Dog training, puppy training, dog obedience, animal behaviour modification

Hi Libby,
Anytime there is an odd behaviour involved, it is important to rule out the medical. If everything is ok medically, then you can adopt a behaviour modification protocol that directly targets the specific problem. This type of licking is usually behavioural, however repetitive licking in one spot can cause local sensitivity and local irritation, which if not dealt with may turn into a lick granuloma – or open sore. Dogs that have this tendency are always most likely to lick their front feet and sometimes their back feet. The main reason they choose this part of their body is pure convenience - the feet are the more convenient to get to than the rest of their body.

The exact reason as to why they do it is largely unclear, but there is sufficient reason for us to believe that it results from situations that evoke conditions such as stress, anxiety or boredom. A foot licking problem may also start out as a medical one, and later develop into a learned behaviour, not dissimilar to that of nail biting in humans.

Because of the medical and behavioural implications associated with obsessive licking, it is important to stop it before it develops into something more sinister.
There are several products on the market with a bitter taste that discourage them from licking their feet, but probably the best way to go about dealing with this particular 'foot fetish', is redirection. Like with any training, time, patience and consistency are the absolute keys to achieving and maintaining successful outcomes, along with using incentives that redirect Dolly's attention away from her feet like playing a game or using toys to distract her. This will be a lot more effective than just band-aiding the problem with a product. Following up with positive reinforcement will further cement the foundations to successfully "breaking the habit".