your hand.
3. The moment they back off on their own, say “Leave it” calmly and reward them with a different treat from your other hand.
4. Practice in short daily sessions.

Once they have it, use “Leave It” the moment you see licking coming.

For the full, detailed breakdown: How to Teach a Dog to Leave It in 5 Steps

Pro Tip: Use high-value dog treats for this training. The better the reward, the faster your dog connects the dots. Generic treats will not cut it when you’re asking them to break a behavior they love.

4. Redirect to a Toy or Chew

Your dog wants something to do with their mouth. The solution is not to stop them entirely. It is to give them something better to do it with.

The moment licking starts, offer a chew toy, a Kong stuffed with food, or a long-lasting dog treat.

Note: You are not rewarding the licking. You are redirecting the urge before the licking becomes a full routine. There is a difference, and it matters.

Pro Tip: Keep a chew toy near your couch, your bed, and anywhere you regularly sit with your dog. The faster you can redirect, the faster the habit breaks.

5. Never Accidentally Reward the Licking

This one trips up almost everyone.

Rewarding licking does not just mean handing them a treat when they do it. It means giving any reaction that your dog finds satisfying:

• Laughing
• Saying “stop it!” in a playful tone
• Gently pushing their face away
• Making eye contact
• Any kind of acknowledgment at all

Every one of those tells your dog: “Licking worked. I got a response.”

This is why every single person in your household needs to be doing the same thing. If one person lets the licking slide, your training falls apart. There are no exceptions.

Consistency is the hardest part. It is also the most important part.

6. Reward the Behavior You Actually Want

This is the flip side of step 5, and it is just as important.

When your dog sits calmly beside you without licking, make it a celebration. Give praise, a treat, a gentle pet. Let them know with absolute clarity that calm, no-lick behavior is exactly what earns the good stuff.

This is positive reinforcement at its best. You are not just punishing bad behavior. You are actively building the replacement behavior you want to see more of.

If you want to speed this up, clicker training is a fantastic method. The clicker marks the exact moment your dog does something right, which helps them understand what they are being rewarded for, faster.

For a complete, structured training program built on behavioral science, Brain Training for Dogs is one of the most well-regarded resources available. It covers behavior problems like this one systematically and with clear, step-by-step guidance.

7. Teach an Alternative Command

Give your dog something specific to do instead of licking. Commands work here because they give your dog an active job.

A few that work especially well:

• Sit: The simplest redirect in the world. A dog that is sitting is not licking your face. Here’s how to teach it.
• Touch: This teaches your dog to touch their nose to your hand on cue. It gives them a way to connect with you that is not licking. Learn the Touch command here.
• Stay: A solid Stay keeps your dog calm and controlled. See how to teach it.

When your dog approaches and you can see a lick coming, give one of these commands first. Reward the response. Skip the lick.

8. Address Boredom and Anxiety at the Root

If your dog’s licking is constant, or spikes when they have been alone for a while, the licking might not even be the real problem.

It could be anxiety. Or boredom. And training techniques alone will not fix a root cause.

Here is what actually helps alongside the training:

• More daily exercise and structured mental stimulation
• A consistent, predictable daily routine your dog can rely on
• Puzzle feeders and enrichment toys to keep their mind busy
• A balanced, high-quality diet that supports their overall health
• A fresh dog water fountain with constant access to clean water (consistent hydration supports calmer behavior)
• Dog supplements formulated to support calm, relaxed behavior

If your dog’s anxiety seems serious, especially if it involves separation anxiety alongside the excessive licking, an ESA letter may be worth looking into for official documentation purposes.

If you want to understand what your dog is actually doing when you are not home, a dog camera is genuinely useful. You can spot anxiety triggers and licking patterns you would have never noticed otherwise.

For a complete roadmap to your dog’s obedience and behavior: Obedience Training Guide and Essential Dog Training Resources.

How to Stop a Dog From Licking Your Face

Your face is the most personal target. It is also the most common.

Here is what to know: face licking almost always happens when you are at your dog’s level. Lying on the floor. Bending down to greet them. Sitting low on the couch. You bring your face to their height, and they take advantage.

To stop face licking specifically:

1. Stand up the moment your dog aims for your face. Remove the target entirely.
2. Avoid getting down to their level until the behavior is more under control. Greet them while standing first.
3. When you do crouch to their level, wait for calm first. Only lower yourself when they are settled. Then reward that calm immediately.
4. If they lunge for your face during a cuddle on the couch, use your “No Lick” command once, turn your face away firmly, and redirect to a chew toy on the cushion beside you.

Never yell, swat, or grab your dog’s muzzle. That creates fear and confusion, not understanding. Stay calm. Stay firm. Stay consistent.

How to Stop a Dog From Licking Your Hands

Hand licking feels harmless. Almost affectionate, honestly. That is exactly why most people let it slide. And that is exactly how it becomes a rock-solid habit.

To stop hand licking:

• The moment licking starts, close your hand into a fist and calmly move it away from their mouth.
• Follow up immediately with your “Leave It” command.
• Offer a chew toy or treat as a redirect.
• Practice basic obedience training regularly so your dog learns to interact with you through commands instead of licking.

One thing that works really well: If your dog is food-motivated (and most dogs are), start delivering treats from your hand only when they are calm and not attempting to lick you. This teaches them that your hand delivers rewards for good behavior. Not that your hand is an automatic licking station.

How to Stop a Dog From Licking Your Feet and Legs

Feet and legs are a special case.

Your dog gets a lot of sensory reward here. Salt from sweat. Natural skin oils. Lotion. Whatever you walked through outside. After a workout or a long day out, your feet and legs are basically a sensory buffet.

To stop foot and leg licking:

• Wear socks or longer pants during the training period. Less sensory reward means less motivation to start licking in the first place.
• Use the turn-away method. Stand up, cross your arms, step away calmly.
• Redirect immediately with a sit command or a toy placed on the floor right in front of them.
• Use a lick mat with a small amount of dog-safe food (plain peanut butter with no xylitol works great). Place it on the floor near you so your dog has an appropriate outlet for their licking urge that does not involve your ankles.

A lick mat is one of the most underrated tools for feet-and-leg lickers. It redirects the physical behavior, keeps your dog occupied, and positions you as the source of something good. Win all around.

Quick Comparison: Which Training Method Works Best?

My honest recommendation: Start with methods 1, 3, and 4 together. That combination covers almost every licking scenario and gives you the fastest visible improvement. Add the others as your dog progresses.

When Should You Call a Vet or Professional Trainer?

The methods above solve most licking problems. But some situations need more than a training guide.

See your vet if:

• Licking is constant and does not respond to any training at all
• Your dog licks themselves obsessively, not just you
• There has been a sudden, unexplained change in licking behavior (this can signal pain or illness)
• Licking happens alongside other anxiety signs like pacing, panting, whining, or destructive behavior

Consider a professional trainer if:

• You have been consistent for several weeks and seen no improvement
• The behavior is escalating rather than improving
• Your dog has a history of fear, trauma, or aggression alongside the licking

If anxiety seems to be driving the licking, building trust is the foundation of everything. This guide is a great starting point: How to Get a Dog to Trust You

For dogs with more serious behavior patterns, this program addresses anxiety and difficult behaviors in a structured way: Turn an Anxious or Reactive Dog Into a Calm Dog

Using a Dog Health Tracker to log your dog’s licking and behavior patterns over time can also be genuinely useful. Trends and triggers that seemed invisible become obvious when you can see them written down, and that data is valuable when you talk to a vet or trainer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to let your dog lick you?

For healthy adults, occasional licking is generally harmless. However, the CDC notes that dog saliva can carry bacteria like Capnocytophaga that cause serious illness in people with weakened immune systems, young children, and older adults. Avoid letting your dog lick open wounds or near your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Why does my dog lick me so much?

It is usually a combination of affection, attention-seeking, taste, and habit. Sometimes it is anxiety or boredom. All of these are addressable with the right training. Read the full breakdown here.

Can licking be a sign of anxiety in dogs?

Yes. Compulsive or repetitive licking is a recognized behavioral concern according to the ASPCA. If your dog licks compulsively and no training seems to slow it down, a vet visit is the right next step.

How long does it take to stop a dog from licking?

With consistent training, most dogs show real improvement within 1 to 3 weeks. Deeply ingrained habits can take 4 to 8 weeks. A structured program like Brain Training for Dogs can speed that timeline up considerably.

Should I punish my dog for licking?

No. Punishment creates fear and confusion without ever teaching your dog what you do want from them. Stick to redirection, ignoring the behavior, and positive reinforcement. That is what changes behavior over the long term.

What if my dog will not stop licking no matter what I try?

First, rule out a medical cause with your vet. Then consider a structured professional training approach. The Ultimate Dog Behavior Training Course covers the full range of behavioral tools and is a strong resource to have in your corner.

Your Dog Will Still Love You, I Promise

Here is what I want you to take from all of this.

Your dog is not broken. They are not trying to make your life difficult.

They are using the only communication tools they have. Your job, as their person, is to give them better ones.

Start simple. Use the ignore method today. Add the “Leave It” command this week. Keep a chew toy on the couch. Reward every moment of calm you catch. Be consistent. Be patient.

Every time you follow through, you are not just fixing a licking habit. You are building a stronger, clearer relationship with your dog. And that is worth every bit of the effort.

If you want a complete system for building your dog’s behavior from the ground up, start with our Essential Dog Training Guide and consider adding Brain Training for Dogs to your approach. Both are worth your time.

You’ve got this.