[yorkietalkjilly]

Dogs incessantly lick for long periods of time for several reasons, mostly because it gives them pleasure, gets them attention or relief on some level. It can become a sort of OCD type activity that they perform out of boredom, pent up energy or anxiety when they don't know how to handle or have no other outlet for their stresses/tensions. They also might start endless licking to show they are submissive to the animal or person on the receiving end, as a show of respect and that they are currying favor with a perceived more dominant pack member and mean no harm. Some dog lick others when they are itching and can't get to the area on their body to lick or scratch it. It's been my experience that usually healthy, well-exercised, happy dogs don't lick any one thing for too long, though there are certainly some exceptions. I'd have a dog that's getting into chronic licking checked by my vet just to be on the safe side.

Short, brief licks usually are given as a sign of affiliation or affection for a fellow pack member.

The quickest way to stop unwanted, prolonged licking is to get up and leave the room, stand up until they back off or push them away every time the dog starts to lick overtime.