Kissing Lab Mix

A dogs mouth is inherently cleaner than any humans mouth. I received kisses from all my dogs all my life, so have all of my children. We have all survived. Just my humble opinion.

I think this has been mentioned, but really, the dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's. They even proved this on "Mythbusters." We have two VERY affectionate Cavaliers, and one very affectionate son. We try to limit the kissing, but I've decided not to overly freak out over it. We have taught the dogs "no licking," and they obey when it's me or my husband. But it is harder for them to resist a one-year-old who eagerly kisses right back. My theory is that as long as he's not still doing it in his teens, we'll be ok... :)

Our 3 1/2 year old granddaughter loves to give and get kisses from one of our dogs in particular who is willing to oblige. She hasn't gotten ill from it yet. We also have given up trying.

She loves to play cat or dog. I think she's finally about outgrown sharing the pet's foods and playing in their water. Another habit that I think has been broken is going outside to do her business like the dogs.

I does help with the kissing issue if the child does not have something yummy smeared all over their face, but Labs are schmoozers. They love to love. They lean on you. They snuggle up. They dance around your feet. They live by their noses.

Consistantly tell the dog an and children no. Only use postive reinforcements.

I saw a special on the news a few months ago about the benefits of having a dog. They talked about that in today's world we are so germ phobic that we are actually doing harm to our children. They are not getting enough contact with harmless germs that help build their immune systems. Dogs are a great way for children to have contact with such germs. Children who have dogs are more likely to have stronger immune systems and fewer allergies, asthma, etc. If you don't want the dog kissing on your kids I think that positive reinforcement for the dog and the kids is the best. Explain to your kids why you don't want the dog kissing them and be consistent. Good Luck!

I decided that there were much worse things that my son would put in his mouth, so I stopped dwelling on it. He's 4 1/2 now and still loves to kiss the dogs! On the up side, he doesn't have any dog allergies!

I grew up with a ton of dogs and they kissed me ALL the time... I think I turned out OK. I kiss my ShitZu now and no problems!!!

Let them watch Charlie brown with Lucy and Snoopy giving her "DOG KISSES" a few times and maybe that will help!

A.

I think that I have always told my son that doggie kisses are ick and to turn his head away. I explained that it's okay to kiss - just not on the mouth. That's not going to be easy to explain to kids that are 2 and 9 months, but just make a big example of always turning your head away and also not letting the doggie kiss your hands.

Unfortunately, you probably won't be able to teach the dog to stop. Kissing is it's own reward as we laugh and giggle and of course most kids taste like yummies to doggies.

Good luck! :-)

I know it's hard to believe but his mouth is cleaner than yours. :)
That being said, I can completely understand not wanting him to lick you or your kids. Licking can be annoying.

Dogs respond really well to short commands and consistency.
With our dog we taught him the commands "No Kiss".
Any time he licked at our faces we would gently hold his nose (or mouth shut)and firmly say "No Kiss". At first you can reward him with a small treat. It might take a couple of weeks to get this down, but Joey will learn.
It is really important to teach the kids this command.
Joey will know who he can get away with kissing, pups are smart.

Our dog will now "kiss" and "no kiss" on command.
Very fun trick.
Good luck!

We have two labs and I am not o.k. with them kissing my children. The male licks himself all the time I really don't want that on my childrens faces. We had the dogs before the kids so that might have made it easier to train them. Everytime they get close to my kids face I tell them no and they don't lick on them. Maybe try doing that and giving the dog a treat until he stops.

I am sure you will get good recommendations on how to get your lab to quit licking. I want to recommend giving the kids daily probiotics. It will help take care of any of the bad stuff that might come from the dogs mouth. Shaklee is an excellent brand, and Whole Foods has yummy chewables in the frig. section of the supplements. Take Care~

Our "Missy" loves to kiss too. We grab her around the mouth, gently of course, and tell her "No kisses". It works for us. Good luck.

You have to be very persistent, more stubborn than the dog. I have a strict "no kisses on the face" rule and 3 dogs I've trained to kiss on hands, etc. Whenever the dog starts to kiss the kids, explain to them what bothers you about it (germs, whatever) and have them offer something that's acceptable to be kissed (I allow the neck and hands). You can say "no kisses" in a firm voice when he goes for the face and shove something else in front of him...
It'll probably take about a month to train him. Good luck!!