[alaskayorkie]

Originally Posted by addevo

Congratulations to you and Jillie!

We have two therapy dogs, a Yorkie/Shih Tzu mix named Finbar and a Yorkie named Wendell. Finbar is a compulsive licker, but fortunately we got certified through a local group that more relaxed criteria than Delta Society's, so this behavior didn't disqualify him. Several of the residents absolutely LOVE being bathed in kisses, but not everyone does likes it (myself included). I would like to be able to give him a no-lick command. What is the command and how did you train her to recognize it?

Awesome! I think well-mannered little dogs can be great therapy dogs. They fit so nicely on beds!

The no-lick training was just like any other trick. I started slow and just worked on it 10-15 mins a day. I put my hand out in a situation where she would normally lick and say "No kisses." The word "no" usually stops her for a second, and the second she stops she gets a treat. Then it's just a matter of repeating until she gets it.

It hasn't stopped her from licking altogether. If I don't give the command, she'll lick. But it was enough to get her past that in the test, and I think it will be enough to stop her if someone doesn't want to be licked. Plus I'm continuing to work on it in hopes that I can stop her altogether eventually.

Good luck!