Why Does My Boston Terrier Lick Me So Much

Boston terriers are known for their affectionate nature, and excessive licking is a common trait in this breed. They often lick their owners as a way to show affection and bond.

Their short, smooth coats may also contribute to their licking behavior, as they tend to lick themselves and others to maintain cleanliness and grooming.

Boston terriers are highly social dogs that thrive on interaction, so they may lick you as a way to initiate play or seek attention.

Boston Terriers lick for several reasons outside of just communication and exploring their world. Your Boston Terrier may be licking you for reasons like affection, submission, or even because they think you taste good.

Boston Terriers lick due to affection, as it's a way for them to show love and attachment. This is especially true if your Boston Terrier licks you after a play session or when they're feeling relaxed.

Your Boston Terrier may also lick you as a sign of submission, which can be a natural behavior for dogs. This is often seen in puppies who lick their mothers' faces to show respect.

Some Boston Terriers lick excessively due to obsessive-compulsive behaviors, which can be triggered by anxiety or stress. If you notice your Boston Terrier licking excessively, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical concerns.

Medical concerns, such as gastrointestinal issues or skin allergies, can also cause Boston Terriers to lick excessively. If your Boston Terrier's licking persists or is accompanied by other unusual behaviors, consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause.

Boston terriers often show affection through physical touch, like kisses on the back of your calf. They might do this when you're prepping their meals or giving them attention.

They may also lick your feet or calves after a shower, as if investigating where you've been and greeting you again. This behavior is a sign of affection and curiosity.

Orbit, a Boston terrier, tends to sit by her owner's feet while meals are being prepared, and will give soft kisses on the back of their calf. This is a clear sign of love and affection.

Boston Terriers love the reaction they get from their owners when they give them kisses and licks.

Their favorite response is to see you laugh and smile, especially when they lick your face or legs after a shower or when you apply lotion.

It's not just about the taste of your skin, which they find salty and appealing, but also about the joy they bring you.

If you laugh and react positively, they'll keep coming back for more, making it an endless game of kisses and laughter.

This behavior is not just about attention-seeking, but also a way for them to connect with you and show affection.

By acknowledging and rewarding their behavior, you're encouraging them to continue showing you love and affection through kisses and licks.

I've tried bitter apple on my legs when Zoey was chasing me after a shower, but it didn't work.

A friend of mine also tried lemon on Zoey, but that didn't help either.

Some people might think that using strong-tasting substances would deter Zoey from licking, but it's clear that these methods aren't effective for her.

Using bitter apple or lemon didn't stop Zoey from licking, and it's good to know what doesn't work so we can explore other options.

Dogs like attention, especially Boston Terriers, so yelling or fussing at them for licking can make the problem worse.

Ignoring your pet is a better approach than reacting negatively, as it teaches them that excessive licking isn't a good thing.

If you yell or fuss, your pup might perceive it as a good thing and lick you even more.

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Problem licking can be a real nuisance, but it's also a natural behavior for dogs. It's not something you can expect to stop completely, but you can try to understand why your dog is doing it and find ways to discourage it.

If your dog's licking becomes too much, try moving the part of your body being licked away from your dog without making eye contact or saying anything. This can help them understand that it's not something you enjoy. You can also try giving them a chew toy or a food puzzle to redirect their attention.

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Consistency is key when trying to address problem licking. If you give your dog mixed messages, they'll be confused and it'll be harder to train them. So, be clear and consistent about what you want them to do and what you don't.

If you suspect that your dog's licking is due to allergies or skin conditions, it's essential to speak to a vet for advice. Persistent licking can lead to lick granulomas and skin infections if left untreated.

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If your Boston Terrier is an obsessive licker, it could be behavioral, meaning he's bored, frustrated, or stressed. Each of these situations can be addressed in a positive manner to teach your Boston Terrier more productive ways to cope with his feelings.

Excessive licking of paws or other body parts is of greater concern, and can be a sign of underlying issues. Persistent licking can lead to lick granulomas and skin infections if left untreated.

Allergies may find their source in food sensitivities or even autoimmune responses to environmental stimuli, and can be extremely difficult to treat. Your Boston Terrier may benefit from working with a veterinarian to identify and manage allergies.

In rarer cases, some Boston Terriers do suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder, and the licking is a manifestation of that. They require veterinary intervention in the form of medication to help reduce anxieties.

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Getting to the root of problem licking can be challenging, but it's not impossible. You can't completely stop a Boston Terrier from licking, but you can reduce it substantially.

A few methods can help, such as redirecting their attention to a chew toy or a treat-filled Kong toy. This can give them an outlet for their natural instinct to lick.

Some Boston Terriers lick due to anxiety or boredom, so identifying the underlying cause is key. For example, a lack of exercise or mental stimulation can lead to excessive licking.

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Providing regular exercise and engaging in playtime can help alleviate boredom and anxiety, reducing licking behavior. Simple activities like short walks or playtime in the yard can make a big difference.

Redirecting their attention to a specific task can also be effective, such as teaching a new trick or command. This can keep them engaged and focused, reducing the urge to lick.

Boston Terriers are known for their clown-like ways, but their constant licking can be confusing and even a bit worrisome. Researching the breed's characteristics and history can provide valuable insights into their behavior.

It's likely that your Boston Terrier's licking is a normal behavior for the breed, given that they're known to lavish attention on their owners. Maybe your dog is just trying to "clean" your face, as the introduction suggests, or perhaps they're simply hungry and think you taste good.

Boston Terriers are known for their clown-like ways and charming good looks, making them a popular addition to families. Their quirky nature is a part of their breed characteristics.

Boston Terriers have been known to have peculiar quirks, and constant licking is one of them. This behavior can be mystifying, especially when it's directed at our faces.

Researching a breed can provide powerful insights into their thought processes and behaviors. This is especially true for Boston Terriers, where their licking behavior may be rooted in logic.

Boston Terriers are often hungry, and they might find our taste buds satisfying. This is a possibility, but it's not the only explanation for their licking behavior.

Boston Terriers are known to be licking machines, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.

They can be very affectionate and loving, and their licks and kisses are often welcome.

However, if you're looking to break this habit, it's best to redirect and covert what triggers it to a new one, rather than telling them off.

Boston Terriers are prone to being gassy, so it's worth considering their diet and digestive health.