Why Does My Dog Lick My Ankles? (+What’s Happening + How to Stop!)
Noticing your dog licking your ankles, especially when you’re walking? This behavior, while maybe odd or ticklish to some, is not uncommon among dogs. They might target your ankles for a variety of reasons, from affection to seeking attention. Understanding why your dog opts for this particular spot can give you insight into their behavior and help you decide the best way to react.
This article will explain why dogs lick ankles and whether it’s a behavior you should allow. We’ll also cover the broader topic of dogs licking feet: why they do it and what it might mean for their obsession with your feet. Finally, we’ll teach you how to stop your dog from licking your ankles and feet so that everyone stays comfortable. Let’s begin!
Why Does My Dog Lick My Ankles?
Your dog licks your ankles for a variety of reasons, including natural instincts, seeking attention, or even just liking the taste of your skin. This behavior is often seen as a sign of affection or curiosity. While it can be endearing, understanding why your dog engages in this behavior is important, especially if you’re looking to redirect or discourage it.
Why Does My Dog Lick My Ankles When I Walk?
Your dog licks your ankles when you walk due to a combination of instinctual behavior and attraction to the movement and scent. As you move, your ankles release scents that are attractive to your dog, and licking is a way for them to explore these smells more thoroughly.
Additionally, the motion of walking can trigger your dog’s chase instinct, making your moving ankles a tempting target.
Dog Licks My Ankle: Can I Allow?
Allowing your dog to lick your ankles is generally harmless, but it’s important to ensure that this behavior does not become bothersome or excessive, which can be a sign of anxiety. If you find it endearing and it’s not leading to more unwanted behaviors, it’s okay to allow it.
However, if you prefer to discourage it, focusing on positive reinforcement and redirection techniques can help.
How to Stop Dog Licking My Ankles
To stop your dog from licking your ankles, training a specific command like “leave it” can be effective. Here’s how to train your dog with the “leave it” command:
- Start with a treat in your hand: Show it to your dog, then close your fist around the treat. Say “leave it.”
- Wait for your dog to stop trying to get the treat: As soon as they stop licking or nibbling at your hand, praise them and offer a treat from your other hand.
- Repeat the exercise with different objects: Gradually move to placing the treat on the ground and covering it with your hand, repeating the “leave it” command. Always reward from the other hand to reinforce that leaving it leads to better rewards.
- Increase the difficulty: Practice the “leave it” command while walking, using a treat or toy to distract them from your ankles. Reward them for obeying the command and not licking your ankles.
Training your dog with the “leave it” command helps redirect their attention from your ankles to you, providing a clear instruction that licking is not desirable. This command is not only useful for stopping them from licking your ankles but can also be a valuable tool in various situations to prevent unwanted behaviors.
While your dog licking your ankles is usually a sign of affection or curiosity, understanding and managing this behavior through training is crucial if you wish to discourage it. It’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (curiosity, boredom, anxiety, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present.
And until you address those, any positive changes you see will only be temporary.
“Well, how do I make these changes last?”
By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.
The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like your dog licking your ankles and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.
In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about why your dog licks your ankles ever again!
Is It Bad for Your Dog to Lick Your Feet?
Licking feet is a common behavior in dogs, but whether it’s bad for your dog largely depends on the context and frequency of the behavior. While occasional licking can be a sign of affection or a way for your dog to explore their environment, excessive licking may indicate underlying issues such as anxiety, boredom, or health problems.
Why Does My Dog Lick My Feet?
Your dog licks your feet for several reasons, including the taste of your skin, as a sign of affection, or because of the scent your feet carry. Dogs have an acute sense of smell, and your feet contain sweat glands that release scents carrying information about you, that your dog finds interesting.
Additionally, licking is a natural behavior for dogs, often used as a gesture of submissiveness or as part of their grooming process. To learn a command that will stop the behavior, go back to the first section now.
Why Is My Dog Obsessed With My Feet?
Your dog is obsessed with your feet due to the unique combination of scents and tastes they offer, as well as possibly seeking attention or comfort. They may also try to take your shoes or steal your socks. If this behavior becomes obsessive, it may also be a sign that your dog is experiencing anxiety or stress.
It’s important to observe the context in which this behavior occurs to determine if it’s a sign of a deeper issue needing to be addressed.
How to Stop Dogs Licking Feet
To stop your dog from licking your feet, training them with a specific command like “leave it” can be effective. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Introduce the command in a quiet environment: Start by holding a treat in your hand and letting your dog sniff it, then close your fist and say “leave it.”
- Wait for your dog to stop trying to get the treat: Once they stop licking or nibbling at your hand, praise them and give them a treat from your other hand.
- Practice with different items: Gradually introduce items that are more tempting to your dog, including placing treats on the ground and using the “leave it” command. Reward your dog from the other hand to reinforce that obeying the command leads to positive outcomes.
- Apply the command to your feet: Once your dog understands the “leave it” command, use it when they begin to lick your feet. Reward them for obeying the command and redirect their attention to a more appropriate activity.
Training your dog with commands like “leave it” not only helps stop them from licking your feet but also provides them with clear boundaries and expectations, enhancing your communication and relationship.
In summary, while dogs licking feet can be a normal behavior, understanding the reasons behind it and knowing when it becomes excessive is important. If needed, training your dog to stop the behavior can ensure both you and your pet remain comfortable and happy.
You’re probably ready to get going now that you have all of your questions about your dog licking ankles answered, so I’ll let you begin. Good luck, and thanks for reading our article “Why Does My Dog Lick My Ankles? (+What’s Happening + How to Stop!)”.